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Professional Certificates: Court Fixes Nov 24 For Fraud Investigators’ Suit Against ICAN

A Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed November 24 for hearing in the suit by the Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (CIFCFIN) challenging the power of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) to train and issue qualifying certificates to forensic professionals.

The matter, which is before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, was initially scheduled for mention on Tuesday, but the matter was adjourned to enable parties appear properly before the court.

In the suit brought on their behalf by their counsel, Shaibu Enejoh Aruwa (SAN), the CIFCFIN argues that by the combined interpretation of Sections 2(a) – (i),3(1)(a) and 4(a) – (c), 6(2), 12(2), 13, (1) () and (g), 17(1l) (a) and (b) and 22 of the Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (Establishment) Act No. 45, 2022, ICAN cannot offer ‘Certification Programme culminating in the award of Certified Forensic Accountant of Nigeria (CFAN)’.

In the affidavit deposed to by Head of Legal and Corporate Services of the CIFCFIN, Mohammed Arafat, submits that the conduct of ICAN in inviting applicants in the fields of knowledge of chartered accountants, compliance managers, bankers, investment analysts, auditors, and anti-corruption agencies staff and other institutions to register for a seven-day professional certification programme culminating in the award of Certified Forensic Accountant of Nigeria, is outside its mandate and could cause confusion to the general public.

Consequently, CIFCFIN is asking the court to make an order setting aside and nullifying the award of the qualification or the CFAN certificate, or any other qualification or certificate in the field and practice of forensics in Nigeria; and to withdraw, retract, or cease any publication, gazette notice, or public representation asserting that it has power to certify or license.

Further, CIFCFIN wants an order of perpetual Injunction restraining ICAN, its Council, officers, servants or agents from issuing, purporting to issue, advertising, or recognizing ‘Certified Forensic Accountant of Nigeria (CFAN)’ qualification, designation, licence, or certification, or any title or award identical or similar to those created under Sections 3(1)(a), 4(a) – (c) and 22 of the of the Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (Establishment) Act No. 45, 2022 or any other qualification or certificate in the field and practice of Forensics in Nigeria.

CIFCFIN wants, among others, a declaration that ‘by the combined provisions of Sections 2(a) -(i), 3(1)(a) and 4(a)- (c), 6(2), 12(2), 13, (1)(0) and (g), 17(1)(a) and (b) and 22 of the Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (Establishment) Act No. 45. 2022 the Defendant cannot offer ‘Certification Programme culminating in the award of Certified Forensic Accountant of Nigeria (CFAN).’

2027: Attacks on opposition must stop, Dickson warns

The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has called for an immediate end to attacks and violence against opposition political parties across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Dickson made the call while receiving former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, into the NDC, saying political violence must not be allowed to undermine the democratic process.

He condemned reported attacks on opposition parties in several states, including Benue and Enugu, and urged security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible.

‘Let me, on that note, call for the cessation of violence and attacks meted out to opposition parties in so many states. We have condemned this several times. I want to use this opportunity to condemn it,’ Dickson said.

The NDC leader said President Bola Tinubu’s reported call for an end to political violence should be followed by concrete action and consequences for those who perpetrate or encourage violence.

‘I think we should follow it up with action. There have to be consequences for that misbehaviour and encouragement of violence and criminality and brigandage,’ he said.

His comments come amid recent incidents involving opposition political activities in different parts of the country.

In Enugu State, police authorities ordered investigations after reported attacks disrupted separate meetings of the NDC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nkanu West Local Government Area on 12 September.

Police said gunmen disrupted an NDC ward meeting at Ndiuno-Obuoffia, with two people reportedly injured, while a separate PDP gathering in Agbani was also disrupted and property destroyed.

The NDC subsequently petitioned security agencies, including the police and the Department of State Services, seeking an investigation into the alleged attack.

The party accused unnamed political actors of attempting to undermine opposition activities, while the APC in Enugu denied allegations that it or the state government sponsored the violence.

