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PenCom commits N241bn pension capital to infrastructure

The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has said the pension industry has committed ?241 billion to mobilise long-term capital for infrastructure development, with the amount expected to rise to nearly ?300 billion as additional commitments come in.

PenCom Director-General, Omolola Oloworaran, disclosed this on Thursday at a press briefing following the commission’s meeting, saying the commitment represented the first major step in efforts to channel pension funds into infrastructure projects capable of delivering long-term returns to contributors.

She said the initiative was being implemented through the Pension Industry Infrastructure Consortium, established in partnership with FSD Africa, with the first tranche of funds expected to be deployed by the second quarter of 2027.

According to her, the industry is working towards completing the necessary processes, including the signing of a memorandum of understanding with FSD Africa and the appointment of a fund manager.

‘The pension industry has committed a total of ?241 billion, and we expect that to touch almost ?300 billion very soon, as soon as we get all the commitments in,’ Oloworaran said.

She added that the commission had set a timeline for concluding the process, with the first deployment targeted for the second quarter of 2027.

‘This is just the first step we are taking as an industry, and this is just the beginning, because this is a sector we are committed to,’ she said.

The PenCom boss stressed that the ?241 billion was a commitment and not yet an investment, noting that discussions were ongoing with other development partners who could potentially match the amount committed by the pension industry.

She said the specific infrastructure projects to receive the funds had not been determined, as the process was still at the mobilisation and structuring stage.

‘We haven’t invested any money just yet. This is just a commitment in terms of what the industry will do,’ she said.

Oloworaran explained that infrastructure investments were attractive to pension funds because of their long-term nature and potential to provide returns that could serve as a hedge against inflation.

She, however, stressed that PenCom would not compel Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) to invest in specific projects, as investment decisions remained subject to the interests of pension contributors and applicable regulatory requirements.

‘It’s out of the free will of everyone to look at what is in the best interest of contributors who they need to deliver the best outcomes to, and then on that basis take their decision,’ she said.

The commission also approved an independent global benchmark maturity assessment for the pension industry as part of efforts to align its operations with international standards and best practices.

Oloworaran said PenCom was also working with industry stakeholders on a Pensions 2030 Transformation Agenda, designed to consolidate ongoing reforms and establish a longer-term vision for the industry.

She said the agenda remained at the conceptual stage, with further engagements planned with regulators, development partners and other stakeholders before its formalisation.

On the government’s outstanding pension obligations, Oloworaran said an enrolment exercise was ongoing for employees who were in service before 2004 to enable the government to determine the number of affected workers and the financial value of its obligations.

She said the exercise would provide the basis for funding the outstanding obligations and enabling affected Retirement Savings Account holders to begin earning returns on their funds ahead of retirement.

Shettima to Diaspora: Nigeria has crossed the Rubicon, now on path of sustained growth

Vice President Kashim Shettima has declared that Nigeria has crossed a critical threshold in its economic reforms and is now on the path of sustained growth, urging Nigerians in the diaspora to support the transformation programme of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Shettima said the administration’s reforms were already producing tangible results, citing the growth of the country’s foreign reserves to more than $55 billion, improvements in the foreign exchange market and a 4.45 per cent expansion of the economy in the last quarter.

The Vice President spoke on Wednesday during an interactive session with Nigerians in the United States at Nigeria House in New York, on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

He told the gathering that despite challenges confronting the country, the Tinubu administration was working to reposition the economy, particularly in education, healthcare, science and technology and agriculture, while creating an environment capable of attracting investment.

In a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said, ‘Rest assured that beyond the negative stories that you hear and see in the social media, Nigeria is open for business. We have crossed the Rubicon, and we are on the path of sustained growth’.

He called on Nigerians abroad to play a more active role in the country’s development, describing the diaspora’s knowledge, expertise, and intellectual capital as critical assets in Nigeria’s quest for economic transformation.

According to him, the administration intends to leverage the intellect of Nigerians abroad, which he described as ‘the greatest resource of the future.’

‘Citizens of our country have the capacity and intellect to harness our nation’s potential and take it to greater heights’, the Vice President added.

Shettima said President Tinubu had shown courage in confronting difficult economic problems from the start of his administration, rather than blaming previous governments for the situation he inherited.

‘When President Tinubu assumed office, he did not resort to trading blames and accusing his predecessor for the state of affairs of our nation. Rather, he took decisions that only a leader of courage and conviction would take’, he said.

