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Cebu Safari crowned Mulao Fiesta League champions

The Cebu Safari basketball team trounced SandA Trading, 98-80, to capture the open division title in the Mulao Fiesta League 2026 on Sunday night, October 25, at the Barangay Mulao Gym in Liloan, Cebu.

Neon Chavez led Cebu Safari with 18 points, while Kenneth Brillo and Froilan Maglasang chipped in 15 points apiece for the team owned by Michel Lhuillier.

Zareygel Rosano added 10 points for Cebu Safari, which took control of the game with a 55-47 halftime lead.

Cebu Safari, mentored by coach Gary Cortes, sustained its momentum in the second half where it outscored SandA Trading, 43-33, to seal the convincing 18-point victory.

In the inter-barangay category, Cabadiangan defeated Lataban, 87-78, to clinch the championship.

The tournament was organized through the efforts of Mulao Barangay Captain Pedro ‘Junaz’ Azarcon Jr. and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Chairman Dave Tundag.

Why your data finishes quickly, MTN explains

MTN Nigeria has explained why many Nigerians use up their internet data faster than expected, blaming activities such as watching videos, automatic downloads, background applications and cloud backups.

Speaking at a forum tagged ‘Data on Trial’ in Abuja on Monday, held on the sidelines of the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit, MTN Nigeria’s General Manager of Network Performance, Mike Ndukwe, said the amount of data people use depends largely on their online activities and phone settings.

‘We’re not stealing your data. However, we completely understand how it feels, especially right now, where every amount counts. But the honest answer is that data is not taken without an action, either your action or your phone,’ he said.

Ndukwe explained that applications such as TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and WhatsApp could consume large amounts of data, depending on how people use them.

He said WhatsApp text messages generally consume little data. However, watching status updates, downloading videos and receiving media files automatically in group chats could make subscribers use up their data bundles quickly.

Ndukwe advised users to switch off automatic downloads to reduce data consumption.

‘If your WhatsApp is set on auto-download, straight away it hits your data bundle. And that is where you can optimise some of your settings,’ he said.

He disclosed that WhatsApp had about 45 million users in Nigeria, while TikTok was among the platforms generating significant internet traffic.

The Northwest Sales Manager of Xiaomi Nigeria, Kevin Kojode, also identified automatic software updates, cloud backups, background applications and unrestricted hotspot connections as factors that could cause data to run out quickly.

‘Today, users don’t just go online, they stay online,’ Kojode said.

Using a one-gigabyte data subscription as an example, he explained that software updates, cloud backups and other activities running in the background could consume data even when users were not actively downloading files.

Kojode advised subscribers to set their phones to download software updates only when connected to Wi-Fi, monitor their data usage and restrict hotspot access to prevent others from using their subscriptions without their knowledge.

He also recommended reducing video quality and using phone features that allow users to set data limits and track consumption.

Kojode said understanding smartphone settings and managing applications properly could help Nigerians make their data subscriptions last longer.

He also recommended reducing video quality and using phone features that allow users to set data limits and track consumption.

Kojode said understanding smartphone settings and managing applications properly could help Nigerians make their data subscriptions last longer.

We Did Not Cause Hardship – PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC for saying that the prevailing hardship in the country was caused by the opposition.

Speaking at the APC presidential campaign flag-off at the Kaduna Township Stadium on Saturday, President Tinubu said his government was working to eradicate the hardship caused by the opposition.

‘You created hunger and poverty,’ the President berated the opposition.

Meanwhile, reacting to the development, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, National Publicity Secretary of the PDP denied that the opposition especially the PDP was responsible for the hardship in the country, asking the APC to own up to its responsibility.

The PDP said it considered these statements as ‘attempts to evade responsibility and divert public attention from the pressing challenges facing the country under the APC-led administration.’

The PDP spokesman argued that rather than engaging in political blame games, the APC should explain what it intends to do to make ‘food affordable, support farmers, strengthen local food production, create jobs, improve security, fight corruption, improve electricity supply, reduce transportation costs, and restore the purchasing power of ordinary Nigerians, among other pressing concerns.’

‘We firmly reject any attempt to use the PDP’s sixteen years in government as a blanket justification for the shortcomings of the present administration.