There was also a reported confrontation involving the convoy of NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi in Benue earlier this month. Police subsequently announced the arrest of 46 suspects in connection with the incident and said investigations were continuing.

Against this backdrop, Dickson said the reported creation of a special squad by the Inspector-General of Police was a step that required additional support.

‘I have seen a report by the Inspector-General of Police setting up a squad. There has to be more support for that so that those who are trying to introduce needless violence and brigandage, whether in Benue, whether in Enugu, whether in other parts of the country, in Lagos, everywhere, they need to be stopped, they need to be identified, they need to be punished,’ he said.

Dickson also suggested that attacks on the NDC and other opposition actors were linked to the party’s growing political presence, although he did not identify specific individuals or organisations as responsible for the alleged attacks.

‘And the reason they are attacking people is because they know the strength of the NDC,’ he said.

He stressed that Nigerians, rather than political actors, would ultimately determine the outcome of the 2027 elections.

‘Even when campaigns have not formally begun, they know because this election will be voted for by Nigerians; all Nigerians know what we are feeling,’ he said.

Dickson therefore appealed to political parties and their supporters to adhere to democratic rules and allow citizens to participate freely in the electoral process.

‘I condemn it again and call on all to play by the books,’ he said.

Leptospirosis cases up, dengue down

Floods spawned by typhoons and the southwest monsoon have driven up the number of leptospirosis cases, with over 10,000 infections recorded this year, while dengue infections have declined, according to the Department of Health.

DOH data as of Sept. 16 showed 10,936 suspected cases of leptospirosis this year, which is 38 percent higher than the 7,931 infections reported during the same period in 2025.

Meanwhile, the DOH said dengue cases have dropped by 33 percent this year.

Data showed that from Jan. 4 to Sept. 16, there were 155,918 dengue cases reported, which is lower by 75,932 than the 231,850 infections recorded during the same period in 2025.

In the past three to four weeks, the number of leptospirosis cases was 116 percent higher than the five to six weeks before that period, the DOH said.

The National Capital Region, Cagayan Valley and Calabarzon recorded the highest number of infections.

Health officials said the case fatality rate for leptospirosis is 5.1 percent while the CFR last year was 10.55 percent.

To prevent contracting leptospirosis, the DOH said people must immediately seek medical advice following exposure to floods even if they are not manifesting symptoms of the disease.

As of Monday, 1.68 million capsules of doxycycline had been sent to health centers in flood-stricken areas nationwide to prevent the spread of leptospirosis.

The health agency said there are 3.73 million capsules of doxycycline available at DOH national and regional warehouses to support continuing and emerging cases.

Meanwhile, although the number of dengue cases has dropped, health officials noted an increasing trend in the recent three to four weeks with 19,792 infections reported, which is 14 percent higher than the 17,342 recorded during the previous five to six weeks.

Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and the National Capital Region recorded the highest number of dengue cases.

People have been urged to help prevent the spread of dengue by searching and destroying potential breeding sites of mosquitoes.

Those showing symptoms of dengue, which include high fever, headache, body pains nausea or vomiting and rashes, must immediately seek medical attention to prevent complications or death.

Philippines-EU free trade agreement seen next year

The Philippines and the European Union are expected to sign a free trade agreement (FTA) next year after the conclusion of negotiations.

‘We just agreed on a EU-Philippine trade deal!’ European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on X yesterday after meeting with President Marcos. ‘This comes just three years after my visit to Manila to relaunch the negotiations,’ she added.

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque and European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic also announced the development in a joint statement.

‘It is essentially concluded,’ EU Ambassador Massimo Santoro told reporters covering the ASEAN-EU Business Summit, referring to the trade deal.

He said there is still some work to be finalized on residual elements and the agreement would need to go through legal scrubbing to make it ready for a formal launch.

Roque and Sefcovic said that the FTA is expected to create new opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises, as well as farmers, manufacturers and consumers on both sides.

The deal is also expected to bring more investment and create more jobs.

