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Mlegelo puts himself in line for ANZA title

Tanzania’s Rashid Mlegelo strengthened his case for a place in ANZA MMA’s first championship fight after extending his unbeaten run in the promotion with another first-round victory in Nairobi.

Mlegelo stopped Uganda’s Kennedy Serunyange by technical knockout in the featherweight bout at ANZA MMA Pro Nights 3, held on Saturday on the rooftop of Village Market in Nairobi.

His victory was one of two secured by Tanzanian fighters on the night, with Chris Tibenda also producing a quick finish against Uganda’s Farouk Ogwal in the flyweight division. Tibenda forced Ogwal to submit to an arm submission in less than a minute in the opening fight of the eight-bout professional card.

But it was Mlegelo’s victory that carried greater significance ahead of ANZA MMA’s next event.

The promotion’s founder, Peng Chen, has announced that official championship belts will be introduced at the next professional event in December, opening the way for the organisation’s first title fights.

Mlegelo has now won all three of his ANZA MMA Pro Nights appearances, making him a leading contender for the inaugural featherweight crown.

He previously defeated Justin Okot and Jai Chilufya by rear-naked choke in the promotion’s first two events before adding Serunyange to his list of victories.

The latest win therefore leaves Mlegelo with a perfect record in the promotion as ANZA MMA prepares to move into a new phase of its development.

Pro Nights 3 featured 16 fighters from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Angola, Madagascar and South Sudan across eight professional bouts. Remarkably, every fight ended inside the first round, underlining the attacking nature of the card.

The event also reinforced ANZA MMA’s growing role as a platform for professional mixed martial arts fighters from East and Central Africa.

For Tanzania, the night ended with a clean sweep, as both Mlegelo and Tibenda finished their Ugandan opponents inside the opening round.

The two fighters credited their coaches, training partners, families and Tanzanian supporters for helping them prepare for the event.

CARIBBEAN-TOURISM-Sandals and Royal Caribbean Group enter into multi-billion dollar partnership

The Jamaica-based Sandals Resort Wednesday announced that it had entered into an agreement with the US-based Royal Caribbean Group (RCL) to form a partnership in the all-inclusive resort space with RCL making a 50 per cent investment.

Under the terms of the agreement, Royal Caribbean Group will acquire a 50 per cent equity interest in Sandals and Beaches Resorts for approximately three billion US dollars. Royal Caribbean Group has secured committed debt financing from Morgan Stanley to fund the investment.

The transaction is expected to close in early 2027, subject to customary approvals and closing conditions, and is expected to be accretive to earnings next year.

‘Building on Sandals and Beaches Resorts’ more than four decades of leadership in Caribbean hospitality, the joint venture will create new opportunities for continued resort growth while broadening the experiences across Royal Caribbean Group’s vacation platform,’ the parties said in a joint statement following the signing of the agreement by RCL chairman and chief executive officer, Jason Liberty, and Sandals Resorts executive chairman, Adam Stewart.

The statement said that the partnership brings together two of the travel industry’s most celebrated vacation companies, pairing Sandals and Beaches’ all-inclusive resort expertise with Royal Caribbean Group’s vacation platform, including industry-leading brands – Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea – a portfolio of private destinations, new river cruising offering, and an industry-first loyalty programme.

The two companies said that they will offer travellers an unparalleled collection of cruise, private destination and resort experiences, serving guests across more vacation occasions and establishing their undisputed leadership in Caribbean vacations.

The joint venture expands Royal Caribbean Group into an adjacent vacation category, growing its participation in the approximately two trillion US dollars global vacation market, and meets the growing global demand for Sandals and Beaches Resorts by accelerating their expansion.

The partnership will include Sandals and Beaches’ collection of premier all-inclusive properties across the Caribbean, and the companies will explore opportunities to broaden distribution, deepen guest engagement, and make it easier for travelers to discover vacation experiences offered across both portfolios.

‘For nearly 60 years, we’ve reimagined what a vacation can be, constantly expanding the ways we inspire our guests to explore, connect and create lifelong memories,’ said Liberty, adding ‘we have been building a vacation platform that brings joy to millions of people around the world and creates meaningful relationships that last with our guests.

