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Asian Games: Nesthy Petecio powers into boxing quarterfinals

Nesthy Petecio flaunted her power to advance to the Asian Games women’s boxing 60-kilogram quarterfinals after forcing a referee stoppage against Jordan’s Mays Alreem Abukhadijah Saturday at Nishio Gymnasium.

Petecio landed two solid left hooks on Abukhadijah before the referee stopped the contest with 1:51 remaining in the second round.

The Filipino Olympic boxer won the first round unanimously, with all five judges scoring it 10-9.

Petecio takes on China’s Chengyu Yang in the quarterfinal on Monday.

The 34-year-old boxer, who has won Olympic silver and bronze medals, is seeking redemption at the Asian Games after exiting in the round of 16 at the Hangzhou edition three years ago in the 57-kg division.

Carlo Paalam and Junmilardo Ogayre are also quarterfinal bound in their respective weight classes.

NFA ready to acquire 500,000 tons of wet-season palay

The National Food Authority (NFA) is optimistic about buying up to 500,000 metric tons (MT) of palay (unmilled rice) during the wet harvest season amid the El Niño, to bolster its inventory.

However, NFA Administrator Larry Lacson said in a press briefing on Friday the agency would fall short of achieving its full-year palay procurement target of 790,000 MT for 2026 in case of a severe El Niño.

‘Everything they (farmers) sell to me, as long as it’s clean and dry, I can absorb up to 500,000 metric tons,’ Lacson told reporters on the sidelines of the NFA’s 54th anniversary celebration.

Lacson said the NFA has P11 billion left in palay procurement funds for this year, while the Department of Agriculture (DA) has committed an additional P10 billion in standby funds if more money is needed to purchase locally produced palay.

The NFA chief said they have expanded its storage capacity by freeing up as much warehouse storage as possible, allowing it to accommodate more freshly harvested palay during the harvest season.

Lacson also said the NFA has leased another 65 warehouses to accommodate about 200,000 MT of palay to avoid encountering previous problems when it could no longer buy farmers’ harvest due to warehouses reaching full storage capacity.

Cholera outbreak claims two at Kano custodial centre

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has confirmed that the cholera outbreak at the Kurmawa Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kano State has been contained.

The Service, however, said two inmates died from the outbreak, with one death recorded at the custodial centre and the other at the Kano State Infectious Diseases Hospital.

The NCoS Public Relations Officer, Jane Osuji, said the outbreak was confirmed through laboratory investigation on September 23 by the Service’s medical team and Kano State public health authorities.

She said the incident was first detected on September 17 when an inmate presented with vomiting and diarrhoea and was immediately admitted and treated at the centre’s medical facility.

According to her, the medical team activated emergency protocols the following morning while intensifying treatment, monitoring and other interventions.

Osuji said the measures brought the outbreak under control, adding that no further deaths had been recorded since the diagnosis.

She said the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, directed that all necessary measures be sustained to protect the health and welfare of inmates and personnel.

The NCoS spokesperson expressed regret over the deaths and said the Controller-General had extended his condolences to the families of the deceased.

She said the Service had introduced additional preventive measures in collaboration with the Kano State Government to prevent future occurrences.

‘The Nigerian Correctional Service wishes to reassure the public that healthcare services remain available across custodial facilities through qualified medical personnel, while continuous disease surveillance, early detection and prompt medical response are being strengthened in collaboration with relevant public health authorities,’ Osuji said.

She added that Nwakuche had directed a team of senior medical personnel from the Service’s National Headquarters to proceed to the facility for sustained monitoring.

The Controller-General, according to Osuji, reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to treating persons in custody humanely and protecting their health, dignity and welfare in line with the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, and established correctional standards.

Groups to DOE chief: Quit over Visayas power woes

Consumer, labor and climate groups have called for the resignation of Energy Secretary Sharon Garin as the Visayas power crisis dragged on its fifth month.

The call, made in a press conference here on Thursday, came six months after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a national energy emergency on March 24, with groups under the Power for People Coalition (P4P) saying the government has failed to stop recurring rotational brownouts and rising electricity costs.

