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Former UDSM VC Kuhanga buried, remembered for dialogue and conflict resolution

The 93-year life of Ambassador, Dr Nicholas Kuhanga, has come to an end, but his eight-year tenure as Vice Chancellor of the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) has left behind lessons on the power of patience, listening and dialogue in resolving conflicts.

Dr Kuhanga, who died on September 19, 2026, was buried on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at his home in Bunju Kilungule, Dar es Salaam.

Throughout his public service career, Dr Kuhanga held several senior positions, including Vice Chancellor of UDSM, Minister of Education and Tanzania’s Ambassador to Zaire, now the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He served as Vice Chancellor of UDSM from 1980 to 1988, a period when student strikes were among the challenges facing the university, which was established in 1961.

Yet, during his eight years at the helm, disputes and complaints did not disappear, but the university continued operating without being closed because of student unrest.

For Prof Bonaventura Rutinwa, who was a UDSM student during Dr Kuhanga’s tenure, much of this was attributed to the late leader’s ability to listen and exercise patience before making decisions.

‘It was not that there were no problems. There were many, but because of his leadership qualities, including his ability to listen and his patience, they were resolved and the university continued,’ he said.

Prof Rutinwa said Dr Kuhanga did not attempt to use his authority to resolve matters that were beyond the university’s mandate.

Instead, he sought to take such concerns to authorities with the power to address them.

He cited an incident in 1986 when students convened a meeting they called an Extended Baraza and announced a strike.

Rather than using force to disperse them, Dr Kuhanga sat with the students and listened to their grievances.

After establishing that some of their concerns could not be resolved by the university administration, the students asked the government to come and hear them.

The request was acted upon, with then Permanent Secretary in the President’s Office, Planning and Personnel, Mr Bernard Mulokozi, visiting the university to meet the students.

However, some of their concerns remained unresolved, prompting the students to ask to go to State House to present their grievances.

According to Prof Rutinwa, Dr Kuhanga did not stop them.

Instead, the university facilitated their journey, with university leaders accompanying the students to State House, where they met then Chief Secretary, Ambassador Paul Rupia.

‘The students were afraid of possible action against them, but that did not happen. The university provided transport and its leaders accompanied them. That helped bring the matter to an end peacefully,’ he said.

Prof Rutinwa said the incident demonstrated Dr Kuhanga’s distinctive approach to conflict resolution.

He did not view student grievances as a confrontation between the administration and students, but as a problem requiring the parties involved to sit together and find a solution.

‘After his death, Prof Mgongo Fimbo said that during his tenure, Dr Kuhanga told him that if a strike occurred or the university was closed, it would not simply be a problem caused by students, but a reflection of failure by the leadership. He did not want that to happen,’ he said.

A lesson for leaders

Prof Rutinwa said Dr Kuhanga’s legacy extends beyond UDSM’s history, offering a lesson to today’s leaders on the importance of dialogue in resolving disputes.

He said leaders should be willing to listen to those they lead and avoid resorting to force, authority or security agencies where dialogue can help resolve differences.

‘It is not only students who should be ready to listen, but both sides. Those in leadership should be ready to listen to the people they lead, while those with grievances should also be ready to come to the negotiating table,’ he said.

He said Dr Kuhanga’s experience demonstrated that conflicts do not necessarily have to be resolved through force, but can be addressed when the parties involved sit together, listen to one another and discuss their differences.

‘Honour his legacy through education’

Speaking during the funeral service attended by hundreds of mourners, the parish priest of Mount Carmel Parish in Bunju, Father Dominic Maria Somola, urged mourners to honour Dr Kuhanga’s life by continuing the good work he did.

‘He was a man who truly served God. He participated in Church activities and, at his home, he set aside a room as a place for worship. We should honour him by continuing these good things,’ he said.

Fr Somola also highlighted Dr Kuhanga’s contribution to education, suggesting that his memory could be preserved through investment in education.