In addition, it will support the parties’ shared priorities on sustainable development and the clean and digital transitions.

President Marcos described the conclusions of the free trade talks as an ‘important milestone’ as he vowed to ensure that the opportunities arising from it will benefit Filipinos.

‘This is an important milestone in our strong partnership with the European Union and our shared commitment to open and fair trade. The agreement will bring more opportunities for business and investment, create more jobs and support stronger and more diversified supply chains,’ Marcos said in a statement hours after his phone call with von der Leyen.

‘We will work to ensure that these opportunities reach our Filipino farmers, manufacturers, consumers and MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises), while opening new possibilities for the Philippines in AI (artificial intelligence), digital technologies and other important sectors,’ he added.

Amid geopolitical and geoeconomic challenges, the FTA is expected to diversify supply chains and provide fair and predictable rules.

After the signing, the FTA will have to be ratified by the Philippine government and European Parliament.

Negotiations for the Philippines-EU FTA were launched in 2015, followed by two rounds, before being put on hold amid the EU’s concerns over the war on drugs waged by the Duterte administration. In 2024, the Philippines and EU agreed to resume FTA negotiations.

Santoro said the parties are aiming to have the FTA in force before the EU Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) expires by end-2027.

‘We wish to be quick in putting this into force,’ he said. The Philippines is a beneficiary of the GSP+, which allows the duty-free entry of 6,274 products to the EU.

‘The FTA is much more encompassing than the GSP+,’ Santoro said.

Predictable trade foundation

European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines president Diana Edralin said that the FTA provides a predictable foundation for trade and development between the Philippines and EU.

‘We strongly urge legislators and political leaders from both the Philippines and the EU to demonstrate swift, decisive commitment to the ratification process,’ she said.

‘Ensuring an expedited legislative approval in both the Philippine Congress and the European Parliament will allow our business communities, workforce and consumers to realize the full economic dividends of this historic pact without delay,’ she added.

German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Christian Scheld said that German businesses are ready to turn the FTA into investments and jobs in the Philippines.

‘GPCCI looks forward on its official documentation and ratification well ahead of the expiry of GSP+ in 2027, so that Philippine exporters face no gap in market access,’ he said.

For Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Ferdinand Ferrer, the conclusion of the Philippines-EU FTA reinforces the country’s growing integration into the global economy.

‘The business community must now position itself to fully maximize the opportunities that this comprehensive agreement will bring. This FTA has the potential to unlock new growth areas for Philippine enterprises, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises seeking to expand their presence in international markets,’ he said.

Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. president Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. said that the development is welcome news for Philippine exporters.

‘The EU is a major and high-value market, and an FTA can give our exporters greater market access, more predictable trading conditions, and a stronger platform for expanding Philippine products and services in Europe,’ he said.

Federation of Philippine Industries chair Elizabeth Lee said that the Philippines-EU FTA could help position the country as a resilient sourcing and production hub for European firms.

‘The real prize is not just market access. It is attracting the investments that create factories, transfer technology and generate quality jobs for Filipinos,’ she said.

Last year, the EU was the Philippines’ fourth largest trading partner with trade in goods amounting to 17.6 billion euros ($20.2 billion).

‘We strongly believe a regional deal would provide a competitive edge for European and Southeast Asian companies alike, bringing trade and investment to a level that reflects the scale and strategic importance of the ASEAN-EU relationship,’ EU-ASEAN Business Council chair Jens Ruebbert said.

The EU has FTAs with Singapore and Vietnam, and finalized the negotiations for its FTA with Indonesia in September last year.

President Ilham Aliyev received newly appointed Ambassador of Sweden to Azerbaijan [PHOTOS/VIDEO]

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received the credentials of the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Sweden to Azerbaijan Louise Morsing on September 23.

The Ambassador presented her credentials to the head of state.

President Ilham Aliyev held a conversation with the Ambassador.

