Author: user user

Public dashboard pitched to track El Niño funds, use and government response

An online public accountability dashboard may serve the purpose of helping track the use of funds and monitor the government’s response to the impact of strong El Niño, according to Senator Francis ‘Kiko’ Pangilinan.

‘I call on the President to direct the NDRRMC [National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council], through OCD [Office of Civil Defense] and the concerned agencies, to maintain a single, coordinated El Niño action plan with named leads, measurable targets, and regular public reporting,’ the senator and chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform said in his eight-point action plan.

The senator stressed that the government must ensure that its preparations and interventions are coordinated, results-oriented, and open to public scrutiny, particularly when public funds are involved.

‘The main point of all this is: the proper use of public funds. It must be clear to the public where the money is going, what the government is doing, and how effective such responses are,’ he said, speaking mostly in Filipino.

The setting up of an online public dashboard forms part of the senator’s eight-point action plan, which also includes urging the declaration of a state of calamity or a state of imminent disaster in affected or threatened areas, as warranted under existing laws, identifying available funds, prepositioning relief supplies, providing livelihood assistance, implementing applicable price-control measures, pursuing action against hoarding and profiteering, and protecting the country’s water supply.

Last year, he made a similar push for the Farm-to-Market Road Watch Portal of the Department of Agriculture (DA) amid the flood control mess. The portal is an online transparency and monitoring platform developed to track farm-to-market road projects across the country.

The online dashboard for the strong El Niño response should provide timely updates on weather forecasts, damage assessments, water conditions, priority needs, funding allocations, supply inventories, and price-control advisories, among other critical information.

Pangilinan proposed reporting intervals of 24 hours, 48 hours, or weekly, depending on the urgency and nature of the information, to ensure that government agencies promptly disclose critical developments, resource requirements, and the progress of response efforts.

Beyond tracking resource availability, the system should also monitor the release and use of funds, the delivery of supplies, the number of households reached, the completion of farm and water-system interventions, the resolution of price complaints, and the filing of cases against those who violate the law.

He cited Section 8 of Republic Act No. 12287, or the Declaration of State of Imminent Disaster Act, which requires the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) to monitor areas declared under a state of imminent disaster and concerned government agencies to report on the status of declarations at the local level, Anticipatory Action Funds and utilization, and the estimated economic and social costs minimized through anticipatory interventions.

Pangilinan proposed building on these statutory reporting requirements by establishing a publicly accessible online dashboard to consolidate information on available funds, government interventions, and the results of El Niño preparedness and response efforts.

‘As I have said, I will seek the updated funding and implementation reports before plenary and pursue oversight to ensure that commitments made during the budget hearing translate into assistance on the ground,’ he said.

Pangilinan, likewise, called on the public to remain vigilant and actively monitor the use of government funds intended to address the impact of El Niño, stressing that accountability is a shared responsibility.

‘Let us watch over the funds and see if they really go to where needed, because these are funds you all worked hard for. You must report any irregularity. Use your social media accounts to monitor and call out those who must be held liable. These are for the people, so there must be clear results and accountability by the government on how this is spent,’ he emphasized.

Defying the Odds: 16-year-old Ugandan pupil delivers baby girl, sits primary leaving exams

A 16-year-old Primary Seven candidate at Kyambura Primary School in Kichwamba Sub-county, Rubirizi District, showcased remarkable resilience on Tuesday morning by giving birth to a baby girl just hours before sitting her national Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE).

The candidate delivered her baby at around 2:00 am at Kichwamba Health Centre III after going into labour the night before. Despite the physically demanding ordeal, she returned to school later that morning to sit her Mathematics and Social Studies papers, while her grandmother and local health workers cared for the newborn.

The incident highlights ongoing efforts by Ugandan educators and health workers to support young pregnant learners under national guidelines that encourage teenage mothers to remain in school and complete their basic education.

According to Stella Nakacwa, the in-charge of Kichwamba Health Centre III, the teenage expectant arrived at the facility accompanied by her 82-year-old grandmother. Health workers monitored her closely until she delivered safely without complications.

“She came with her grandmother during the night. We received them and started monitoring her until she gave birth to a bouncing baby girl. Fortunately, she did not experience any complications during delivery,” Nakacwa said.

Recognizing the candidate’s desire to write her examinations, health personnel immediately coordinated with district authorities.