‘After more than APC’s 10years in office, Nigerians deserve answers, not excuses. The APC must tell Nigerians what it has achieved, outline the concrete measures it is taking to address the country’s present day challenges, and demonstrate its commitment to improving the welfare of citizens rather than continually dragging the PDP into its own shortcomings.

‘The PDP maintains that the economic challenges confronting Nigeria cannot be resolved by repeatedly blaming previous PDP-led administrations. While historical circumstances may provide context, they cannot serve as a permanent shield against accountability.

‘Every administration must be judged by its policies, decisions, achievements, and, most importantly, the living conditions of the people it governs.’ the statement said.

PDP said Nigerians are demanding practical solutions, affordable food, economic stability, and improved security, not endless political arguments and blame shifting, adding that they remain confident that Nigerians will judge political parties by their records, policies, and commitment to the welfare of the people.

‘We believe that the growing desire among Nigerians for a return to PDP leadership reflects their yearning for better governance, improved living conditions, and a more secure and prosperous country.

‘The PDP is not responsible for the hunger Nigerians are experiencing today. The APC must own its record, address the nation’s challenges, and deliver on its promises to Nigerians. The government in power must answer for its stewardship and present a credible path towards economic recovery, food security, and a better standard of living for all Nigerians.’ PDP said.

FACT CHECK: No Evidence Tinubu Executed ?9trn Projects In Kano As Pakistan Claimed

Former Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Pakistan, says President Bola Tinubu deserves a second term because of projects executed by his administration and what he described as improvement in security.

Pakistan made the remarks in a recent interview with DCL Hausa, claiming that the Federal Government had executed projects worth more than ?9 trillion in Kano State.

He made claim to the provision of solar power systems to Northwest University, Kano, which he said cost ?6 billion, and another solar power system for Radio Kano, which he claimed cost ?2 billion.

He also said that the federal government provided the solar power systems despite Northwest University being owned by the Kano State Government.

He said he would continue to support Tinubu’s administration because he believed the president had demonstrated the capacity to govern and deserved another term to complete projects initiated by his government.

Pakistan also cited the Kaduna-Abuja highway, saying travellers had faced serious security challenges along the route in the past but that the situation had improved under Tinubu.

However, a review by Daily Trust Check of publicly available information, including the GovSpend platform, found no evidence to substantiate the claim that the Tinubu administration had executed projects worth ?9 trillion in Kano State.

The review also found no publicly available reports confirming the commissioning or inauguration of the specific solar power projects Pakistan cited at the stated costs.

What we found

The Federal Government, through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), earmarked ?70 billion for a mini-grid solar power project in selected tertiary institutions across the country.

President Tinubu approved the project under TETFund’s 2025 intervention cycle.

Speaking at TETFund’s first town hall meeting, the Chairman of its Board of Trustees, Aminu Bello Masari, said the initiative would provide renewable and sustainable energy to 12 selected institutions.

The institutions include Northwest University, Kano; Nigerian Army University, Biu, Borno State; Ambrose Alli University, Edo State; Alvan Ikoku University of Education, Owerri, Imo State; and Lagos State University.

Masari said the project was part of the president’s efforts to address persistent electricity supply challenges affecting teaching, research and innovation in tertiary institutions.

He said: ‘Mr. President is committed to solving the problem of erratic power supply, which remains one of the most critical constraints to teaching, research, and innovation. Therefore, the President approved the implementation of the Mini-Grid Solar Power Project under the 2025 Intervention Cycle, with an allocation of ?70 billion.’

Although the TETFund initiative confirms plans for a solar power project at Northwest University, Kano, the information reviewed does not establish that the institution received a solar power system costing ?6 billion, as claimed by Pakistan.

Similarly, the review found no evidence to confirm his claim that the Federal Government provided a solar power system for Radio Kano at a cost of ?2 billion.

The ?70 billion allocation covers a solar power initiative involving 12 institutions nationwide. It does not, by itself, substantiate the specific costs Pakistan attributed to the projects in Kano.

The review also found no evidence establishing that the Federal Government had executed projects worth more than ?9 trillion in the state.