Since May, the region, which faced persistent power interruptions such as rotational brownouts, has already recorded 43 red alerts and 107 yellow alerts.

Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, president of Caritas Philippines and prelate of San Carlos in Negros Occidental, said reliable electricity is essential to communities and called on the government to uphold accountability in the power sector.

‘The government has yet to respond to that call. They must fulfill their mandate of genuine public service through affordable, clean and community-centered energy, and through upholding accountability,’ Alminaza said.

P4P campaigner Krishna Ariola said the DOE’s response to the emergency over the past six months had failed to provide lasting relief, noting that this prompted the call for Garin’s resignation.

‘Ordinary Filipinos are affected, including the ordinary workers, our businessmen, especially the small business owners,’ Ariola said.

The groups called for an investigation into generating companies over possible fraud and market manipulation, allegations they said should be examined to determine whether repeated plant outages are contributing to higher electricity prices.

The DOE has acknowledged that inadequate generation, rather than problems among local distribution utilities, is behind the current Visayas supply crunch.

Coal reliance

For P4P, however, the recurring outages is the result of the Visayas’ continued dependence on coal-fired generation.

Ariola cited a 2024 study by the Center for Energy, Ecology and Development that attributed 51 percent of power plant outages nationwide to coal plants and another 19 percent to gas plants.

She argued that the repeated breakdowns challenge the premise that coal-fired plants provide a more reliable source of baseload power than renewable energy.

The coalition also called for stronger accountability for generating companies, reforms in the power sector and a faster shift toward renewable energy.

Meanwhile, the Cebu City Council has also stepped up pressure on energy regulators and power companies to address the worsening supply situation.

Dangote IPO: Hayab urges Christians to invest, says ‘business has no religion’

Chairman of the Northern Christian Association (NCA), Rev. Joseph John Hayab, has urged Christians to participate in the ongoing Dangote Petroleum Refinery Initial Public Offering (IPO), saying religious considerations should not deter them from investing.

Speaking at a media parley in Kaduna, Hayab said Christians should view the public offer as a business and investment opportunity, rather than through a religious lens.

‘Business has no religion. What Dangote is selling is not Islam; Dangote is selling shares. Shares bring money,’ he said.

He was responding to concerns that some northern Christians were hesitant to participate in the offer because of the promoter’s religious identity and uncertainty about investment opportunities.

Hayab said responsible Christian leaders should encourage their members to invest, arguing that owning shares could help families and future generations build wealth.

‘If I have my way, just as they are advertising, every Christian should have 10 shares,’ he said.

He gave an example of how collective participation could increase ownership, saying that if one million Christians bought 10,000 shares each, they would collectively own one billion shares.

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery public offer comprises 4.1 billion ordinary shares at ?525 per share, with a minimum subscription of 10 shares, valued at ?5,250. The offer opened on September 14 and is scheduled to close on October 13, 2026.

Hayab said investment should not be viewed only as a means of making immediate returns, but also as a way of securing the future of children and families.

‘Buy it for your son. Buy it for your grandchildren. Buy it for the future of their education,’ he said.

He also called on Christians to develop a stronger culture of investment, arguing that excessive dependence on salaries limits the ability of individuals and institutions to build sustainable wealth.

According to him, greater investment by church members could also strengthen churches’ financial capacity.

‘The reason why our offering is poor in many of our churches is that we are not investing,’ Hayab said, adding that many church members rely mainly on salaries.

He said Nigerians should seek to have a stake in businesses operating in the country, arguing that broader domestic ownership would contribute to economic development.

‘The economy of Nigeria will grow faster if all Nigerians have a stake in the investment that is in Nigeria,’ he said.

Hayab further said his position was not limited to Dangote, stressing that Christians should be open to other legitimate investment opportunities.

He disclosed that, as chairman of the Northern Christian Association, he had directed people to raise awareness about the Dangote offer in their churches.

‘We started that last Sunday, and we’ll do that this Sunday, and we’ll continue to do so until the 13th when it is over,’ he said.

He also appealed for consideration of an extension of the offer period, saying publicity about the IPO was only beginning to gain wider attention.

Hayab said the Dangote business should be viewed separately from politics, noting that political administrations could change while businesses could continue operating.