“When I received the girl, I called my supervisor, the District Health Officer, who informed the district education officials. We discussed the matter and agreed that she should be allowed to sit her PLE because we asked her whether she was ready, and she also expressed her willingness to write the examinations,” Nakacwa added.

The young mother was escorted back to Kyambura Primary School at around 8:00 am, where she successfully completed both the Mathematics and Social and Religious Education papers.

Kyambura Primary School Headteacher Hope Nsimenta commended the candidate’s perseverance and recalled how the school administration intervened to keep her enrolled after she initially considered dropping out.

“She was staying with her grandmother. When she became pregnant, she tried to leave school, but I met her grandmother and encouraged her to allow the girl to continue studying because she had already registered for her examinations,” Nsimenta said, noting that the school provided steady administrative and emotional support throughout her pregnancy.

Speaking after her papers, the emotional candidate expressed relief and gratitude for the support system that allowed her to reach the milestone.

“I didn’t know that I would study, but my grandmother helped me and took me back to school and I studied,” she said. “I thought I would do my papers very well before I give birth, and the Lord helped me; I delivered safely. Doctors took care of my health from Monday night till Tuesday morning until I delivered.”

She added that despite the exhaustion, she remains hopeful about her academic performance. “When the time for the exams reached, I was picked up from the hospital and taken to school. Though some of the questions I failed, I have done what I could manage and I know I won’t fail. I thank my grandmother for taking care of me and even at her age of 82 years she still managed to pay my school fees.”

Her determination has drawn widespread admiration across Rubirizi District, with local residents praising both the teenager’s bravery and her grandmother’s unwavering sacrifice.

Ogun reconstitutes Awujale interregnum council, names Adesanya chairman, Okunowo secretary

The Ogun State Government has announced the reconstitution of the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council (AIAC), reaffirming the Council’s legal authority to oversee Ijebuland’s administrative and traditional affairs pending the appointment and coronation of a new Awujale.

The decision follows the reported withdrawal of some council members, established by the state government in August 2025, amid disagreements over the emergence of a group reportedly known as Adele Oba Awujale.

The reconstituted Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council (AIAC) include Chief Rasheed Adesanya (Olisa) – Chairman, Chief Chris Okunowo (Bobasuwa) – Secretary, Prof. Jide Ajayi (Jagun Aso) – Member, Chief Stephen O. Bakare (Babalaje) – Member, and Chief Alade Shote (Otun Balogun) – Member

A statement by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, said the withdrawal of some members did not invalidate the council, which remained the only legally recognised administrative body empowered to manage Ijebuland’s affairs during the interregnum.

The government clarified that Chief Chris Okunowo and Alhaji Rasheed Adeoye Adesanya, the Olisa of Ijebu-Ode, had publicly dissociated themselves from the reported mass withdrawal.

Addressing the emergence of the Adele Oba Awujale group, the government said the body has no legal or customary recognition under the Awujale Chieftaincy Declaration or existing chieftaincy legislation in Ogun State.

According to the statement, neither the Awujale Chieftaincy Declaration nor the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State 2021 provides for an Adele Oba Awujale group or assigns it any recognised responsibility in managing the Awujale stool.

It further explained that the Chiefs Law of 1957, which some former members reportedly relied on to justify the group’s emergence, was pre-independence legislation that no longer applied to Ogun State, which has operated under its own laws since its creation in 1976.

The government also cited a consent judgment delivered by the Ogun State High Court in suit number HCJ/180/2025, involving Rasheed Adeoye Adesanya (the Olisa of Ijebu-Ode) against the Executive Council of Ogun State and 16 others, as judicial affirmation of the AIAC’s legality and authority.

It noted that all members of the council were parties to the suit and had consented to the judgment, which acknowledged the legality, validity and authority of the administrative body established by the state government to oversee the administrative and traditional responsibilities of Ijebu-Ode pending the appointment and coronation of a new Awujale.

The government further recalled that the court affirmed that where a conflict arose between the administrative body’s responsibilities and the Olisa’s traditional functions, the administrative body’s authority would take precedence.

It stressed that the judgment had not been appealed and remained binding on the parties.

While acknowledging individual members’ right to withdraw from the council, the government maintained that such decisions could not confer legal authority on another body to assume the AIAC’s responsibilities.