The Vice President said the administration’s economic measures had helped raise foreign reserves from $3.9 billion to more than $55 billion, alongside improvements in the exchange rate and economic growth.

He maintained that improvements in foreign reserves and the foreign exchange market would better protect diaspora remittances and investments by Nigerians living abroad.

Shettima said the government was determined to redefine modern governance and position Nigeria to take advantage of emerging global economic opportunities, particularly as attention increasingly shifts towards Africa.

‘We are working day and night to reposition the Nigerian nation as investment confidence is returning to Nigeria, and the Dangote Refinery success story is a true manifestation in recent times,’ he said.

The Vice President also highlighted the administration’s interventions in education, saying more than 1.29 million students in tertiary institutions had accessed N125 billion through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund since the programme began.

On insecurity, Shettima acknowledged the challenges confronting the country but said the government was deploying available resources to tackle emerging threats, noting that security challenges were not peculiar to Nigeria.

He appealed to Nigerians, irrespective of their differences, to work towards building a united and prosperous country, insisting that national cohesion remained indispensable to development.

‘Whatever binds us together supersedes whatever divides us as a people’, the Vice President said.

Shettima is in New York representing President Tinubu and leading Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st UN General Assembly, where he is scheduled to deliver Nigeria’s national statement on Thursday (today).

Nigeria’s engagements at the gathering focus on national interest, reform of global institutions, sustainable development, peace and security, and a more equitable international economic order.

Those at the diaspora engagement included Governors Babagana Zulum of Borno State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, as well as Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele.

Also present were the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh; Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro; Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa; Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Chief Dele Alake; and Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.

Others included the Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite; Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Bunkure; Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim; Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Kayode Are; heads of government agencies and senior officials of Nigeria’s missions in the United States.

JUST IN: NECO releases 2026 SSCE results, records 64.7% drop in malpractice

The National Examinations Council has released the results of the 2026 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) Internal, with 804,948 candidates, representing 58.67 per cent, obtaining five credits and above, including English Language and Mathematics.

The results were released 63 days after the last examination paper was written.

NECO Registrar Prof. Dantani Wushishi announced the results at a press conference in Minna, Niger State, on Thursday.

Wushishi said 1,378,048 candidates registered for the examination, while 1,371,992 sat for the exercise, which commenced on June 15 and ended on July 23, 2026.

He disclosed that 1,162,118 candidates, representing 84.70 per cent, obtained five credits or above, regardless of their performance in English Language and Mathematics.

The registrar also announced a 64.74 per cent decline in examination malpractice, saying 1,406 candidates were involved in various forms of malpractice in 2026, compared with 3,878 recorded in 2025.

Wushishi thanked President Bola Tinubu for reappointing him for a second tenure as NECO registrar and the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, for his confidence in his leadership.

He also commended security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Department of State Services, for their vigilance, presence and support during the examination.

According to him, their efforts helped reinforce discipline, deter wrongdoing and protect the integrity of the examination.

Wushishi reassured stakeholders and the public that NECO would remain committed to its mandate and continue to uphold the integrity of its examinations.

Delta takes anti-drug campaign to schools

Delta State Government has urged secondary school students in the state to shun illicit drugs, resist peer pressure and make choices that will protect their education, health and future.

The call was made as the state government, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), took its Drug-Free Delta Campaign to schools in Ogwashi-Uku and Asaba.

The sensitisation programme, organised by the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, formed part of the second phase of the campaign, which is targeting select secondary and tertiary institutions across the three senatorial districts.

The campaign team, led by the bureau’s Director-General, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, visited Comprehensive College, Ogwashi-Uku, Okpanam High School and West End Mixed Secondary School, Asaba.

During interactive sessions, the students were educated on the dangers of substance abuse, the influence of peer pressure and the need to make responsible decisions.

Oghenesivbe urged the students not to allow experimentation or peer influence to derail their aspirations, stressing that choices made at a young age could have lasting consequences for their education and future careers.

He encouraged them to remain focused on their studies and aspire to positions of responsibility.

He cited accomplished Nigerians as examples of what could be achieved through discipline, commitment and education.

The programme also featured an anti-drug drama performed by students, portraying the effects of substance abuse on individuals, families and society.

Some participants received cash rewards for their performances.

The NDLEA Deputy State Commander, Mr. Silas Omobhude, educated the students on commonly abused substances and their associated dangers.