‘Our partnership with Sandals and Beaches Resorts is an important next step on that journey – bringing together two iconic leading vacation companies to further strengthen and grow one of the most admired resort portfolios in the world. The Stewart family has created powerful and beloved brands, and we are honored to build on that legacy. Together, we see tremendous opportunity to expand the reach of Sandals and Beaches Resorts and continue turning the vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations,’ Liberty said.

Stewart said that his father, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, had founded Sandals Resorts with the belief that a company built in the Caribbean could stand on the world stage alongside the most respected names in hospitality.

‘Today is proof of how far that vision can go. This partnership is the natural next step in building on that conviction. It gives us the ability to grow faster with a partner that shares our values of exceptional hospitality, long-term investment, and the power of enduring brands. ‘Together, we will introduce more guests to Sandals and Beaches Resorts while creating even more extraordinary experiences for those who have made our resorts part of their lives for decades.

‘As we continue to grow, we will remain true to what has always defined us: delivering authentic vacations that exceed expectations while creating opportunities for our team members, travel advisor partners and the communities we call home. The future has never been brighter, and I know this moment would make my father incredibly proud,’ Stewart said.

The joint venture will be governed by a board under the shared leadership of Stewart and Liberty. Stewart will maintain a leadership role in guiding the company’s long-term strategic growth as executive chairman of Sandals and Beaches Resorts.

Royal Caribbean Group operates 71 ships sailing to more than 1,000 destinations across all seven continents through its three wholly owned brands – Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea – and a 50 per cent joint venture interest in TUI Cruises, which operates the Mein Schiff and Hapag-Lloyd brands.

Named to the Fortune World’s Most Admired Companies 2026 list and to Forbes’ 2026 Best American Companies lists, Royal Caribbean Group is guided by its mission to deliver the best vacations responsibly.

Sandals and Beaches Resorts has been redefining the region’s all-inclusive experience for more than four decades. Sandals Resorts is the adults-only all-inclusive brand with beachfront resorts across Jamaica, Antigua, St. Lucia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Curaçao, and Sr. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Beaches Resorts is the family all-inclusive with resorts in Negril, Jamaica and Turks and Caicos, and coming soon to Exuma, The Bahamas; Barbados; Runaway Bay, Jamaica; and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

JTI spends ?2.1B on DIET plant in Batangas

JT International Asia Manufacturing Corp. (JTI-AMC) has invested P2.1 billion ($37 million) to add advanced tobacco-processing technologies to its manufacturing facility in Malvar, Batangas, including the first dry ice expanded tobacco (DIET) plant among JTI sites in Southeast Asia.

The DIET plant accounts for about P1.9 billion ($34 million) of the investment and introduces a technology that uses dry ice to expand tobacco, changing how the raw material is prepared for cigarette manufacturing.

JTI said the process is intended to improve consistency and efficiency in tobacco processing.

‘The Batangas facility has built the manufacturing capabilities and technical expertise needed to support advanced technologies like DIET,’ Amir Vajdi, JTI-AMC factory lead for the Philippines, said.

‘That strong foundation made Batangas a natural location for JTI’s first DIET plant in Southeast Asia and allows us to continue advancing our manufacturing capabilities in the Philippines.’

The tobacco manufacturer also spent more than P177 million ($3 million) to expand its Controlled Atmosphere (CA) treatment facility at the Batangas site. The expansion became operational in July and doubled the facility’s treatment capacity.

The company said the project recorded 645,000 safe man-hours during implementation. The Batangas facility serves as JTI’s primary manufacturing hub for Asia, producing cigarettes for the Philippine market and exporting to 22 markets worldwide.

JTI also operates DIET facilities elsewhere in Asia, including Bangladesh and Japan.

Vajdi said the company would continue investing in the Batangas site and its workforce as it adds new technologies.

‘We continue to invest in the capabilities of our Batangas facility and in the people and technologies that will support its development over the long term.’

He added that the Philippines remains a competitive location for long-term investment, citing its local workforce, location and manufacturing ecosystem.