It consequently warned members of the public against engaging in official transactions or administrative dealings with individuals who had withdrawn from the council in their purported capacity as members of an alternative administrative body.

The government also urged the former members to refrain from actions that could contravene the law or undermine the peace and stability of Ijebuland.

To ensure continuity in the administration of Ijebuland during the interregnum, the government announced the reconstitution of the council with the following members:

The AIAC will assume the administrative and traditional responsibilities until a new Awujale is appointed and crowned.

It reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law, respecting established traditional institutions and ensuring a peaceful and transparent process in the succession to the vacant Awujale stool.

Arda Turan to face former teammate Emre Belözoglu in Champions League

An interesting milestone is set to be recorded in UEFA Champions League history, as two Turkish head coaches will face each other for the first time in the competition’s main stage while managing opposing teams.

The fifth round of the league phase will see Shakhtar Donetsk take on Fenerbahçe, bringing Arda Turan and Emre Belözoglu together on opposite sides of the touchline.

The two coaches shared a long history as teammates in the Turkish national team during their playing careers. Arda represented Trkiye from 2006 to 2017, while Emre played for the national side between 2000 and 2019. Both were members of the Turkish squad that reached the semi-finals of UEFA Euro 2008.

Their paths crossed again in 2012 at Spanish club Atlético Madrid. Emre joined the Madrid-based side from Fenerbahçe that summer, where Arda was already playing. One of their most memorable achievements together came on August 31, 2012, when Atlético Madrid defeated Chelsea 4-1 in the UEFA Super Cup final.

Ahead of the upcoming encounter, Arda Turan also spoke about his relationship with Emre Belözoglu. He described his fellow coach as someone who holds a special place in his life, saying they had maintained a big-brother and younger-brother relationship since their playing days.

Turan revealed that facing Fenerbahçe had been a childhood dream. He also stressed that he had no negative feelings towards the Istanbul club.

He described the prospect of facing Belözoglu in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge as a particularly special occasion.

‘Regardless of the result, this match will be one of the most beautiful memories of my life. Emre’s children are like the children of my own siblings to me. I wish him and his family all the very best,’ Turan said.

The Shakhtar Donetsk-Fenerbahçe match is scheduled for November 25 at Stamford Bridge in London, England. Kick-off is set for 23:00 Baku time, with Arda Turan and Emre Belözoglu preparing to face each other as rival head coaches.

FIFA praises Azerbaijan’s referees after successful U-15 World Cup and Festival

FIFA has epressed its gratitude to the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA) for the high standard of refereeing at the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival held in Azerbaijan.

In an official letter addressed to AFFA Secretary General Jahangir Farajullayev, FIFA Referees Committee Chairman Pierluigi Collina praised the high standards of refereeing and the professional management of matches throughout the competition.

‘The successful delivery of such an important event was made possible only through professional preparation, strong organizational skills and dedicated teamwork. In this regard, we would particularly like to acknowledge the efforts of AFFA’s Referees Committee and Refereeing Department,’ the letter stated.

Collina also etended his appreciation to all AFFA staff involved in organizing and officiating the matches, particularly Azerbaijani football referees, for their valuable contribution to the successful staging of the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival.

A total of 86 referees took part in officiating matches at the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in Azerbaijan. Of these, 80 were from Azerbaijan, three were invited from Georgia and another three from Trkiye.

President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva visit AIRE 2026 ehibition [PHOTOS/VIDEO]

On November 4, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva and their daughter Leyla Aliyeva visited AIRE 2026, the 1st Azerbaijan International Real Estate Ehibition, at the Baku Epo Center.

Organized by PASHA Property Management, the ehibition brings together 61 companies, including 47 local and 14 foreign entities.

By an Order of the head of state, 2026 was declared the Year of Urban Planning and Architecture in Azerbaijan. The organization of the ehibition once again demonstrates the attention paid at the state level to the development of the real estate, architecture and construction sectors in Azerbaijan.

The ehibition provides a platform for people seeking to purchase homes, improve their living conditions or invest in real estate, as well as major investors, company representatives and industry professionals. It also plays an important role in promoting dialogue among real estate market participants, facilitating the echange of eperience and eploring new opportunities for cooperation.

President Ilham Aliyev, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva and their daughter Leyla Aliyeva toured the stand of PMD Group.