‘His contribution to education cannot be fully described. That is why I ask that we do everything possible, even if it means building a classroom where children can come to learn and play, and naming it Kuhanga Nursery School or Kuhanga Hall,’ he said.

Man Arraigned Over Alleged Stealing In Ekiti

A 25-year-old Ojo Temitope has been arraigned at the Chief Magistrate court sitting in Ado-Ekiti over an alleged stealing in the state capital.

The prosecutor, Inspector Sodiq Adeniyi told the court that the defendant on September 21,2026 at about 6:30a.m at Okeyinmi area, in Ado-Ekiti Magistrate District did steal a bag containing the sum of N145,000;00, property of Zainab Yusuf.

Inspector Adeniyi said the defendant on the same date, time and place did conduct himself in a manner likely to cause the breach of peace.

The prosecutor added that the offence committed is punishable under Section 302(1), 181(1)(d) Criminal Laws of Ekiti State of Nigeria 2021.

Counsel to the defendant, Barrister M. E. Okon, urged the court to admit his client to bail that he will not jump bail.

In her ruling, the Chief Magistrate, D. M. Babalogbon granted bail of N50,000 with one surety in like sum.

The case was adjourned until October 30, 2026 for hearing.

Mainstreaming trust: The missing link in the country’s credit market

In July 2026, private-sector credit growth reached 10.6 percent the highest since February 2024. Total private-sector credit rose to Sh4.15 trillion. This growth is partly attributable to 10 consecutive Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) rate cuts, which reduced the benchmark rate from 13 percent to 8.75 percent.

As rates fell, average commercial lending rates declined from 17.2 percent in 2024 to about 14.3 percent in July 2026, while inflation and exchange-rate stability improved. However, there is serious work to do to make the credit market in Kenya more effective.

First, non-performing loans (NPLs) remain high at about 15.5 percent. The portfolios with disproportionately high NPLs in 2026 include agriculture, trade, manufacturing and traditional consumer lending. One category that is doing well in Kenya is digital consumer lending products, which have lower NPL rates.

Second, financial health among individuals and small businesses is worsening. FSD Kenya reports that the share of adults able to manage daily needs, absorb a financial shock and invest in their future fell from about 36 percent in 2016 to 18.3 percent in 2026.

Credit reference bureau (CRB) data shows that loans to men were nearly twice those o women in the period between 2019 to 2026, even when women recorded lower default probabilities.

Additionally, only 3.5 percent of lending was advanced to agriculture, despite agriculture contributing about 23 percent of Kenya’s GDP.

The same structural gap is visible in MSME lending. While there is private sector credit growth, MSME loan accounts is declining. As at end of July 2026 , only 6 percent of bank loan accounts were to MSMEs, translating to 4 percent of Kenya’s 3.8 million operating businesses.

This is the real reason Kenya’s private sector credit-to-GDP ratio remains about one-third of GDP, compared with in other markets; it is 70 percent in Mauritius and 90 percent in South Africa.

Can these structural misalignments be addressed through better information and incentives? In 2026, CBK rolled out a new Credit Risk Pricing Framework. We can observe that lower interest rates can stimulate credit. The next phase of development will depend on both the price of money and the quality and coverage of information used to allocate it. At the heart of this challenge is trust.

In credit, a lender advances money today in exchange for a promise of repayment tomorrow. Where this information is incomplete, commercial banks in Kenya shy away from lending. What happens there after is that informal lenders take over. These informal lenders compensate the lack of information by charging higher rates and by demanding more collateral.

Kenya’s opportunity is to convert more economic activity into trusted, verifiable information. The Open Finance framework, which has been in the works from mid-2025 and targeting full compliance by January 2027, will allow customers to authorise lenders to access verified financial information held by different institutions.

Trust can also be strengthened through technology. The growth of digital credit providers (DCPs) demonstrates what becomes possible when large volumes of alternative data are analysed in real time.

This is the foundation of a more connected credit market. When information is shared with consent, verified and used consistently, uncertainty falls. When uncertainty falls, the cost of assessing risk falls.