Expressing hope that the successful development of bilateral relations will continue and new areas of cooperation will be identified in the coming years, the head of state highlighted the importance of mutual visits and meetings at various levels in this regard and noted good opportunities for partnership in the investment, trade, and business sectors.

President Ilham Aliyev wished the Ambassador success in her diplomatic activity.

Expressing gratitude to the head of state for the reception, the Ambassador emphasized that she would make every effort to further expand bilateral relations.

The Ambassador conveyed her congratulations to President Ilham Aliyev on the progress achieved in the peace agenda between Azerbaijan and Armenia. She also noted that she welcomes the steps taken toward building trust between the two countries.

Stating that a large number of Azerbaijani students study in Sweden and that their academic level is highly appreciated, the Ambassador expressed hope that these students will contribute to the development of Azerbaijan-Sweden relations during their future careers.

Louise Morsing also touched upon the positive dynamics in relations between Azerbaijan and the European Union, emphasizing in this context that negotiations on the bilateral agreement have resumed.

The Ambassador highly appreciated the humanitarian assistance provided by Azerbaijan to Ukraine.

Touching upon the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, President Ilham Aliyev stated that Azerbaijan was the initiator and author of the peace agenda, characterizing the peace achieved between the two countries as unprecedented in the world.

Noting that Azerbaijan-European Union relations are currently very good, the head of state recalled the visits to Azerbaijan this year by President of the European Council António Costa, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, and High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas, as well as his meetings with them on the sidelines of international events.

During the meeting, the sides exchanged views on the current state of and prospects for cooperation between Azerbaijan and Sweden, and discussed matters of mutual interest.

DILG decentralizes travel request approval for LGU execs, employees

Approval of request for foreign travel by local government officials and employees will now be handled by the heads of the regional and provincial offices of the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

DILG Administrative Order 47 delegates the approval of travel requests to regional and local field offices of the agency to streamline the approval process.

Based on DILG Circular 2026-017, which took effect on Sept. 7, the DILG secretary has the exclusive authority over all official and personal foreign trips of governors, and mayors of highly urbanized and independent component cities as well as of the mayor of Pateros.

The DILG secretary has the sole authority to approve foreign travel applications of any local elective official if the trip exceeds three months or coincides with a state of emergency or crisis.

For official trips lasting three months or less during non-emergency periods, the heads of DILG regional offices are authorized to grant clearances to elected and appointed officials and employees of provinces, cities and municipalities.

DILG regional directors may also approve requests of appointed local officials and employees when the travel exceeds three months or coincides with emergency situations.

For barangay officials and personnel in component cities and municipalities, the heads of DILG provincial offices can approve travel requests exceeding three months or taking place during a crisis.

Approval of similar requests by barangay officials in highly urbanized and independent component cities will be handled by the heads of DILG city offices.

The DILG said all foreign travel applications will be processed through the Foreign Travel Authority Online System, where applicants can submit required documents.

New private-sector led initiative seeks to connect Tanzania’s housing sector with investment

A new private-sector-led initiative aims to connect Tanzania’s housing and construction sector with investors, financiers, professionals and consumers as the industry seeks to translate the country’s long-term housing ambitions into practical opportunities.

Known as Makazi 2050, the initiative will begin with a leadership forum on October 27, 2026, bringing together selected stakeholders to discuss housing finance, construction, urban development, technology and investment.

The forum will be followed by Makazi Expo 2026, scheduled for November 26-28 at Viwanja vya Posta, Kijitonyama, Dar es Salaam, with a government official expected to officiate. The official’s name will be announced later. Organisers say the two-stage initiative is designed to connect Tanzania’s long-term development aspirations with activity in the housing market, particularly in financing, investment, construction and technology.

The initiative is aligned with the Tanzania Development Vision 2050, which identifies affordable, safe and decent housing and settlements, alongside sustainable, smart and green cities and urban centres, among the country’s long-term aspirations.