Operating since 2013, PMD Group is engaged in real estate investment, project development and management across the residential, commercial and public and social infrastructure sectors. The company provides a range of services across its core areas of operation, including construction and project management, architecture and design, real estate management, sales and leasing, and logistics and warehousing.

PMD Group and its subsidiaries have built Victory Park in the capital and implemented numerous major projects across Baku, the Absheron Peninsula and the liberated territories, with other projects currently underway.

PASHA Real Estate Group, part of PASHA Holding, operates in real estate investment, project development and property asset management. The Group implements projects in Azerbaijan and five other countries – Trkiye, the United States, Montenegro, Georgia and Uzbekistan – in cooperation with prestigious international brands.

As one of Azerbaijan’s leading real estate companies, PASHA Real Estate Group contributes to shaping Baku’s modern architectural landscape through projects that meet international standards and are implemented in cooperation with renowned international architectural firms.

The Group’s activities include real estate project development, the management of hotel, residential and commercial properties, and cooperation with international hotel brands.

The head of state, the First Lady and their daughter also viewed the Sea Breeze stand, where they were briefed on ongoing work and future projects.

Sea Breeze covers an area of more than 1,000 hectares, with plans to epand it to 1,850 hectares. More than 50 projects have already been completed or are currently under way. The development is now home to more than 60,000 residents. Upon its full completion, the population is epected to reach 500,000.

One of the major projects being implemented in the area is Fire Island, which covers more than 200 hectares. The project envisages the development of modern infrastructure in line with international standards, including the construction of a Formula 1 racing circuit approimately 5.5 kilometres long, featuring 18 turns.

Sea Breeze’s flagship project is Caspian Dream Liner, an apartment hotel comple located on an artificial peninsula.

The Crescent, covering approimately 50 hectares, is one of Sea Breeze’s largest and most prominent projects. The development envisages the construction of five-star hotels. The area will also feature shopping streets with branded stores, a multifunctional arena and a tower reaching a height of 323 metres.

The main goal is to continue developing Sea Breeze as a modern city of international standing, attract foreign investment, create new jobs and contribute to the growth of Azerbaijan’s tourism sector and overall economic potential.

With nearly 15 years of eperience, Baku City Residences specializes in the construction and sale of residential and commercial real estate. The company’s projects combine modern architecture, convenient locations and comprehensive infrastructure. Quality, design and the requirements of modern urban living are key priorities in project implementation.

The company has already completed several projects. Looking ahead, it plans to develop the Baku Bay project in the waterfront district of Baku White City.

President Ilham Aliyev, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, and their daughter Leyla Aliyeva visited the stand of the State Housing Development Agency (MIDA) at the ehibition.

The Agency was established to improve housing conditions for citizens across the country. Its primary focus is on constructing affordable, eco-friendly, and energy-efficient residential complees for low- and middle-income families.

During its operations, MIDA has implemented 20 projects nationwide – seven in Baku, three in Garabagh, and 10 across Ganja, Absheron, Sumgayit, Lankaran, Shirvan, Yevlakh, Nakhchivan, Shamkir, and Salyan. In addition to residential buildings, these projects include schools, kindergartens, and medical centers.

The Agency has completed five subsidized housing projects in Baku and si in the regions. Currently, MIDA has begun construction on three of si ongoing projects across the capital and regions, while three other residential complees are in the design phase.

The head of state, the First Lady, and their daughter Leyla Aliyeva then visited the stand of Fortis Development. With over 10 years of eperience, the company specializes in residential and commercial construction, the restoration of historical and architectural monuments, facade renovation, and the landscaping of public spaces. To date, the company has completed landscaping work at Shahriyar and Saadat parks in Baku, improvement works in the Balakhani settlement, and the repair and restoration of the Pir Hasan shrine in Mardakan and the Imam Mosque in Amirjan. It also restored more than 40 buildings in Baku ahead of COP29.

Chapman Taylor, a company specializing in architecture, planning and interior design, was founded in London in 1959. It has undertaken projects in more than 100 countries and won over 300 architectural awards. The company has developed master plans for Shusha, Jabrayil, Khankendi, and Nakhchivan and designed numerous residential and public buildings in Baku, Ganja, Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Gusar.

The firm has completed housing blocks, facade renovations, and social infrastructure projects in Shusha, Jabrayil, Khankendi, Fuzuli, and Aghdam, with several projects currently underway.