This creates room for better pricing, more appropriate products and greater access to credit. Kenya’s next credit-market opportunity is to create a trusted information ecosystem in which more economic activity becomes visible, verifiable and financeable.

The National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2025-2028 and the new Consumer Protection Framework, developed across seven regulators, provide a basis for wider information sharing. Agriculture lending will be a big beneficiary. Better information sharing can reveal the links between farmers, processors, traders and buyers within the same value chain.

A farmer’s repayment history, production records, sales, mobile-money flows and relationships with processors will be able to provide a fuller picture of creditworthiness than collateral alone.

With harmonised reporting rules, lenders can also develop products that reflect agricultural cash flows rather than forcing farmers into products designed for monthly salaries. This can address some of the prudential and product challenges that currently affect agricultural lending.

DCPs have rapidly expanded access, with more than 8.37 million loans worth over KSh150 billion disbursed. Their use of algorithms and data-driven credit assessment shows that credit decisions can increasingly be based on observed behaviour rather than assumptions about entire categories of borrowers.

The next step is to build trust across the financial ecosystem. Trust should become a currency that allows institutions to share information, technology, risk and balance-sheet capacity.

A lender with capital but limited technology can use a technology platform operated by another institution. A business with receivables can use verified transaction data to secure financing. A risk-sharing arrangement can allow several institutions to participate in a transaction while relying on common information.

Naira strengthens against dollar at official FX market

The Nigerian naira strengthened against the United States (US) dollar, trading at N1,327.7784 at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) official foreign exchange (FX) window on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.

The data shared on the CBN’s official platform shows that the naira traded at the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) rate of N1,327.7784 per dollar and closed at N1,331.0000 per dollar.

The currency, which traded at an NFEM rate of N1,329.8019 on September 21, 2026, appreciated by at least N2.02 after trading activities on Tuesday.

At the parallel market, the buying rate increased by N2 and the selling rate decreased by just a naira, when compared to the previous trading rate on Monday, September 21, 2026.

According to Aboki FX , the Naira-to-dollar exchange rate at the black market on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, was N1,382 and N1,385 per dollar for buying and selling rates, respectively.

Faith-based drama ‘A Visit to Ward 4’ wins awards across four countries ahead of November release

Faith-based drama ‘A Visit to Ward 4’ wins awards across four countries ahead of November release

The film A Visit to Ward 4 is set for release in November after collecting awards in Canada, the United States, Germany and on Christian festival circuits. The story follows a family through grief and loss, and stars Rosabelle Andrews as Sarah.

Sarah is a woman who does not believe in God. She loses her only child, then learns she can never have another after surgery removes her womb. Andrews says the role pushed her further than any part she has played before.

‘The character was tough yet relatable because a lot of women are in the same situation all over the world,’ Andrews said. ‘I went through emotions and a range I never knew I had. Truthfully, it is one of the best characters I have ever played.’

Andrews has said the film draws on the loss of her own parents. Her mother died shortly after filming ended. The film’s message comes from 1 Thessalonians 4:13, which speaks of grief alongside hope.

‘I want audiences all around the world to understand that they are never alone,’ she said. ‘It is okay to grieve in any way we deem necessary, but when grieving never lose hope.’

Awards have arrived before audiences have seen the finished film. At a ceremony linked to the Toronto International Film Festival, A Visit to Ward 4 won Best African Family Drama and Best Movie Trailer. At the Christian Online Film Festival, it won Best Feature Film, while Anthony Woode won Best Actor, Andrews won Best Actress and Emmanuela Appah won Best Child Actress.

At the Oniros Film Awards in New York, Andrews won Best Actress. The film was a finalist for Best Feature Film, Woode was a finalist for Best Actor, and Kamsi Ezeagu received a finalist place for Best Young Actress along with an honourable mention. In Germany, the film received a Nollywood Excellence Award at the Nollywood Film Festival Germany, as well as recognition at the Nollywood Europe Golden Awards.