Managing Director of Mizizi Greenworks Limited, Elias Patrick. PHOTO I COURTESY

Managing Director of Mizizi Greenworks Limited, Elias Patrick, said the forum would provide an opportunity for Tanzanian housing-sector leaders to consider how people will live in the future and how the sector can respond to emerging challenges, including climate change.

He said discussions would also look at how sustainable housing can be developed and what policies may be needed to address challenges such as changing weather patterns and events associated with El Niño.

‘Vision 2050 sets the national direction. Makazi 2050 asks the housing-sector question: what must we finance, build, manufacture, regulate and innovate between now and 2050 to deliver better homes and communities for Tanzanians?’ he said.

The Makazi 2050 Forum will provide a platform for leaders and industry stakeholders to discuss priorities affecting the sector, while the expo will give businesses an opportunity to showcase products and services, engage consumers and facilitate access to financing and investment opportunities.

The organisers expect the expo to attract more than 150 exhibitors and 15,000 visitors.

The three-day event will feature six areas covering property and investment; construction and building materials; interiors and furnishing; smart, green and utility solutions; finance, technology and professional services; and locally produced lifestyle brands.

A key feature of the expo will be the Makazi Clinic, a public education and engagement programme aimed at helping consumers make more informed housing and property decisions.

The clinic will focus on three areas: Jenga Sahihi, (Build Right), which will provide guidance on proper construction; Malizia Sahihi, (Finish and Live Better), which will focus on home finishing and living; and Fanya Property Ifanye Kazi, (Make Property Work for You), which will focus on financing, owning, investing in and generating value from property.

The expo will also provide an opportunity for businesses and innovators to showcase solutions, both locally developed and internationally sourced, that can support better and more sustainable living.

Through the clinic and exhibition, consumers will be connected with professionals, products, services and financing options available through participating exhibitors.

The organisers says its wider 2026 programme will combine strategic dialogue through the Makazi 2050 Forum, market engagement through the expo and continued industry engagement under Makazi 365.

They describes the initiative as private-sector-led and says it is intended to complement national development priorities rather than form part of a government programme.

Tisco ESU recommends equities, short-term bonds

Tisco Economic Strategy Unit (ESU) is recommending investors prioritise equities, short-term bonds and commodities for their investments, while warning that a rapid rise in US bond yields could trigger a correction in risk assets.

Komsorn Prakobphol, head of Tisco ESU, said the key risk was not the US 10-year Treasury yield reaching 5%, but the speed of its increase.

The yield has risen 0.77 percentage points this year, pressured by geopolitical tensions, higher oil prices, uncertainty over the Federal Reserve and increased long-term bond supply amid large fiscal deficits and artificial intelligence (AI)-related corporate borrowing.

The think tank’s analysis since 1962 shows that gradual increases in yields have generally been absorbed by equity markets when supported by corporate earnings. However, if the 10-year yield rises more than 0.50 percentage points in one month, the probability of a stock market correction of more than 5% over the following three months rises above 50%.

Despite the significant rise in yields, S and P 500 index remains near record highs, suggesting corporate earnings growth has been strong enough to offset pressure from higher bond yields, he said.

Under the base case, with the 10-year yield stabilising around 5%, the S and P 500 could reach 7,800-8,000 points by year-end.

In a downside scenario where the yield rises to 6%, the index could face selling pressure and fall to 6,500 points.

NOT YET A BUBBLE

Tisco ESU does not consider the current AI investment cycle to be a systemic financial bubble comparable with the dotcom or 2008 subprime crisis. Major AI players such as Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, Meta and Nvidia have strong balance sheets, high liquidity and established operating revenues.

If returns from AI investment fall short of expectations, companies could reduce investment rather than face the financial distress associated with highly leveraged previous bubbles, noted the research unit.

Head of strategy Thanathat Srisawast said the global AI infrastructure and technology investment cycle have supported corporate earnings and demand for commodities, although simultaneous investment by major economies was also increasing demand for capital and keeping funding costs elevated.

Tisco ESU sees short- to medium-term bonds as more suitable than long-duration debt for now, while maintaining exposure to equities and commodities to capture growth and provide diversification and inflation protection.