The United Arab Emirates’ MODON Holding, the authority responsible for industrial cities and technology zones, is also represented at the ehibition with a large pavilion. The organization specializes in innovation-driven activities and implements various programs aimed at digitizing production processes and transitioning to modern standards. Its support mechanisms include consulting services, financing programs, measures to promote local content, and the provision of industrial infrastructure and ready-to-use production facilities. At the ehibition, MODON presented the concept for a development plan for the area around Boyukshor Lake.

The Baku White City project is one of the world’s most prominent eamples of modern urban development. Launched on December 24, 2011, with the participation of President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, the project is designed around the principles of environmental sustainability and smart urban development. The latest advances in urban planning have been applied throughout the project. Previously known as Black City, the area had been polluted by oil industry waste for more than 150 years. At the initiative of the President of Azerbaijan, a unique environmental rehabilitation project has transformed the area into a modern residential district. For the first time in the CIS, residential buildings have been designed in accordance with BREEAM, an international environmental assessment and certification standard, and CRREM requirements for assessing carbon-related risks. With its spacious internal streets, green spaces and contemporary international sculptures, Baku White City has become one of the capital’s most modern destinations for work, living and leisure.

As part of the project’s epansion, a concept for a new museum dedicated to the history of Azerbaijan’s oil industry was developed in collaboration with SOCAR. The museum is planned to feature an ehibition hall, a library, offices, a restaurant, cafes, and a 90-meter observation tower offering views of the city.

A flagship landmark of Baku White City is the Gilavar comple, which combines public and commercial spaces, yacht club facilities, and a 49-story residential tower reaching approimately 185 meters in height. The project was designed by ADEC in collaboration with the American architectural firm SOM, which designed the Burj Khalifa.

Public art installations across Baku White City include the Garabagh Horses sculpture comple by renowned American sculptor Robert Summers; seven clock-themed artworks created specifically for the project by world-famous artist Konstantin Grcic; the bronze sculpture Beyond the Clouds by acclaimed sculptor Joseph Klibansky; and Search for Enlightenment, a sculpture by contemporary British artist Simon Gudgeon.

The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) is a key state-owned enterprise driving the spatial and economic transformation of the Maldives. It is involved in developing smart, inclusive and sustainable cities and managing major development projects. Its ehibition stand showcases initiatives including a centralized Industrial Village designed to support logistics, the high-capacity Southern Harbour Trade Zone and other projects.

Through its participation in the ehibition, HDC is presenting investment opportunities in the Maldives beyond tourism, highlighting commercial real estate, green technologies, smart utility infrastructure and maritime trade.

Silk Development is one of Georgia’s leading companies specializing in residential and hotel projects. Silk Towers in Batumi is among its flagship developments. At the ehibition, the company is presenting a portfolio of residential, luury hotel and mied-use projects, including properties designed by internationally renowned architects, as well as investment models focused on long-term value and high returns. Silk Development’s participation aims to epand its presence in the Caspian region and establish direct contacts with investors, strategic partners and brokers.

Luna Garden, a mied-use residential comple covering 6.7 hectares near the Koroglu metro station and Boyukshor Lake, features nine buildings, with 60 percent of the territory reserved for green spaces. A new entrance to Koroglu station will open directly within the comple.

Operating in Azerbaijan’s construction sector since 2003, Kristal presented its ‘city within a city’ concept through projects such as City Garden Narimanov, Park Yasamal, and Highland Residence. At the ehibition, Kristal introduced its modern panel facade system designed to improve thermal insulation and energy efficiency.

President Ilham Aliyev, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, and Leyla Aliyeva also visited the stand of the Garabagh Revival Fund.

The Fund provides financial support, attracts investment, promotes public-private partnerships, and implements public awareness projects aimed at the reconstruction of liberated territories. At the ehibition, the Fund presented its book project, ‘Garabagh Revival: A Story of Azerbaijani Renaissance.’ Commissioned by the Foundation, the book highlights the realities of Garabagh and the restoration and reconstruction projects carried out under the leadership of the President of Azerbaijan.

The stand also features information about Pearls of Garabagh, an educational game introducing the region’s historical and cultural heritage, restored monuments and infrastructure built since the Victory; Garabagh Quiz, an interactive quiz on the region’s history, culture, prominent figures and the Patriotic War; and Deadly Legacy, a documentary commissioned by the Foundation to draw international attention to the threat posed by landmines.