‘Today we have Tinubu as president, tomorrow we’ll have another person as president, but we will be having Dangote business all through,’ he said.

The NCA leader also appealed to northern Christians to participate in businesses owned by entrepreneurs from the region, noting that Dangote is from the North.

His comments come amid broader public discussions about participation in the Dangote Refinery IPO. The official IPO information states that investing in shares carries risk, that share values can rise or fall, and that dividends are not guaranteed.

Florence Ajimobi’s sweet-sour experience

For former Oyo State First Lady, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, the presentation of her letters of credence to the President of Austria, Dr Alexander Van der Bellen, was undoubtedly a moment of immense pride, but the occasion also came with a poignant reminder of the loved ones she wished could have been there to share it with her.

Recently appointed as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Austria, Ajimobi formally presented her letters of credence to the Austrian President, marking another significant milestone in a journey that has taken her from the Government House in Ibadan to the diplomatic world.

Yet, beneath the official photographs, ceremonial protocol and excitement that accompanied the historic moment was an emotional reflection on the two people she deeply wished could have witnessed it, her late husband, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, and their first child, Abisola.

Reflecting on the occasion, the former First Lady expressed her regret that both were not alive to witness what she described as a proud moment in her life. Their absence, she noted, made an otherwise joyous occasion bittersweet.

For Florence, the moment was therefore one of contrasting emotions, celebration on one hand and remembrance on the other. The achievement offered an opportunity to reflect on her journey, while the absence of her husband and daughter served as a reminder of the personal losses that have shaped her life in recent years.

Senator Abiola Ajimobi, who served as Oyo State governor from 2011 to 2019, died in 2020 after a brief illness, while their daughter, Abisola, also passed away some years after.

The new ambassador has, however, continued to forge ahead, carrying with her the memories and values of her family as she takes on her latest national assignment.

As she begins her diplomatic tour of duty in Austria, the presentation of her credentials will remain a defining moment, one that brought pride, fulfilment and a sense of accomplishment, even as she quietly wished that two of her most cherished loved ones could have stood beside her to witness it.

Worried about rabies

My neighbour’s dog recently licked my ten year old son on the face while he was playing with the dog. Even though my neighbour said he vaccinated his dog, I am still worried if my son could have caught Rabies. Kindly advise me on this.

Salam (by SMS)

Rabies transmission typically requires direct contact with saliva through bites or open wounds. Indirect exposure via a vaccinated pet that only licked intact skin or micro cuts is very unlikely to transmit rabies. Since your neighbour’s dog is vaccinated and your son did not have any open wound on the face, you really have nothing to worry about.

However, you should monitor for any unusual symptoms and consult a doctor if your son develops redness, swelling, or pain. Keeping pets vaccinated remains key to prevention.

Production costs, visibility challenges threaten emerging artists – Blulyt

Emerging African artist Nonofang Disetlhe, known as Blulyt, has identified production costs, audience discovery and the pressure to remain visible as some of the challenges confronting her as she builds a career in the music industry.

According to the singer, the financial demands of producing music at a high level could be significant, while artists also have to work continuously to ensure their music reaches the right audience.

‘Producing music at a high level requires serious investment, and then there’s the challenge of getting the music heard by the right people. There’s also the pressure to constantly create content and stay visible across platforms, which can sometimes take you away from the actual creative process.’

Despite the challenges, Blulyt said she remained grateful for the support of her team and Pond Entertainment.

‘But I’m grateful for my team and everyone at Pond Entertainment for continuing to support and push me’, she added.

She said the growing global interest in African music presented significant opportunities for emerging artists, although the increasing competition meant that artists had to remain deliberate and authentic.

She continued, ‘There are so many opportunities because African music is reaching more people globally, and there are more platforms for artists to express themselves. At the same time, the competition is intense, so you have to be intentional, consistent, and authentic.’

For Blulyt, the immediate opportunity lies in introducing her music and identity to a wider audience without compromising the qualities that distinguish her.

‘For me, the opportunity is to introduce Blulyt to more people while staying true to what makes me different’, she said.