SLOWER GROWTH NEXT YEAR

Head of economics Methas Rattanasorn said the Thai economy is expected to grow 2.1% this year, up from the previous 1.8% forecast, supported by exports, private investment and stronger electronics demand linked to the AI cycle.

Growth is forecast to slow to 2% in 2027, as high living costs and energy prices weigh on domestic demand, while fading cost-of-living measures and limited fiscal space constrain government stimulus.

Tisco ESU expects the Bank of Thailand to keep its policy rate at 1% until at least mid-2027, while the baht could weaken to 34.50 to the dollar by the end of 2026.

The unit’s investment stance favours equities for growth exposure, short-term bonds to limit duration risk and commodities as a hedge against inflation and supply shocks, while investors should monitor the pace of US yield increases as a potential trigger for equity market volatility.

Kris Aquino proud mom as Bimby takes on first major endorsement

Kris Aquino expressed her immense pride for her youngest son, Bimby Aquino, who ‘spoke from the heart’ about health in his first major solo endorsement.

Bimby, who was recently introduced as the new ambassador of a health maintenance organization, was featured in an advertisement clip shared on Tuesday, Sept. 22.

In the video, the young actor-TV host spoke about his mother’s autoimmune diseases, saying they are still lucky they can afford the healthcare that has kept her alive.

‘But health should not be a privilege, nor should it be a struggle. It should be a given,’ he stressed.

In the comments section, Kris praised her son, disclosing their conversations in the past about the healthcare in the country as well as Bimby’s inclination to venture into public service.

‘Bimb, I purposely waited for the video to be posted, before watching and I am a very proud mama. You spoke from the heart,’ she wrote.

‘The two of us have often discussed that healthcare should be the government’s responsibility for all tax paying citizens. When you told me that you wanted to go into public service, I already started to nag you that healthy citizens will be hardworking tax paying citizens,’ she said.

Kris further shared her dream for public schools to have dedicated rooms for science, technology, engineering, and math, underscoring the importance of investing in tools that will equip the youth.

Meanwhile, behind-the-scenes moments from the filming of Bimby’s endorsement was shared by their family friend and assistant Jack Salvador through his Instagram page.

Prior to this, the mother and son also appeared together at an event for a personal hygiene brand.

Bimby has gained praise from the public for taking care of his mother, who has been battling her multiple autoimmune diseases. He was with her when she sought treatment abroad and when she finally came back and settled in the province. Kris would posts pictures of Bimby carrying her when she was too weak to walk to the bathroom.

Miss Universe Cambodia team admits error with Thai photos

The organisers of the Miss Universe Cambodia pageant have acknowledged their use of Thai historical photographs, saying the mistake was unintentional and resulted from ‘insufficient verification’ of the original sources.

The clarification on Wednesday came after the Thai Ministry of Culture sent a warning letter to the pageant organisers on Monday, demanding an apology and correction over its use of Thai photographs to showcase Cambodian traditional clothing.

One of the photographs showed seven Thai women in Kamphaeng Phet province in 1906, during the reign of King Chulalongkorn.

The photograph was part of a collection of glass-plate negatives and preserved at the Phra Vajirayana Royal Library. The collection was inscribed on Unesco’s Memory of the World International Register in 2017.

The Cambodian statement, signed by the pageant’s national director Prasat Davin, said the incorrect presentation was unintentional and resulted from ‘insufficient verification of the original sources of those images’.

‘We would like to emphasise that there was no intention to cause misunderstanding, controversy or offend the feelings of any member of the public, whether nationally or internationally,’ it said.

The statement, issued in both Khmer and English, said the sole purpose was to highlight the traditional ‘Sbai’ garment.

However, it made no mention of Thais or Thailand, and did not explicitly apologise for the mixup.

The team said it accepted the feedback and criticism, describing the incident as a ‘valuable learning experience’ that would encourage it to strengthen its verification procedures in the future.