Bauchi Assembly urges govt to construct 17km Yalwan-Duguri-Kumbala roads

The Bauchi State House of Assembly has called on the state government to urgently construct the approximately 17-kilometer Yalwan Duguri-Gayar-Mukal-Darma-Kunkar-Mumbana-Kumbala road in the Duguri/Gwana Constituency of the Alkaleri Local Government Area.

The call followed a motion sponsored by the member representing Duguri/Gwana Constituency, Hon. Bala Abdullahi Dan, during plenary on Tuesday.

Presenting the motion, Dan said the road connects several densely populated agrarian communities whose residents depend largely on crop production, livestock rearing, and other rural economic activities.

He said the lack of a properly constructed road had subjected residents to transportation difficulties, particularly during the rainy season when parts of the route become inaccessible.

According to him, the poor condition of the road has made it difficult to evacuate farm produce, increased transportation costs, contributed to post-harvest losses, and affected the income of farmers and traders in the communities.

The lawmakers also said the condition of the road had hindered residents’ access to healthcare facilities, schools, markets, and other essential social amenities.

Dan argued that the continued neglect of the road had constrained commercial activities, discouraged investment, and contributed to rural poverty despite the economic potential of the communities along the corridor.

He cited Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which provides that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government, stressing that critical infrastructure was essential to achieving the objective.

He said constructing the road would facilitate the movement of agricultural produce to urban markets, stimulate commerce, improve access to social services, strengthen security operations, and promote greater integration among the affected communities.

The motion was co-sponsored by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Dr. Abubakar Y. Suleiman, representing Ningi Constituency; Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Jamilu Umaru Dahiru, representing Bauchi Constituency; Hon. Auwal Hassan, representing Shira Constituency; Hon. Bala Abdu Rishi, representing Lame Constituency; Hon. Ibrahim Burra, representing Burra Constituency; Hon. Ladan Mohammed, representing Ganjuwa East Constituency; Hon. Bldr. Sa’idu Sulaiman Darazo, representing Darazo Constituency; and Hon. Dr. Nasiru Ala Ahmed, representing Madara/Chinade Constituency.

In its prayers, the House called on the Executive Arm of Government, through the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport, to urgently construct the 17-kilometer road linking Yalwan Duguri, Gayar, Mukal, Darma, Kunkar, Mumbana, and Kumbala.

The Assembly also urged the state government to make adequate budgetary provision for the survey, design, and execution of the project in the forthcoming fiscal year and include it among priority rural infrastructure projects.

Pending the full construction of the road, the House called on the Ministry of Works and other relevant agencies to provide immediate palliative measures to ease the difficulties faced by residents of the affected communities.

The Assembly also called on the Executive Arm of Government to urgently construct the approximately 15-kilometer Gumau-Sauke-Unguwan Kadiri-Danka-Pingel-Mana road in the Lame Constituency of the Toro Local Government Area.

The call followed a motion sponsored by the member representing Lame Constituency, Hon. Bala Abdu Rishi, during plenary.

Presenting the motion, Abdu Rishi said the proposed road was a critical economic link connecting communities that contribute to Bauchi State’s agricultural and mineral economy.

He explained that farming remained a major economic activity along the corridor, while mining activities, including the extraction of minerals such as tin and columbite, also take place in the area.

The lawmaker, however, said the poor condition of the road had continued to impede economic activities, particularly during the rainy season, when gullies, erosion, and cracks reportedly render portions of the route almost impassable.

According to him, the condition of the road had made it difficult for farmers to transport agricultural produce to markets, while miners, traders, and other economic operators faced increased transportation costs.

He added that the infrastructure deficit also affected residents’ access to neighboring communities and essential services, including education, healthcare, and commerce.

Abdu Rishi said improving the road would enhance economic productivity, household incomes, and the development of communities along the corridor.

He urged the government to treat the project as an economic infrastructure intervention supporting agriculture, mining, commerce, and rural development rather than merely as a community access road.

The lawmaker also called for a proper engineering assessment of the route, noting that grading the road without addressing its environmental challenges could provide only a temporary solution.