Looking ahead, she said her ambition extended beyond becoming a successful recording artist, with plans to establish a global African entertainment brand.

‘I see Blulyt performing on major stages, working with incredible artists and creatives, and reaching audiences across Africa and beyond. I want to build a global African brand that people recognise for great music, strong performances and creativity.’

She also plans to continue developing her abilities across different areas of entertainment.

‘I also want to continue growing across music, dance, acting and other forms of entertainment because that multidimensionality is a big part of who I am.’

Beyond commercial success, Blulyt said she would consider her journey meaningful if her story and music inspired others to believe in themselves.

‘If I’m able to inspire people to believe in themselves, chase their dreams, and understand that they can become more than what their circumstances suggest, I’ll consider that success.’

She added that she wanted her story to become a source of inspiration for future generations.

Two die as cholera hits Kano correctional facility

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has contained a cholera outbreak at the Kurmawa Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kano State, following the activation of emergency medical measures at the facility.

The Service Public Relations Officer, Jane Osuji, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Saturday.

According to Osuji, laboratory tests conducted by the NCoS medical team in conjunction with state public health authorities confirmed the outbreak on Sept. 23.

She said the first case was identified on Sept. 17 after an inmate developed vomiting and diarrhoea and was admitted to the custodial centre’s medical facility for treatment.

‘By the next morning, the medical team activated emergency medical protocols while intensifying medical intervention and monitoring,’ she said.

Osuji said the measures taken by the service and health authorities had successfully brought the situation under control, adding that no further death had been recorded since the outbreak was diagnosed.

She, however, disclosed that two inmates died during the incident, with one death occurring at the custodial centre and the other at the state infectious diseases hospital.

The NCoS spokesperson said the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, was promptly informed of the development and directed that all necessary measures be maintained to safeguard the health and welfare of inmates and personnel.

Nwakuche also expressed condolences over the deaths and ordered the implementation of additional preventive measures in collaboration with the Kano State Government.

As part of efforts to prevent further spread of the disease, the controller-general directed that disease surveillance, early detection and prompt medical intervention be strengthened across custodial centres nationwide in partnership with relevant public health authorities.

He also ordered senior medical personnel from the service’s national headquarters to proceed to the affected facility to monitor the situation.

Nwakuche said qualified medical personnel continued to provide healthcare services in custodial facilities across the country.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the service to ensuring humane treatment of persons in custody and protecting their health, dignity and welfare in accordance with the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, and established correctional standards.

The controller-general urged members of the public to obtain information about the outbreak from verified official channels, saying the service would provide further updates when necessary.

’Queenie’ keeps strength, may become typhoon as it exits PAR Sunday

Severe Tropical Storm Queenie (international name: Surigae) maintained its strength as it decelerated while moving over the Philippine Sea, PAGASA said Saturday morning.

In its 5 a.m. bulletin on Saturday, September 26, the state weather bureau said Queenie was carrying maximum sustained winds of 95 kilometers per hour near the center, with gusts of up to 115 kph.

It is moving northwestward at 15 kph.

The center of Queenie was estimated at 600 kilometers east of Itbayat, Batanes.

PAGASA said strong to storm-force winds extend outward up to 280 kilometers from Queenie’s center.

Queenie is unlikely to directly affect the country’s land areas throughout the forecast period.

Sea conditions

PAGASA said moderate seas of up to 2 meters are expected over the northern seaboard of Batanes in the next 24 hours.

Mariners of motorbancas and similarly sized vessels were advised to take precautionary measures while venturing out to sea and, if possible, avoid navigation under these conditions.

Other coastal waters are expected to have wave heights of less than 2 meters.

Track, intensity

Queenie will continue decelerating while moving north northwestward in the next 12 hours before turning north northeastward by Sunday morning, September 27.

On the forecast track, the center of Queenie is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility between Sunday afternoon and evening.

Outside the PAR, Queenie will accelerate northeastward toward the sea east of mainland Japan.

PAGASA said Queenie will likely intensify into a typhoon by Saturday evening or Sunday and strengthen further while moving over the sea south of the Okinawa Islands.

After reaching peak intensity, Queenie is expected to weaken by Monday, September 28.