Omobhude warned the students against accepting food, drinks or other substances from strangers at social gatherings.

He cautioned that illicit substances could sometimes be introduced into refreshments.

He also urged them to remain vigilant against peer pressure and avoid environments that could expose them to drug use.

The school authorities commended the state government and the NDLEA for taking the campaign directly to students.

They said the interactive approach enabled the young people to receive professional guidance and ask questions about issues affecting them.

The exercise ended with the students joining the campaign team in an anti-drug chant promoting healthy living, education and responsible choices.

Lifting 100m out of poverty: FG extends NPRGS scheme to South-West

The Federal Government has intensified its drive to eradicate poverty nationwide, calling on state governments, traditional rulers, community leaders, and the private sector to collaborate under the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS).

The NPRGS is a flagship presidential initiative designed to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty within 10 years through sustainable economic growth, targeted social protection, and practical skills acquisition.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education (TVEE), Dr Abiola Arogundade, announced the scheme’s national expansion in a statement in Abuja on Thursday, with the South-West zonal phase kicking off in Oyo State.

Highlighting the vision behind the initiative, Arogundade described the NPRGS as a cornerstone of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasising the administration’s belief in the potential of young Nigerians.

‘Nigerian youths are not the problem facing the country, but the solution to its challenges,’ Arogundade stated.

Recounting the success of the initial rollout, the presidential aide recalled that the NPRGS launched its pioneer cohort in Abuja on June 30, 2025, with intensive training in cybersecurity, web development, and solar energy installation.

According to her, the Abuja phase alone attracted over 7,000 applications, demonstrating overwhelming public demand for technical and vocational empowerment.

‘Participants who arrived sceptical left with practical, marketable skills, having built their first websites and gained an understanding of digital security fundamentals, with graduates receiving laptops and certificates of completion,’ she added, describing the pioneer phase as a resounding success.

Building on that momentum, the NPRGS is expanding across all six geopolitical zones. Each zone is set to host 200 trainees in sessions lasting up to two weeks, bringing the total number of beneficiaries under this initial nationwide phase to 1,200 youths.

To maximise local impact, the skills offered in each state are tailored to meet regional market demand and trainee preferences. For the South-West zone, training in Oyo State is scheduled to begin on September 28, 2026, focusing on graphics/artificial intelligence (AI) design, make-up, fashion design, and agricultural processing (yoghurt making).

To ensure immediate self-reliance after training, every participant will receive starter tools to launch their businesses.

Dr Arogundade reiterated that the core objectives of the NPRGS extend beyond simple skill acquisition-they aim to significantly reduce unemployment, promote entrepreneurship, and drive the national mandate of lifting 100 million citizens out of poverty over the next decade.

She then urged state leadership to embrace the initiative actively as the Federal Government brings the scheme to every zone in the country.

Eburu Iba commends Tinubu on by-election victory

The Eburu of Iba, Oba Prof. Adekunle Adeogun Okunoye, has praised President Bola Tinubu for the victory his All Progressives Congress (APC) recorded in the by-elections held last weekend in five constituencies across Gombe, Kano, Bauchi, and Delta states.

Oba Okunoye, a Professor of Business Analytics and Information Systems at Xavier University, Ohio, USA, stated that the results indicated acceptance of Tinubu and pointed to the victory awaiting him in the scheduled presidential elections in January 2027. He added that the president has since taken the country out of the woods and set the nation on the right track for real growth.

The traditional ruler, the current Pro-chancellor of Atiba University, Oyo, urged all Nigerians to be understanding and patient, saying no gain can be achieved without pain.

He appreciated the sacrifices Nigerians make due to the administration’s ongoing economic reforms and admonished them to see the bigger picture of the policies ultimately.

‘We need to know that it takes sacrifice and patriotism to reap the dividends of these reforms embarked upon by the administration in the past three years. I am positive that Mr President would not let Nigerians down because he has demonstrated capacity which reflects his full grasp of the situation,’ he said.

Oba Okunoye expressed dismay at the low voter turnout usually recorded at elections despite a series of awareness campaigns by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and advocacy bodies, lamenting that minorities choose the nation’s leadership at every election. However, he acknowledged INEC’s constraints in sensitising and mobilising voters, noting that most of its efforts are usually channelled to urban areas.