Getting ‘Asian flush’ or a rash after drinking? You might want to skip the binge and visit your doc

DOES a sip of wine make you blush, or a bottle of beer give you a rash? If so, you might want to put the glass down to check whether you have an alcohol allergy or alcohol intolerance-two completely different conditions that are usually confused.

According to the country’s top hospital Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed, www.makatimed.net.ph), knowing the distinction can help you better recognize symptoms and make informed decisions to avoid complications in the long run.

‘Many people interchange alcohol allergy and alcohol intolerance, but these actually involve different processes in the body,’ explains Maria Socorro L. Agcaoili-De Jesus, MD, FPCP, FPSAAI, FPSRI, an Internal Medicine Specialist with a Subspecialty on Child and Adult Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and Reproductive Immunology. ‘An alcohol allergy is related to the immune system, while alcohol intolerance is the body’s inability to properly metabolize alcohol.’

Spotting the difference between the two may be difficult, as a true alcohol allergy is rare. A person with the condition has an immune system that mistakenly identifies alcohol as a threat and triggers an allergic reaction. More commonly, bodies react to the presence of wheat, barley, rye, hops, yeast, grapes, preservatives, or sulfites in an alcoholic beverage.

Symptoms to look for include itchy skin rashes; itchy mouth, eyes, or nose; swelling of the face or throat; coughing; and difficulty breathing. Severe cases can trigger anaphylaxis, wherein the immune system overreacts to an allergen that causes one’s blood pressure to drop and airways to narrow-a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate attention.

‘Even a small amount of alcohol can induce symptoms in a person with alcohol allergy,’ says Agcaoili-De Jesus.

‘Allergic reactions have the tendency to escalate quickly; therefore, it is important to seek immediate professional assistance, especially when breathing is affected or swelling is present.’

In contrast, alcohol intolerance is an inherited metabolic disorder wherein the body lacks the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) that is needed to break down alcohol.

The most known symptom of alcohol intolerance is the ‘Asian flush.’ Immediately after drinking, the person’s face, neck, and chest become red and warm. In addition, people experience nausea, headaches, vomiting, low blood pressure, heart palpitations, and difficulty breathing.

It is called Asian flush since alcohol intolerance is common among people of East Asian descent, including the Chinese, Japanese, and Koreans. Nevertheless, it can be present in people of any race or ethnicity.

While alcohol intolerance is often misunderstood as merely turning red from drinking, MakatiMed warns that it may cause long-term effects.

‘The flushing reaction indicates that acetaldehyde is building up in the body. Research suggests that continued alcohol consumption of those with alcohol intolerance increases the risk of cancer in the mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, and liver,’ Agcaoili-De Jesus points out. To add, studies also linked alcohol intolerance with higher risks of heart disease, stroke, liver problems, and even late-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

To properly determine the root cause of those alcohol-induced symptoms, MakatiMed suggests seeking consult for evaluation.

‘The most important thing is not to self-diagnose,’ reminds Agcaoili-De Jesus. ‘If you notice symptoms consistently every time you drink alcohol, it is best to seek medical attention to identify the cause and receive proper care.’

Persons with diagnosed severe alcohol allergies may be advised to carry an epinephrine auto-injector for emergency use. However, for those with alcohol intolerance, ‘there is no treatment that corrects the underlying enzyme deficiency.’

‘Antihistamines or antacids cannot eliminate the health risks of alcohol intolerance. The safest way to avoid symptoms and long-term effects is to avoid consuming alcohol as much as possible,’ Agcaoili-De Jesus advises. ‘Avoiding alcohol won’t only prevent alcohol allergy or intolerance, but it’s also a healthy habit that can help prevent alcohol-related health issues like liver and heart disease.

Oyo council funds: Lawyer demands seven-year allocation details

A lawyer, Ayo Omoleaupen, has demanded a comprehensive breakdown of federal allocations to the 33 local government areas in Oyo State in the past seven years.

The move might trigger investigations into the management of local government funds.

Omoleaupen, of Umar and Alofe Chambers, made the request in a letter to the Minister of Finance and the Accountant-General of the Federation, pursuant to the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, 2011.