He advocated the construction of adequate drainage systems, culverts, and erosion-control structures to ensure the durability of the project.

Abdu Rishi said residents of Gumau, Sauke, Unguwan Kadiri, Danka, Pingel, Mana, and surrounding communities deserved a reliable road network, urging the House to support the motion and draw the Executive’s attention to the infrastructure deficit in the area.

The motion was co-sponsored by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Dr. Abubakar Y. Suleiman, representing Ningi Constituency; Hon. Bello Sarkin Jadori, representing Gamawa Constituency; Hon. Bldr. Sa’idu Sulaiman Darazo, representing Darazo Constituency; Hon. Dayyabu Mohammed Ladan, representing Ganjuwa East Constituency; Hon. Engr. Adamu Garba Kawu, representing Ganjuwa West Constituency; and Hon. Ahmed Mohammed Lele, representing Udubo Constituency.

In its prayers, the House called on the Executive Arm of Government to undertake the construction of the approximately 15-kilometer Gumau-Sauke-Unguwan Kadiri-Danka-Pingel-Mana road.

The Assembly also called for the urgent provision of adequate drainage, culverts, and erosion-control structures along the route to address the gullies and erosion that have contributed to its deteriorating condition.

It further urged the Executive Arm to prioritize the project in its annual budgetary estimates, taking into consideration the strategic importance of the road to agricultural and mining activities in the affected communities.

Alur Kingdom calls for revival of fireside talks to curb teenage pregnancy

The Alur Kingdom has called for the revival of traditional youth fireside gatherings as a cultural solution to the escalating teenage pregnancy crisis in the kingdom.

The call is part of the kingdom’s Kura Matira project, an ancient Alur philosophy grounded in community, humanness, caring and good conduct, which the kingdom is now using to restore lost cultural values among the youth.

Under the initiative dubbed “ending child and forced marriage through returning to the fire place”, the kingdom has been holding community dialogue sessions in chiefdoms.

Kingdom officials say modern distractions and loss of parental guidance have left girls vulnerable. Traditionally, the fireplace was a place where grandparents and aunts taught adolescents about virginity, faithfulness, reproductive health and good conduct.

Speaking at a youth fireside held at Kaal Pawong Palace, the Deputy Prime Minister and Executive Director of Alur Kingdom, Prince Ochaya Orach Vincent, underscored the relevance of firesides in addressing teenage childbirth.

The fireside, dubbed “Kaoi Fireside Conversations”, is an initiative of the Protect SRHR project implemented by a consortium of civil society organisations, including Reach A Hand Africa, the International Rescue Committee, Humanity and Inclusion and World Vision, supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The engagement, presided over by Chief Rwoth Justino Opar, the Chief of Pawong Chiefdom, was held on September 22, 2026 under the theme “Culture, Identity and Power to Shape Young People’s Future.”

“A session like this one allows us to speak to young people together with their parents,” Prince Ochaya said. “Actually, if we can have even more of it, I can tell you I have all 56 chiefdoms that would benefit from Kaoi.”

Nebbi Municipality Central Division LCIII chairperson Ronnie Japiemo said such engagements previously helped address behaviour, which contributed to lower levels of teenage pregnancy. He said on average, at least two per cent of girls become pregnant every year across the six schools in the Central Division.

“The fireplace is a good intervention but most of our youth have taken the fireplace for a simple ride which calls for more cultural engagement with the youths due to the modern leisure places available today,” Japiemo said.

Albert Ongom, Reach A Hand Africa’s programme officer in Nebbi District, said teenage pregnancy remains a significant concern in the district and is also linked to increasing HIV risks.

He said the engagement was intended to understand how communities around Kaal Pawong traditionally handled issues affecting young people and what lessons could be drawn from those practices.

Onyuthi Brian, a youth participant, said some young people find it difficult to listen to their parents because of the manner in which some conversations are handled.

According to the 2022 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey, 23.5% of girls aged 15-19 had already begun childbearing, with 18.4% having had a live birth and 5.1% pregnant with their first child.