‘Also, the reach of the campaigns by these bodies is not wide, and the effort has not been able to significantly affect voter turnout in the rural communities, especially among youth of voting age and women demography. Government interest in civic education, especially on voting, is very low and mostly in the form of radio campaigns and television programs, which are usually out of reach of most residents of small towns and rural areas,’ he revealed.

The traditional ruler also said that after carefully analysing voting rates since 1999, results have averaged below 50 per cent, implying that only a minority of the populace votes and chooses representatives in government, while the majority sits back and criticises officials elected by that minority.

‘Maybe, if our representatives were elected by a majority, the best would have emerged with better representation, services and governance,’ he noted.

Oba Okunoye emphasised that elections are not free and fair without full citizen participation, calling on relevant bodies to focus on getting more people to exercise their franchise and challenging traditional and community leaders to rise up and be more active participants in the democratic process.

‘Addressing voters’ apathy at the community level can increase the voting rate, and that falls squarely under what community leaders can do successfully. We remain the most plausible solution to many of our socio-political challenges, but unfortunately, a lack of adequate resources is significantly limiting us,’ he said.

Ogun begins disbursement of N6bn fund to 3,855 women groups

The Ogun State Government has commenced the disbursement of a N6 billion Community Investment Fund (CIF) to 3,855 women groups across four local government areas to boost women-led businesses and improve household livelihoods.

The intervention, being implemented in partnership with the Federal Government and the World Bank under the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up (NFWP-SU), is designed to expand women’s access to finance, strengthen economic resilience and promote sustainable livelihoods.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Ijebu-Ode, Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by the immediate past Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye, said the fund would help women transform subsistence activities into sustainable enterprises.

He said the initiative was part of his administration’s efforts to empower women, strengthen families and expand opportunities for economic growth.

‘Today, we gather not merely to mark the disbursement of a fund, but to celebrate another important step in our deliberate journey of empowering women, strengthening families and expanding opportunities for sustainable livelihoods,’ the governor said.

Abiodun disclosed that the beneficiary Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) had collectively saved N2.6 billion in seven months, while loans accessed through the groups exceeded N4 billion.

He said the figures demonstrated the financial discipline, trust and commitment developed by the groups, adding that beneficiaries had met programme requirements, including regular participation, savings, internal lending, opening of bank accounts and preparation of Micro-Investment Plans.

The governor, however, clarified that the N6 billion fund was not an outright grant but a sustainable revolving financing facility designed to provide capital for establishing and expanding businesses, generating income and employment, and improving household welfare.

‘These figures are more than statistics; they are compelling evidence of the financial discipline, trust, commitment and readiness that the Women Affinity Groups have developed under the programme,’ he said.

Abiodun said the intervention built on the Nigeria for Women Project, which commenced in Ogun in December 2020 following an agreement between the World Bank and the Federal Government in 2018.

He said the parent project established 3,792 WAGs across 1,003 communities in Odeda, Ikenne, Ijebu North East and Yewa North, while 368 ward facilitators were trained and deployed.

The project also provided individual grants to 67,094 women in April 2022, he added.

According to him, the scale-up phase has expanded to seven local government areas – Ifo, Ado-Odo/Ota, Ijebu-Ode, Sagamu, Abeokuta North, Ipokia and Remo North – with 5,394 WAGs formed and 124,062 women reached as of September 21, 2026.

The programme, he said, has covered 3,489 communities, with 664 trained ward facilitators, while about 26 states have visited Ogun to understudy its implementation model.

The World Bank, he added, had adopted the state as a training hub for the programme.

Abiodun said the WAG model extended beyond access to finance to include financial literacy, savings, responsible borrowing, collective accountability, entrepreneurial skills, gender awareness and life skills.

It also provides opportunities for health insurance, climate adaptation, strategic partnerships and National Identification Number enrolment.

‘In other words, the programme is building not only businesses, but knowledgeable, financially disciplined and economically resilient women,’ he said.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing the policy support and institutional collaboration required to sustain the intervention, while appreciating the World Bank, the Federal Project Coordinating Unit and other partners for their contributions.

Also speaking, the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, represented by her Special Assistant on Technical Management, Princess Jummaih Idonije, described the initiative as a strategic economic intervention aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

She said expanding women’s economic opportunities was central to inclusive national development.

The minister commended Ogun State for its leadership in the programme and urged beneficiaries to serve as models for other women groups across participating local government areas.

The World Bank Task Team Manager, Michael Ilesanmi, said the programme was helping to bridge financial access gaps for women while strengthening their capacity to withstand economic pressures.