The lawyer said he was acting on behalf of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) House of Representatives candidate for Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency in Oyo State, Akinloye Olusegun. The request, dated October 27, covers federal allocations to the 33 local government areas from May 2019 to October 2026.

The move, according to the letter, was a prelude to filing petitions before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The lawyer said he needed the information in the interest of civic accountability, public research, and transparency in the management of public finances.

The letter, addressed to the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, requested that the information be provided within seven days of receipt, in line with Section 4 of the FOI Act.

Among the details sought is a month-by-month breakdown of all federal allocations disbursed to each of the 33 local government areas within the period.

The lawyer also requested separate details of statutory allocations, Value Added Tax (VAT) proceeds, exchange rate gains or differentials, Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) and other augmentations, including excess crude revenue and other distributions approved by the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

He also demanded the aggregate amount received collectively by the 33 councils for each month.

Explaining the basis for the request, the lawyer said his client was an indigene of Oyo State and a concerned stakeholder in accountable governance and public finance management.

The letter reads: ‘We are Solicitors to Mr. Akinloye Olusegun, hereinafter referred to as our client, on whose firm and express instructions we make this request pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.

‘Our client is an indigene of Oyo State and a concerned stakeholder in accountable governance and public finance management’.

It added that the request was made in line with Section 14(2)(c) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which recognises the importance of public accountability.

The lawyer also undertook to pay the prescribed fees for searching, duplication, transcription and certified true copies of the requested records, where applicable, in accordance with Section 8 of the FOI Act.

The development comes amid growing calls for transparency and accountability in the administration of local government finances in Oyo State.

United States: Trump to end $3.8bn annual military aid to Israel

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Washington is ending a 10-year security assistance deal with Israel that allowed $3.8 billion in annual assistance to its ally until 2028.

Trump said Israel was ‘fine’ with him ending the assistance, which began in 2019 and was signed under his predecessor, Barack Obama, three years earlier.

‘We’ll help Israel if they need it,’ he added in an interview on the US current affairs show Fox and Friends, saying that he had agreed with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to cut the assistance.

‘Israel’s our number one; we give them more than anybody else, and they no longer need it … If they did need it, I would say keep it going,’ Trump added.

Under the deal, Israel receives financial assistance for the purchase of around $3.8 billion of weapons a year.

Since its founding in 1948, Israel has received more than $300 billion, adjusted for inflation, in US economic and military assistance, according to figures from the Council on Foreign Relations, far more than any other country has received since 1946.

The Israeli premier has previously said he wanted to end Israel’s reliance on US support.

In June, Netanyahu called for his country to increase its military autonomy and reduce its reliance on Washington.

In January, he told The Economist that he hoped to do so within a decade, while in May he told US broadcaster CBS that he wanted support to reach ‘zero’.

Director-General of ICESCO congratulates President Ilham Aliyev on Victory Day

Salim bin Mohammed AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, sent a congratulatory letter to President Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of Azerbaijan’s Victory Day, held on 8 November.

The letter reads:

His Ecellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Ecellency,

On the occasion of Victory Day, celebrated on 8 November, I have the honor to etend my warmest congratulations to Your Ecellency and to the people of the Republic of Azerbaijan, together with my sincere wishes for the continued peace, prosperity and well-being.

This important national occasion reflects the resilience, unity and determination of the Azerbaijani people, while embodying the profound value of peace and the aspirations of future generations for stability, security and a prosperous future. May the spirit of this day continue to inspire further achievements for Azerbaijan and its people.

It was a great pleasure to participate in the 7th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue in Baku, a distinguished international platform that continues to foster mutual understanding and build bridges among cultures and civilizations. The opportunity to be received by Your Ecellency was a particular honor, allowing for a valuable echange of views on our shared priorities and the further strengthening of cooperation between ICESCO and the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The warm and constructive relationship between ICESCO and the Republic of Azerbaijan remains highly valued, as reflected in our ongoing cooperation in promoting educational opportunities, safeguarding cultural heritage and fostering dialogue among peoples and civilizations. I am confident that this partnership will continue to grow in depth and impact, opening new avenues for joint initiatives that serve our Member States and contribute to a more peaceful and harmonious world.

Please accept, Ecellency, the assurances of my highest consideration and my sincere wishes for the continued peace, prosperity and well-being of the friendly people of the Republic of Azerbaijan.