US-Based Ghanaian Lecturer’s Wife Grabbed Over His Murder

Betty Akamani, a 35-year-old woman, has been charged with the murder of her US-based Ghanaian husband, Dr. Kofi Akamani, a Southern Illinois University professor.

The mother of two was charged on Monday, September 21 with two counts of felony first-degree murder and one count of endangering the life or health of a child.

Betty Akamani is accused of shooting her husband, 48-year-old Dr. Kofi Akamani multiple times while he sat in his car in her driveway at her Murphysboro home.

He later died at a Carbondale hospital.

According to court records and the Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office, the couple had been separated for two years, and were in the middle of a divorce.

In court on Monday, Betty Akamani was denied release. She will remain in the Jackson County Jail.

She is set to appear in court again on October 6 for a preliminary hearing.

According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO), deputies were called to a reported shooting around 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 19.

The 48-year-old academic was found with gunshot wounds and was rushed to the Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, where he was pronounced dead.

Police say investigations have commenced but are still in the early stages.

The Jackson County Ambulance Service, the Coroner’s Office, and the State’s Attorney’s Office are assisting with the probe.

The Sheriff’s Office added that no further details would be released for now as investigations continue.

Dr. Akamani began his tertiary education in Ghana at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Development Planning, specialising in Urban Planning.

He initially intended to pursue further studies in Urban Planning but was advised that the future of planning lay in sustainable development.

Jeff Harmon, chief communications and marketing officer at SIU, said, ‘It is with a heavy heart that we have learned of the tragic passing of one of our faculty members, Dr. Kofi Akamani. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, colleagues, and students during this difficult time.’

According to a Facebook post by the Southern Illinois University, a vigil is scheduled today at 6 p.m. at the Ag building front lawn. They say a memorial will follow at a later date.

James Reid surprises newlyweds with live performance at wedding reception

James Reid surprised a couple by attending their wedding reception, where the actor-singer treated them and the guests to a live performance of his new song ‘Attention.’

Reid traveled to Amadeo, Cavite to meet newlyweds Dariz Kho and Emman Pelayo and present them his gift on Monday, Sept. 21. It was not immediately known how the singer knew the pair.

‘It’s not something I usually get to do, but the timing just lined up this time,’ James said.

‘Hearing Dariz and Emman’s story, I was glad I could be a small part of their day. Seeing how happy they were honestly made my night too,’ he added. ‘I wish them nothing but the best in this next chapter together.’

Reid’s performance at the wedding reception also marked the first time he performed a song from his third studio album, ‘Honey, I’m Home,’ which was released last Sept. 10.

The gesture was well-received by the couple, with Kho regarding Reid’s performance as one of the highlights of their special day.

‘Really grateful to James for doing this,’ she said. ‘Our guests truly loved the experience. They can’t stop talking about it!’

Reid’s ‘Honey, I’m Home’ also features the tracks ‘All Night,’ ‘Traffic,’ ‘Sunny Side,’ ‘Blessed,’ and ‘Indiana,’ among others.

Patients decry rampant bicycle theft at Apac Hospital

For many poor people in Apac District, a bicycle is not just transport, it is an ambulance, a livelihood, and their only hope of reaching far-flung destinations.

But today, going to Apac General Hospital with a bicycle has become risky. You may get treatment, but lose your bicycle.

Theft of bicycles and motorcycles has become rampant at the hospital, with cases increasing just a month after Apac Resident District Commissioner Andrew Onyuk removed the private attendants who used to keep bicycles at a fee of Shs500 – 1,000.

“We have the askaris being paid by the government to guard the hospital and the property there. The private attendants collecting money from the people coming to seek for medical treatment must leave immediately,” he said during the hospital baraza in August.

A new bicycle now costs between Shs550,000 and Shs1.2 million in Apac Municipality, a heavy loss for low-income earners.

“They chased away the keepers saying they were extorting patients, but now we are suffering more,” said Caroline Akello, a mother from Chegere Sub-county who lost her only bicycle last week while she was in the maternity ward.

“I borrowed the bicycle to bring my daughter here. Now I have lost it. How will I pay back and how will I go home?” she said.