Similarly, the Commissioner for Finance and Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor, Dapo Okubadejo, said the intervention underscored the importance of investing deliberately in women, who contribute significantly to the economy as traders, farmers, processors, artisans, entrepreneurs and community builders.

Okubadejo, who chairs the programme’s Multi-Sectoral Committee, was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Adebimpe Obienu.

He commended the World Bank, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, community leaders and other stakeholders for supporting the programme’s implementation.

Some beneficiaries, including Oyesanya Omotoke of Irede WAG in Sagamu, Ayomide Ogunleye of Ifeoluwa WAG in Ijebu-Ode, and Adesola Teriba, chairperson of Success WAG in Abeokuta North, expressed appreciation for the intervention.

They said the fund would help strengthen their businesses and improve their livelihoods, while the WAG model had encouraged savings, internal lending, financial discipline and collective responsibility.

The beneficiaries pledged to deploy the funds to productive economic activities, sustain accountability and ensure the intervention translated into stronger businesses, higher household incomes and improved livelihoods for their families and communities.

The most popular table games around the world

Casino table games have entertained players for generations, and their appeal has spread well beyond the traditional casino floor. From the spinning roulette wheel to the familiar cards of blackjack, different games have developed their own following across countries and cultures. While the experience can vary from one market to another, several table games continue to stand out.

Blackjack is an all-time favourite casino game because of its straightforward rules and the strategic choices players can make during each hand. The basic aim is to get as close to 21 as possible without going over, while beating the dealer’s hand. Players can decide whether to take another card, stand, double down or split, which adds a layer of skill and involvement to the game.

Roulette is another classic that needs little introduction. Players watch a ball travel around a numbered wheel before landing in a pocket. There are several ways to place a bet, including choosing a single number, a colour or a particular section of the wheel. European and American versions are widely recognised, with the American wheel featuring both a single zero and a double zero, offering different betting strategies.

Craps brings something different to the table. Based around the roll of two dice, it can become one of the liveliest games in a casino. One player acts as the shooter while other players can place bets on the result. Its wide range of betting options, including pass and don’t pass wagers, invites players to explore different ways to enjoy the game, making it welcoming for newcomers and seasoned players alike.

Poker holds a special place in the casino world because players can compete against each other rather than just playing against the house. Numerous versions exist, including Texas Hold’em and Omaha, where players aim to build the strongest hand under the game’s rules. Multiple betting rounds add excitement, and tournaments can bring players from around the world together for competitive play.

Baccarat is another longstanding table game, with Punto Banco being a particularly familiar version. The objective is to get as close to nine as possible and beat the opposing hand. Players generally bet on the Player, Banker or a tie, while the cards are dealt according to established rules. Its relatively simple structure has helped it become a familiar part of casino gaming in different markets.

Plenty of poker-style table games also offer something slightly different. Three Card Poker puts the player against the dealer and uses three-card hands, making it a faster alternative to games involving several opponents. Pai Gow has its roots in Ancient China and has developed into a card game where players arrange seven cards into two poker hands.

Three Card Rummy provides another variation, with players aiming to have fewer points than the dealer. Let’Em Ride is also based around poker-style hands, with players starting with three cards and having further opportunities to bet as the remaining cards are revealed.

What makes these games so enduring is the variety they offer. Some rely heavily on chance, while others require decisions or involve competing against other players. They are also available in both physical casinos and online formats, making traditional table games accessible in different ways.

Even though the games themselves have remained familiar, the way people experience them continues to change. Online platforms have brought established favourites to new audiences, while live versions recreate elements of the traditional casino environment, offering fresh ways to enjoy classic games and stay connected to the casino atmosphere.

Ultimately, no single table game appeals to everyone. Blackjack, roulette, craps, poker, baccarat and the many other variations each offer something different. Their continued presence worldwide shows that classic casino games can adapt to changing audiences while keeping the basic appeal that made them popular in the first place.

England continue white-ball dominance of Sri Lanka

DURHAM: England produced a commanding all-round performance, riding on Will Jacks’ all-round brilliance, to defeat Sri Lanka by 89 runs in the series-opening ODI at Chester-le-Street here on Tuesday.

After winning the toss and opting to bat first, England were bowled out for 265 in 48.1 overs, with Jacks contributing an unbeaten 46 off 47 balls (5 fours) after Harry Brook’s half-century. Jacks then ran through Sri Lanka’s middle and lower order with a fifer to deny them a shot at recovery, keeping them to 176 in reply.