The absence of publicly available records does not conclusively prove that no such projects exist. However, the claim remains unsupported by the evidence reviewed.

Verdict: Unverified.

Daily Trust Check found no verifiable evidence to substantiate the claim that President Tinubu’s administration had executed projects worth ?9 trillion in Kano State. While a Federal Government-backed solar power initiative involving Northwest University, Kano, has been announced, the available information does not confirm the specific project costs cited by Pakistan or establish the broader ?9 trillion claim.

Azerbaijan, Chinese companies discuss renewable energy and energy storage cooperation [PHOTOS]

Azerbaijan and Chinese companies have discussed opportunities for cooperation in renewable energy and battery energy storage systems (BESS).

The State Agency for Renewable Energy Sources under Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Energy announced the discussions.

According to the agency, Deputy Director Fagan Abdurahmanov and Senior Adviser Habil Abdullayev attended the Connectivity Investment Conference on Energy Storage, held in Beijing, China, from October 20 to 22.

The conference focused on the economic viability of energy storage systems, investment opportunities, financing models, and policy and regulatory frameworks governing the sector. Presentations on the development and deployment of energy storage technologies were also delivered by Chinese companies and representatives from various countries.

On October 22, Abdurahmanov delivered a presentation titled ‘Renewable Energy and BESS Development in Azerbaijan’ during the session ‘Developing Markets – Part 2.’

His presentation outlined the development of renewable energy sources in Azerbaijan, the prospects for integrating battery energy storage systems into the country’s power grid, and opportunities for cooperation with international financial institutions in this field.

Abdurahmanov also answered questions from participants during a panel discussion following the presentation.

EFCC Witness Confirms NG Eagle Incorporated, Sold With Board Approval

The ongoing trial of former Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Mr. Ahmed Kuru, and four others recorded a major development on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at the resumption of the trial presided over by Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos.

The Prosecution Witness 4 (PW4), Mr. Bawa Usman Kaltungo, finally admitted under cross-examination that the ex-AMCON MD (the 2nd Defendant) duly obtained the approval of the Board of AMCON then chaired by Dr. Amos Adamu before selling the stalled-approval process of NG Eagle.

The EFCC witness (PW4), who was cross-examined in today’s session by Mr. Olasupo Shasore, SAN, Counsel to Ahmed Kuru, also admitted that the proceeds from the sale of NG Eagle, totalling about N149million, were paid into the AMCON account, domiciled with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), once more reconfirming that the 2nd Defendant, Ahmed Kuru did not personally benefit from the sale.

Kaltungo made this sharp U-turn when Mr. Olasupo Shasore, SAN, demanded further explanation after the EFCC officer claimed that the process of setting up NG Eagle and Super Bravo Limited was illegal.

Wondering why an EFCC officer of over 22 years’ experience would make such a sweeping claim, Shasore asked, ‘In your investigation report, you said AMCON illegally set up NG Eagle and another HoldCo called Super Bravo. Please explain to this Court how they are illegal.’

In response, Kaltungo claimed they relied on intelligence, which, among other things, includes a Judgment of the Federal High Court purportedly nullifying the sale of NG Eagle. He, however, admitted under cross-examination that, at the time of the investigation, he was not aware that the High Court judgment they (EFCC) relied on was under appeal before an Appellate Court, which was eventually vacated and set aside on appeal.

Apparently realising that Mr. Shasore SAN was about to expose a biased investigation report, Kaltungo quickly admitted that his memory can fail him, as he is only human. Thereafter, he humbly admitted under cross-examination that indeed, Ahmed Kuru did not take decisions without due approvals from the Board of AMCON, just as every kobo from the sale was paid into the AMCON account with the CBN.

Pakistan welcomes Azerbaijan’s OIC summit, praises Baku’s support on Kashmir [EXCLUSIVE]

Pakistan highly appreciates Azerbaijan’s consistent support for the Kashmir issue within the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and looks forward to the upcoming OIC Summit in Baku in 2027, Pakistani Chargé d’Affaires Sara Ijaz told AzerNEWS.

Speaking on the sidelines of an event organised by the Embassy of Pakistan in Azerbaijan to commemorate Kashmir Black Day on October 27, Ijaz addressed the international community’s response to the Kashmir dispute and the role of international organisations in promoting a peaceful resolution.