Andrews describes the run of wins as a mix of encouragement and pressure. ‘Personally it means I am doing something right and I need to do more,’ she said. ‘I am happy and excited that A Visit to Ward 4 is going global. Professionally I would say it is a challenge, because the higher you go the more pressure you get to step up.’

She recalls her reaction on hearing the news. ‘I screamed, jumped, laughed and was teary at the same time,’ she said. ‘I wished my parents could see that I am getting it right and staying on the right path. In all, I was truly happy.’

Andrews thanks screenplay developer Chidera Robison, co-stars Anthony Woode, Rosemary Afuwape and Chikezie Obioha, young cast members Emmanuela Appah and Kamsi Ezeagu, along with the director, cinematographers and post-production team, for helping turn a personal project into a finished film.

Viewers who join the film’s global waitlist will get what Andrews calls ‘a journey round Ward 4’ when it releases in November.

Comelec exempts ?4.28-B LTFRB programs from BSKE spending ban

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has allowed the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to disburse P4.28 billion for four transport programs during the election spending ban for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia approved the exemption following the recommendation of the commission’s law department on the LTFRB’s request to continue implementing the programs during the restricted period.

Covered by the exemption are the P1.785-billion Fuel Subsidy Program, P1.5-billion Public Transport Modernization Program, P940-million Love Bus ‘Libreng Sakay’ and P51-million Service Contracting Program for the EDSA Busway Extension.

However, Comelec attached conditions to ensure that the programs would not be used to influence BSKE.

Elective officials, candidates, nominees and aspirants are barred from being present during the distribution of assistance under the covered programs.

LTFRB must also ensure that implementation does not influence the elections and must submit the guidelines governing the programs to Comelec.

Any inconsistency between the implementation and the submitted guidelines may result in the revocation of the exemption.

The transport agency is likewise required to submit periodic written reports on disbursements made under the four programs.

Comelec’s exemption applies only to the identified LTFRB programs, while the general restriction on the release, disbursement or expenditure of public funds remains in effect from September 18 to November 1.

Other election-period restrictions cover certain public-works activities and government personnel actions, including the appointment or hiring of new employees and the creation or filling of new positions.

iCAUR V27 was awarded the 2026 TADA interiror design award

International design recognition highlights iCAUR’s ‘Future-Classic’ design language, intelligent technology, and user-focused approach

On September 11, the iCAUR V27, an all-round hybrid SUV, won the Best Interior Design Award winner in the Premium Car Category at the 2026 Torino Automotive Design Award (TADA), recognizing its distinctive interior design and reinforcing iCAUR’s ‘Future-Classic’ design language.

Presented on September 11 in Turin, Italy, the recognition highlights the V27’s approach to combining timeless design, intelligent technology, functionality, and user-focused innovation-key elements of iCAUR’s vision for premium new-energy mobility.

Design Recognition from Turin

Turin is widely recognized for its automotive design heritage and industrial roots, with renowned design houses such as Pininfarina and Italdesign having longstanding ties to the city.

Organized by Salone Auto Torino, the TADA celebrates innovation in automotive design, aesthetic expression, and future mobility. Entries are evaluated by an international jury based on key aspects including creativity, functionality, and overall design expression.

The award also highlights the importance of integrating design with functionality, user experience, and the evolving needs of future mobility-areas reflected in the V27’s interior concept.

An ‘Interstellar Cockpit’ Designed Around the User

At the heart of the V27’s award-winning interior is its ‘Interstellar Cockpit’ design philosophy. Rather than focusing solely on the rugged characteristics traditionally associated with boxy SUVs, the V27 combines its commanding driving position, expansive visibility, and practical proportions with a more open and refined cabin environment.

Clean lines, a restrained layout, and premium materials create a cabin designed to balance comfort and functionality. This approach reflects iCAUR’s ‘Future-Classic’ design language, bringing together distinctive SUV character with modern expectations for premium mobility.