Captain Harry Brook spearheaded the innings with a top score of 67 off 69 deliveries (7 fours). He was well supported by Jacks, who crafted a fluent 46 not-out, and veteran batsman Joe Root, who contributed a vital 44. Root’s knock was particularly historic, as he crossed the landmark milestone of 23,000 international runs across all formats. Key contributions also came from opener Ben Duckett, who struck 32, and Jos Buttler, who added a steady 31 to help build a defendable total, if not an overly commanding one.

Sri Lanka’s bowling attack worked tirelessly to keep the host side in check, and all five bowlers deployed got on the board. Debutant leg-spinner Sachindu Colombage delivered an impressive spell, taking 3/44. Fast bowler Asitha Fernando also impressed with 3/53, while Dilshan Madushanka, Dushmantha Chameera, and Dunith Wellalage claimed a wicket apiece to prevent England from batting through their allotted overs.

Chasing 266 for victory, Sri Lanka struggled to stitch partnerships and were eventually dismissed for 176 in 37 overs. Opener Pathum Nissanka reached the milestone of 3,000 ODI runs en route to his 37-ball 27. Kusal Mendis provided middle-order resistance with a solid 42, while Dunith Wellalage launched a spirited late counter-attack, top-scoring for the visitors with a quickfire 45 off just 36 balls (5 fours, 2 sixes). However, the rest of the Sri Lankan batting lineup failed to cope with the sustained pressure applied by England’s attack.

The star performer of the match was undoubtedly Jacks, who earned Player of the Match honours for his equally crucial contribution with the ball. He tore through Sri Lanka’s lower order to record his maiden five-wicket haul in ODI cricket, finishing with magnificent figures of 5/22 in seven overs. That said, it was Jamie Overton’s twin strikes in quick succession that triggered a late collapse for Sri Lanka. Wellalage’s fight back could only take the visitors as far as 176 in the face of regular wickets from a once comfortable position of 84/2 in the 20th over.

The second ODI of the three-match series takes place at Headingley, Leeds today.

Scores:

England 265 (48.1) (Ben Duckett 32, Joe Root 44, Harry Brook 67, Jos Buttler 31, Will Jacks 46*, Asitha Fernando 3/53, Sachindu Colombage 3/44) beat Sri Lanka 176 (37) (Pathum Nissanka 27, Kusal Mendis 42, Dunith Wellalage 45, Jamie Overton 2/21, Will Jacks 5/22)

Ethiopian Airlines adds PH route, more frequencies to Lagos, Kano

To boost air connectivity, Ethiopian Airlines has strengthened its presence in Nigeria with increased flight frequencies and the introduction of a new service to Port Harcourt.

Under the expansion, Ethiopian Airlines has increased its Lagos operation to 21 weekly flights, offering up to three daily services, while also increasing frequencies to Kano by four, bringing the total to 11 flights a week.

The airline will additionally commence four weekly flights to Port Harcourt, complementing its existing services to Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Enugu. With the PH flight, ET would be operating 53 weekly flights to Nigeria.

Speaking on the expansion, Firiehiwot Mekonnen, General Manager of Ethiopian Airlines in Nigeria, said the increased capacity reflects the airline’s confidence in Nigeria’s aviation market and its wider economic potential.

‘Nigeria remains a very important market for Ethiopian Airlines. By increasing our frequencies and adding Port Harcourt, we are giving passengers more flexibility, greater seat availability, better connectivity, and access to more attractive and competitive fares,’ Mekonnen said.

She further explained that the expansion goes beyond passenger convenience and will contribute to Nigeria’s tourism, trade, investment, and employment while creating additional business opportunities for local service providers.

‘Every additional flight creates economic activity. It means more business for Nigerian ground handling companies, airports, travel agencies, hotels, transport providers, catering, and other local service providers, while also creating direct and indirect employment opportunities,’ she explained.

Mekonnen also highlighted Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to supporting Nigeria’s inbound tourism, using its extensive global network to connect international visitors to the country.

‘Our objective is not only to connect Nigerians to the world, but also to bring more of the world to Nigeria. Better air connectivity can support tourism, facilitate trade and investment, and contribute to Nigeria’s wider economic growth.’

Mekonnen expressed appreciation to the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, airport authorities, and other stakeholders for their continued support.