Responding to AzerNEWS’ question regarding the international community’s position on Kashmir and the steps that the United Nations and the OIC could take towards resolving the longstanding dispute, the diplomat emphasised the importance of international recognition and awareness.

“Well, this day is very, very important and the international community has been backing Pakistan on this very, very just cause to raise voice for the people of Kashmir through the number of United Nations Security Council resolutions that are on it,” she said.

Ijaz pointed to UN resolutions and the involvement of international organisations as evidence of global recognition of the Kashmir issue, which has remained unresolved for decades.

“So the people, many international organizations, UN resolutions, they are all a testament to the fact that the international community does know how serious this issue is, that it’s a dispute that has been going on for eight decades,” she stated.

The Pakistani diplomat further highlighted the importance of public diplomacy and awareness campaigns, particularly through social media and diplomatic missions abroad.

“It continues, it is gaining force and the world can see with the coming of social media and everything and with events like these that the embassy is doing at, and not just embassy of Pakistan, but our embassies all over the world and our offices deputed in major capitals of the world, they are trying to bring awareness to their respective audiences in their countries of this very, very gruesome occupation that India has been carrying on for the past eight decades. And I think this is the best way of making people aware of it, of keeping this cause alive,” she added.

Pakistan anticipates 2027 OIC Summit in Baku

Addressing a separate question from AzerNEWS regarding Pakistan’s expectations for the 16th OIC Summit, which Azerbaijan is scheduled to host in 2027, Ijaz expressed optimism about the forthcoming gathering and commended Azerbaijan’s involvement in the organisation.

“Well, we are very, very happy. We’re looking forward to the summit next year. It’s probably in June. And I must commend our brothers and sisters in Azerbaijan,” she said.

The diplomat particularly underscored Azerbaijan’s participation in the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir, acknowledging Baku’s continued support for Pakistan’s position.

“Azerbaijan’s government is a very active member of OIC contact group on Kashmir. It has been voicing its concerns on the atrocities that are happening in Kashmir. It has been standing by Pakistan’s side in that contact group,” Ijaz noted.

She also expressed gratitude to the Azerbaijani government and voiced hope that the upcoming summit would provide an opportunity for Muslim-majority countries to address regional disputes through collective dialogue.

“So we are very, very grateful to the government of Azerbaijan for its position. And I’m really, really hopeful that the conference will be able to bring the leaders of the Islamic world together to find solution of issues like Kashmir and other regional conflicts that are becoming quite rampant,” she concluded.

Oil trade’s shipping bottleneck threatens a fresh wave of inflation

The rise in oil prices on world markets is showing no sign of stopping. Growing security concerns in the Middle East and rising tanker freight rates are putting additional pressure on the global energy market. It is important to understand that a key factor is the risk that oil may not reach buyers on time, while transportation costs continue to rise significantly.

The shortage of oil tankers has become a significant cost driver. As the crisis in the Persian Gulf forces shipping companies to review existing routes, demand for large vessels has increased dramatically. This pressure is particularly noticeable in the supertanker market, which is capable of carrying more than two million barrels of crude oil per voyage. According to market estimates, around 50 such vessels are currently being used as floating oil storage facilities in the Persian Gulf, reducing the number of tankers available to transport crude to international buyers.

The cost of a single supertanker voyage from the United States to China has reportedly reached $80 million. At a cargo capacity of approximately two million barrels, this translates into about $40 per barrel in transportation costs alone, on top of the price of the crude itself. Thus, these expenses are changing the economics of international oil trade. Suppliers are increasingly having to offer discounts to compensate buyers for the higher cost of shipping. Saudi Arabia, for instance, has cut prices for Asian customers by $5-7 per barrel. However, the reductions have not been sufficient to offset the increase in transportation expenses, leaving buyers exposed to higher overall procurement costs.

