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Azerbaijan’s transit role gains importance amid changing logistics landscape, expert says

Azerbaijan has emerged as a key hub in the evolving Black Sea-Caspian transport architecture, Orkhan Yolchuyev, Director and Co-Founder of the Baku-based CASPIA Center, said during the 5th International Conference and Exhibition, Black and Caspian Freight Forum 2026: Corridors, Infrastructure, Investments.

According to Yolchuyev, several major transport corridors and routes intersect in the region, including the North-South Corridor and Black Sea routes, placing Azerbaijan at the center of the emerging logistics network.

He noted that Azerbaijan has already built important advantages through its railway, port and other transport infrastructure, as well as its international logistics capabilities.

“However, the next stage will be significantly more difficult,” Yolchuyev emphasized, pointing to the increasingly complex geopolitical environment surrounding international logistics.

He stressed that the region’s infrastructure should be transformed from separate transport capabilities into “a unified, predictable and commercially attractive transport product.”

Yolchuyev also highlighted the growing importance of Central Asian countries in regional connectivity. He noted that Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are strengthening their roles in east-west transport flows, while Azerbaijan provides a link between Central Asia and the South Caucasus.

Georgia and the Black Sea, meanwhile, play a crucial role in connecting the region with European markets, he added.

MAN commends Dangote Foundation’s impactful social footprint

The Aliko Dangote Foundation has received commendation from business leaders and media practitioners in Kano State for what they described as far – reaching and impactful interventions in the state.

The commendations are coming against the backdrop of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Foundation and the Kano State Government on the management of the Aliko Dangote Skills Acquisition Centre.

According to the Kano State Government, the ADF will take over the management of the Aliko Dangote Skills Acquisition Centre for some years.

The multimillion-naira Aliko Dangote Skills Acquisition centre at Ganaja, Kogi State, has also been completed and slated for commissioning.

In his response, Muhammad Bello Isyaku Umar, chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Kano -Jigawa branch, said that skills acquisition is one of the most effective ways of addressing youth unemployment in Nigeria.

‘Programmes such as the Aliko Dangote Skill Acquisition Centre can equip young people with practical skills that enable them to become entrepreneurs, artisans or employees. The emphasis should increasingly be on modern technical, digital and industrial skills,’ he said.

He noted that Kano remains the economic and commercial hub of northern Nigeria, adding that the overall

impact of ADF interventions in Kano and Northern Nigeria is huge, far-reaching and impactful.

‘The impact has been significant and broad -based. From healthcare and education to women’s empowerment, water and poverty alleviation, the Foundation has touched many aspects of people’s lives. What is particularly commendable is that these interventions complement government programmes while directly addressing the needs of vulnerable communities,’ he said.

He disclosed that MAN has also been one of the beneficiaries of the Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) through annual sponsorship of its programmes.

‘We sincerely appreciate Dangote Group for this gesture. It demonstrates a strong commitment to Nigerian manufacturing and to the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria. For MAN Kano/Jigawa, it is particularly significant because it strengthens collaboration among indigenous manufacturers, government and major industrial investors. It also sends a powerful message to our over 1,000 members across Kano and Jigawa that Nigerian businesses can support one another in building a stronger industrial economy’.

In his response, Abubakar Adamu, managing director, Radio Kano, described the intervention as the single most ‘strategically important area of partnership for Kano’s future’.

‘Kano has a huge youthful population, and the state cannot solve unemployment simply by creating more conventional government jobs. Young people need skills that correspond to actual market demand,’ he said.

‘One of the strengths of the Aliko Dangote Foundation’s approach is that it has not restricted its interventions to one sector. Its programmes have addressed health, nutrition, education, livelihoods, women’s empowerment and community development’.

He said that the Dangote Group’s support for Radio Kano during its 80th anniversary celebration added dignity and momentum to the anniversary, and was a significant demonstration of cooperate citizenship.

‘Intervention at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital illustrates what an effective public -private partnership can accomplish.

Another important example is the Dangote Business School at Bayero University Kano.

‘More recently, it launched a national food intervention programme in Kano in 2025, targeting one million vulnerable Nigerians with food support. The Dangote Micro -Grant Programme was launched in Kano and was subsequently expanded nationally’.

Comelec: Cops deployed as BARMM election materials reach municipalities

ELECTION materials are now in municipalities across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), with 808 police personnel deployed to secure preparations for the polls, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Among those deployed from Region 12 are 334 Special Election Boards (SEBs), forming part of the police contingent tasked with helping secure the electoral preparations.

Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia said distribution from election hubs to municipalities remains ongoing, with ballots going to city treasurers and other election paraphernalia being delivered to local Comelec offices.