The V27’s interior is designed to provide a sense of openness and calm across different driving situations, from daily commutes and family journeys to long-distance road trips. Its ‘Interstellar Porthole’ dual panoramic sunroof allows more natural light into the cabin, enhancing the feeling of space and openness.

The laminated glass is designed to block 99.9% of ultraviolet rays, helping provide a more comfortable environment for occupants during extended journeys.

Intelligent Technology with AIMOGA

The V27’s design is complemented by iCAUR’s approach to intelligent mobility, including AIMOGA, which forms part of the brand’s vision for a more intuitive and connected vehicle experience.

AIMOGA represents iCAUR’s exploration of intelligent interaction between users and their vehicles, bringing technology closer to everyday mobility. Its integration into the brand’s broader vehicle ecosystem supports iCAUR’s goal of creating experiences that go beyond conventional automotive functionality.

This intelligent approach works alongside the V27’s digital interface and cabin technology. The vehicle features a 15.4-inch 2.5K HD central control screen powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip, placing key functions such as navigation, infotainment, and climate control within easy reach.

By bringing together intelligent technology and thoughtful interior design, the V27 demonstrates how iCAUR aims to make technology an integrated part of the driving experience rather than simply an added feature.

Designed for Everyday Versatility

Beyond its technology and styling, the V27’s cabin places emphasis on practical details designed around everyday use.

Eco-friendly soft-touch materials are used throughout the interior, while 49 storage compartments provide flexible space for personal belongings. The rear seats can also fold completely flat, adding versatility for passengers, luggage, and other cargo.

Together, these details reflect iCAUR’s approach to premium design-where visual appeal is combined with comfort, functionality, technology, and usability.

Continuing iCAUR’s Global Design Journey

The V27’s TADA recognition adds to the growing list of international design accolades for iCAUR’s V Series.

Earlier this year, the iCAUR V23 received recognition at the Red Dot Award: Design Concept 2026, highlighting its distinctive boxy design.

From the V23 to the V27, iCAUR continues to develop its ‘Future-Classic’ design language by combining a distinctive SUV silhouette with contemporary design, intelligent technology, and user-focused functionality.

The latest recognition further reflects iCAUR’s efforts to establish a distinctive global design identity as the brand expands its presence in international markets.

As iCAUR moves forward, the brand remains focused on bringing together Future-Classic design, intelligent technology, and a sustainable mobility ecosystem, with the aim of delivering distinctive new-energy mobility experiences to users around the world.

About iCAUR

iCAUR is a new-energy vehicle brand focused on combining distinctive design, intelligent technology, and modern mobility experiences. With its ‘Future-Classic’ design philosophy, the brand seeks to reinterpret familiar automotive forms through contemporary technology and user-focused innovation.

CEAT Kelani retains Fitch AA+ rating for sixth consecutive year

CEAT Kelani Holdings (CKH) has retained its National Long-Term Rating of ‘AA+(lka)’ with a ‘Stable Outlook’ from Fitch Ratings for the sixth consecutive year, reinforcing the company’s sustained financial resilience and established leadership in Sri Lanka’s pneumatic tyre manufacturing sector.

The ‘AA+(lka)’ rating is the second-highest national rating on Fitch’s scale and reflects a very strong capacity to meet financial commitments. In affirming the rating, Fitch said CKH’s established leadership in the domestic pneumatic tyre manufacturing sector and resilient financial profile were key strengths, while noting the company’s exposure to price-sensitive, cyclical and highly competitive end-markets.

The Stable Outlook reflects Fitch’s expectation that CKH will maintain its market position amid rising input costs and intensifying competition from imported tyres. It also reflects Fitch’s expectation that the company will preserve adequate credit metrics despite periods of weaker earnings and elevated investment requirements.

Kelani Holdings Chairman Chanaka De Silva said: ‘A credit rating is ultimately a measure of confidence in an organisation’s ability to make sound decisions today while remaining financially equipped to pursue its ambitions for tomorrow. For CEAT Kelani, maintaining this rating through successive cycles reinforces the importance we place on disciplined stewardship, operational adaptability and investment in the long-term strength of the business. We remain focused on building a stronger, more competitive and increasingly capable manufacturing enterprise that can create sustainable value for all our stakeholders.’