Joseph Ebong, a resident of Akokoro Sub-county, also lost a bicycle at the hospital.

“My daughter brought her younger sister who had got an accident in the garden for medical treatment and left the bicycle outside, upon returning she found the bicycle missing,” he said.

A boda boda rider at the hospital gate said at least 3-4 bicycles are stolen every week and one motorcycle was stolen last month.

“I have witnessed an elderly man who came out crying for his bicycle which was stolen when he was inside the hospital seeking medical treatment for his child,” said Francis Okello, a boda-boda rider.

Apac Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr James Okullu also raised the security concern during the hospital baraza in August.

“There was a time when a stranger entered into the theatre at the time when we were conducting the operation of a patient,” he said.

Harriet Nelly Akello, Apac District Local Government chairperson of the committee of social services, said the matter will soon be presented before the district council for a lasting solution.

“We have already discussed it at the committee level and we want the council to come up with a resolution to address that concern once for all,” she said.

Skrive Foundation Calls For Stronger Integration Of Practical Skills Into Education

Organisers of the 2026 Skrive Foundation Open Essay Competition have called for a stronger integration of practical skills into Ghana’s education system.

At the essay competition awards ceremony, which saw students submitting essays on the theme ‘Should education in Ghana focus more on practical application than theoretical knowledge?’, finalists argued that classroom knowledge should translate into real-world skills and problem-solving.

Speaking at the ceremony, guest speaker Emmanuel Nikoi, said the country needs an education system that enables students to understand concepts and apply them to real-life challenges.

He said the essays demonstrate that students recognise the importance of both theoretical knowledge and practical application.

‘The issue is not simply about choosing theory over practicals or practicals over theory. It is about making education meaningful and useful,’ he said.

He added that the country needs young people who can learn, apply knowledge, identify problems and develop solutions.

He cited examples of students being able to understand science while also applying it, study business while creating businesses, and learn technology while using it to solve problems in their communities.

Mr. Nikoi congratulated the finalists and participants, emphasising that valuable skills such as research, writing and the courage to express ideas can contribute to their future development.

The Secretary of Skrive, Deborah Koranteng, said the theme was to highlight social perceptions surrounding vocational education, and called for a system in which vocational and academic pathways receive appropriate recognition.

‘Both vocational skills and theory are good,’ she said.

She stressed that the competition is intended to encourage young people to think about education beyond examinations and certificates.

Ms. Koranteng said the competition received 372 essays from young writers across 14 of Ghana’s 16 regions.

The entries came from Greater Accra, Ashanti, Eastern, Central, Western, Volta, Northern, Upper East, Upper West, Bono, Bono East, Ahafo, Savannah and North East regions, with participants aged 14 to 30, including junior high school, senior high school and tertiary-level students.

Every essay was reviewed anonymously by an independent panel of judges and assessed out of 100 marks using four criteria.

Insightful argumentation accounted for 30 per cent, considering depth of thought, strength of argument, understanding of Ghana’s educational context and originality.

Writing and organisation accounted for 25 per cent, assessing clarity, coherence, grammar, paragraphing and logical flow.

Another 25 per cent was allocated to the use of evidence and examples, including relevant data, personal experiences and references to Ghanaian realities.

Creativity and originality accounted for the remaining 20 per cent, focusing on the writer’s voice, creative expression and ability to make readers think differently.

The competition forms part of Skrive’s broader programme of promoting literacy and creativity among young Ghanaians.

Skrive Foundation currently focuses on reading, writing and the arts, with plans to expand into sewing and fashion as well as culinary and grooming. At the awards ceremony, finalists were presented with certificates of participation.

Winner Houd Fadilla Lillian received a GHS5,000 cash prize, a MacBook and stationery.

First runner-up Christiana Boamah Donkor received GHS3,000 and stationery, while second runner-up Lois Saneka Kombat received GHS2,000 and stationery.

Skrive Foundation plans to launch Skrive Designs as a 2027 project focused on sewing, fashion, design and textile art.

Organisers said details of the project would be published on the organisation’s website by December 2026.

Skrive Foundation is a non-governmental organisation that promotes arts and literacy among young people.