‘The deployment from the hubs to the municipalities is ongoing, with the ballots being delivered to the city treasurers, while all the other election paraphernalia are being brought to the local Comelec offices,’ Garcia said.

Comelec wants distribution completed by Sept. 8 so election officers and teachers can prepare for the final testing and sealing set on Sept. 12.

Garcia said preparations will cover all 5,212 polling precincts across BARMM ahead of the final testing and sealing.

Police deployment is proceeding alongside the movement of election materials as authorities brace for security challenges during the electoral process.

Garcia warned against treating the number of election-related incidents as a stand-alone measure of peace and order in the region.

‘Peace and order should not really be measured by one election-related incident, whatever others may say, because that one incident involved the interim chief minister,’ Garcia said.

BARMM has recorded only one election-related incident so far, a figure Garcia said authorities can be proud of but should not use as assurance that the polls will remain peaceful.

‘We should be proud that there is only one incident in the entire Bangsamoro, but that is not enough,’ Garcia said.

What matters now, according to the poll body chief, is whether security forces are positioned properly and can keep the situation under control throughout voting and the completion of the election.

‘What is important is whether the forces are properly deployed and whether we can maintain a peaceful election until election day and until the election is finished,’ Garcia said.

Comelec is consequently pushing to finish the distribution of election materials while police deployment continues ahead of the final testing and sealing.

Falconets suffer 2-0 defeat to Spain in U20 Women’s World Cup opener

Nigeria’s U20 women’s national team, the Falconets, kicked off their 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup campaign on a disappointing note after losing 2-0 to Spain in their opening Group F match on Monday.

Marisa Garcia gave Spain the lead at the Arena Sosnowiec in Poland before Alba Cerrato doubled the advantage in the 72nd minute to earn maximum points for the European side.

The Falconets struggled to create clear-cut opportunities and found it difficult to maintain possession as Spain controlled much of the contest.

Spain take early control

Garcia opened the scoring after finishing past Nigeria goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma to put Spain ahead.

Nigeria attempted to respond but failed to break through Spain’s defence before half-time.

Spain continued to dominate after the restart, while the Falconets struggled to retain possession and create sustained pressure.

Cerrato eventually extended Spain’s lead in the 72nd minute, finding the net to make it 2-0.

The result handed Spain three points from their opening fixture and left Nigeria needing a positive response in their next match.

China lead Group F

China top Group F with three points and a five-goal difference after thrashing New Caledonia 5-0 in their opening match.

Spain are second with three points and a plus-two goal difference, while Nigeria sit third with a minus-two goal difference. New Caledonia are bottom with a minus-five goal difference.

The Falconets will face China on Thursday at 5pm before concluding their group-stage campaign against New Caledonia on Sunday at 2pm.

Falconets chase first world title

Nigeria have twice reached the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup final, finishing runners-up in 2010 and 2014.

The Falconets are still searching for their first title in the competition and must now secure positive results against China and New Caledonia to keep their campaign alive.

Tinubu Working To Reduce Cost Of Transportation – Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima says President Bola Tinubu is deeply committed to prioritising transportation infrastructure to ease operations for Nigerian transporters.

Shettima spoke on Monday in Abuja during the inauguration of the National Working Committee of the National Structure of Transporters for Tinubu/Shettima 2027.

He said the Tinubu administration treats connectivity as an economic necessity and is actively working to reduce the cost of movement.

Represented by Sen. Ibrahim Hadeija, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Shettima said ‘President Tinubu does not take the struggles of transport workers for granted.’

The vice president observed that there was no group in the nation that connects communities as much as transporters.

He noted that beyond their operational duty, transport workers are unparalleled ambassadors of the nation.

He pointed out that ‘the transportation industry stands at the heart of economic boom.

‘The sector determines whether a farmer reaches a market, whether a manufacturer moves goods, whether a trader restocks.

‘It also determines whether a student reaches school, and whether an investor connects production to demand.

‘Every kilometre saved, every bottleneck removed, every port made more efficient, and every safer journey completed contributes to national productivity.

‘This is why we can’t afford to take you for granted. This understanding also explains why His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has remained committed to infrastructure that eases your operations.

‘Across highways, rail corridors, ports, clean mobility initiatives, and logistics infrastructure, the administration has treated connectivity as an economic necessity.’

The vice president described transport workers as credible witnesses to the administration’s struggles, while also acknowledging their role in conveying people and goods across the nation on daily basis.

Shettima recalled that on June 15, he welcomed the transportation workers to ‘the fold of patriots who’ve come together to promote the interests of the nation above misinformation, disinformation and economic sabotage.’