The rating agency said it expects CKH to maintain its leading position in Sri Lanka’s pneumatic tyre manufacturing industry, supported by its established brand and extensive dealer network. It also noted that CKH’s adaptive pricing strategies should help mitigate market volatility and preserve market share across key segments, while planned production facility upgrades are expected to enhance product quality, particularly in the radial tyre segment, and strengthen the company’s competitive positioning.

Fitch expects CKH to face near-term margin pressure from rising prices of imported and locally sourced raw materials and higher conversion costs arising from increased energy prices. Fitch said CKH’s robust financial profile, characterised by low leverage and sound liquidity, should provide a cushion against a challenging operating environment.

CKH’s liquidity position provides further support to its financial profile. The rating agency expects maintenance capital expenditure of Rs. 700 million annually over the next four years, together with growth capital expenditure of Rs. 2.5 billion in FY27 and Rs. 1.5 billion in FY28. CKH is the tyre market leader in Sri Lanka, and the new investment will reinforce its role as a key contributor to the national economy and a trusted partner to the transport sector.

National Library hosts event marking Professor Gulnaz Abdullazade’s anniversary

An event dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Gulnaz Abdullazade, Vice-Rector for Scientific Research and Creative Activities at the Baku Music Academy, composer, musicologist, philosopher, Doctor of Philosophy and professor, has been held at the Azerbaijan National Library.

National Library Director Professor Karim Tahirov spoke about the prominent scholar’s extensive academic, pedagogical and creative work, as well as her contributions to the development of Azerbaijani musicology and the history of philosophical thought. He emphasized the particular importance of Abdullazade’s diverse scholarly work, fundamental research and the students she has trained over the years for Azerbaijani science and culture.

Representatives of the Baku Music Academy, as well as Gulnaz Abdullazade’s students and colleagues, including Zumrud Mammadova, Rauf Bahmanli, Ilahe Gismet, Arif Asadullayev, Konul Nasirova, Zeynal Isayev, Imina Aliyeva, Narmina Agasi, Adila Afandi, Nargiz Huseynova, Nurida Ismayilzade and Maya Gafarova, delivered speeches at the event.

The speakers highlighted Abdullazade’s multifaceted academic and creative activities and her research in musicology, philosophy and aesthetics. They noted that her scholarly works and monographs have played an important role in the development of Azerbaijani music science.

It was also noted that Professor Gulnaz Abdullazade’s years of research, pedagogical work and the students she has trained represent a significant contribution to the development of Azerbaijani music science and the country’s musical culture as a whole.

At the end of the event, Gulnaz Abdullazade expressed her gratitude for the attention and recognition shown to her.

The participants then viewed an exhibition featuring more than 100 publications dedicated to Gulnaz Abdullazade’s life and creative work.

2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix: Speed enthusiasts take part in Pit Lane Walk

Excitement is building in Baku as the 10th anniversary race of the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix approaches. A range of activities have been organized for fans from the first days of the race weekend. One of them is the traditional Pit Lane Walk, which gives fans an opportunity to get closer to the world of Formula 1.

Fans walked along the pit lane, passed in front of the teams’ garages and watched closely as the cars were prepared for the race. The garages of Ferrari, Red Bull Racing, Mercedes and other teams were among the most popular stops for fans. Getting a close look at the cars, meeting the drivers and taking photos with them were among the highlights of the walk.

Meanwhile, life in the pit lane continued as usual. The sound of engines, the work of the mechanics and preparations inside the garages made it clear that only a few hours remained before the race. From just a few metres away, fans were able to follow these activities and see another side of Formula 1 beyond the track.

Fans left the Pit Lane Walk with memorable impressions after an atmosphere filled with excitement. Attention now turns to the main action at the Baku City Circuit.