He said he did so based on his belief that Nigerian transporters could help the nation’s ‘diverse communities understand the Renewed Hope Agenda and participate responsibly in the country’s democratic process.

Baku hosts Black and Caspian Freight Forum 2026 on regional transport corridors

Baku hosts the 5th International Conference and Exhibition, Black and Caspian Freight Forum 2026: Corridors, Infrastructure, Investments.

The event brings together representatives of government institutions, international financial organizations, ports and railway companies, the transport and logistics sector, investment circles, as well as business and expert communities.

The forum is organized by RDL Group and the CASPIA analytical center.

A major focus of the discussions is the development of the Middle Corridor and its role in strengthening transport links between Central Asia, the South Caucasus, Trkiye and Europe.

Participants are also looking at the practical challenges facing the route, including infrastructure capacity, the condition of port and railway networks, coordination between different modes of transport, investment needs and the digitalization of logistics.

Another key topic is the growth of freight traffic across the Caspian Sea. Discussions cover the development of port and railway infrastructure, closer cooperation between transport operators and ways to better connect the transport networks of Central Asia and the South Caucasus with the Black Sea region and Europe.

The forum is also addressing new infrastructure initiatives in the region, including the Trump route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), and their potential impact on regional connectivity.

Investment in transport infrastructure, multimodal transportation, increasing freight volumes across the Caspian and Black seas, digital logistics and the future of international transport corridors are also among the issues on the agenda.

PRESS RELEASE – UNIVERSITY OF CYPRUS

As European cities continue to face the growing impacts of climate change, the need for collaborative, evidence-based urban solutions has never been greater.

On 2 October 2026, the Urban Health Conference organised by the U-CARE research initiative and hosted by Technische Universität Berlin will bring together architects, urban designers, public health experts, environmental health professionals, researchers, policymakers, local authorities, educators, students, and engaged citizens in Berlin to explore the future of healthier, more inclusive, and climate-resilient cities.

The conference will provide a platform for exchanging research, sharing best practices, strengthening collaboration across sectors, and bridging the gap between policy and practice.

We will welcome Jacob van Rijs (MVRDV) and Marcus Grant (Cities and Health) as keynote speakers.

Date: 2 October 2026

Time: 14:00-19:00 CET

Location: BHROX Bauhaus Reuse, Berlin and Online

Language: English

Whether you’re a professional, researcher, student, or simply passionate about healthier cities, this is your opportunity to learn, connect, and contribute.

The conference is free but registration is required: secure your place through the registration link and join the conversation that will help shape the cities of tomorrow: https://ucareproject.eu/final-conference/

The U-CARE project is funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union under grant agreement number 2023-1-DE01-KA220-HED-000161246

SM Foundation reaches highest number of active scholars to date

SM Foundation’s scholarship program now supports its highest number of active scholars to date, with 3,492 scholars pursuing their college education across the country.

That journey will come full circle this September, as 274 scholars are set to be recognized at the Presentation of the SM College Scholar Graduates, marking the completion of one chapter and the beginning of another as they take their next steps toward their future.

FIBA World Cup: D’Tigress crash out after France thrashing

Nigeria’s D’Tigress crashed out of the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup after suffering a heavy 111-56 defeat to France in their final Group B match in Berlin on Monday.

The defeat completed a winless campaign for the African champions, who finished bottom of the group after earlier losses to South Korea and Hungary.

D’Tigress had already been eliminated before facing France after the European side defeated South Korea 95-69 to secure a quarter-final place and end Nigeria’s hopes of advancing.

France dominate from start to finish

France made their superiority clear from the opening quarter, racing to a 31-13 lead before extending their advantage to 65-26 at half-time.

D’Tigress struggled to contain France’s attacking threat and could not maintain possession or generate the intensity needed to mount a comeback.

The French side continued to dominate after the break, stretching the lead further before completing a 55-point victory.

Winless campaign ends in disappointment

The result marked a disappointing end to a tournament in which D’Tigress failed to reproduce the form that has established them as one of Africa’s leading women’s basketball teams.

Nigeria opened their campaign with an 81-99 defeat to South Korea before suffering a narrow 67-71 loss to Hungary.

The two defeats left D’Tigress needing a victory against France, although their elimination had already been confirmed before Monday’s game.

D’Tigress’ African dominance

D’Tigress arrived in Germany as five-time consecutive African champions and the continent’s highest-ranked women’s basketball team.

They also made history at the Paris 2024 Olympics by becoming the first African team to reach the quarter-finals of the women’s Olympic basketball tournament.

However, their World Cup campaign ended without a victory, leaving the African champions facing questions over their ability to translate their continental dominance to the global stage