In January 2025, supertanker freight rates surged after the United States expanded sanctions against Russia’s oil industry, prompting traders to rush to secure vessels to transport crude from alternative suppliers to China and India. According to Lloyd’s List Intelligence, 35 percent of the 669 tankers in the so-called shadow fleet involved in transporting Russian, Venezuelan and Iranian oil had been sanctioned by the United States, the United Kingdom or the European Union. Freight rates on the Middle East-China route rose by 39 percent, while rates on some routes from Russia more than doubled. Demand for Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs), which can transport more than two million barrels of oil per voyage, increased sharply as Chinese and Indian buyers stepped up efforts to secure crude from alternative sources.

Another factor driving oil prices sharply higher is the repeated attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, as well as strikes targeting critical oil pipelines and energy infrastructure. Just look at the attacks on Saudi Arabia’s oil infrastructure. As one of the world’s largest oil producers and exporters, any disruption to its oil fields or pipelines can send shockwaves through global markets and push prices even higher. The country’s East-West pipeline, known as Petroline, is particularly important because it allows crude oil to reach the Red Sea without passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Although a drone attack on Saudi Arabia’s Shaybah oil field last Sunday was intercepted, the incident still caused damage. Debris from the drone, which was shot down by Saudi air defense forces, fell on the field’s infrastructure. The field is particularly important because the crude oil produced there is transported directly to a Saudi Aramco refinery.

Hurricane Isaias in the Gulf of Mexico caused oil production to fall by 72 percent. As a result, US President Donald Trump was forced to release four million barrels of oil from the country’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve. It later emerged that more than four million barrels had been released for sale to prevent public anxiety from escalating ahead of congressional elections. According to the US Energy Information Administration, commercial crude oil inventories in the country fell by 3.06 million barrels, while the Strategic Petroleum Reserve declined by 300,000 barrels. Gasoline inventories decreased by 2.95 million barrels, and other inventories fell by 1.67 million barrels. At the same time, US oil exports declined by 1.12 million barrels and production fell by 410,000 barrels. These developments affected the market, and global oil prices continued to rise.

Goldman Sachs has already warned that delayed refinery maintenance and an increase in planned maintenance work globally could keep supplies of refined petroleum products under pressure into 2027. Refineries in India and South Korea, major suppliers of diesel and aviation fuel, are expected to play an important role in determining export availability in the second quarter of next year.

Low fuel inventories in major trading hubs leave the market with limited room to absorb additional disruptions. Meanwhile, the slow recovery of fuel exports from the Gulf is providing further support for prices. Ship-to-ship transfers have helped preserve crude oil transportation volumes, but applying the same approach to refined products is more complicated because of their different technical characteristics and higher flammability. These constraints could have consequences beyond the crude oil market. Higher freight costs and reduced availability of diesel and aviation fuel may put additional pressure on industries, airlines and transport companies, while making energy supplies more expensive for import-dependent economies.

The latest movements in oil prices illustrate the market’s sensitivity to both geopolitical developments and expectations about supply. Prices climbed to near six-month highs before retreating at the start of the following trading week as expectations of easing tensions between the United States and Iran encouraged some investors to take profits. Brent crude subsequently traded around $115 per barrel, while US benchmark Light crude stood near $101.

The key question is whether shipping capacity and regional supply routes can return to normal quickly enough to prevent transportation costs from becoming a more persistent source of inflation in the energy market. Even if geopolitical tensions ease, it may take time to resolve the issue of transferring tankers to floating storage facilities and the accumulated logistical problems.

Obi renews attack on Tinubu, questions his energy to govern Nigeria

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has launched another attack on President Bola Tinubu, questioning his competence and energy to lead Nigeria.

Obi made the remarks on Monday in Abuja during activities marking the inauguration of his party’s presidential campaign council ahead of the 2027 elections.

The former Anambra State governor accused the Tinubu administration of failing to address Nigeria’s economic and security challenges, claiming that the country needed a change in leadership.

‘Today, President Tinubu has led a government that lacks competence, capacity, compassion and commitment to deal with Nigeria’s problems,’ Obi declared.

He also questioned the President’s energy and resolve, arguing that Nigeria required a leader who would be consistently available to respond to national emergencies.

Obi accused the administration of allowing insecurity and other challenges to persist, promising that an NDC government would adopt a different approach.

He maintained that Nigerians were seeking new leadership and expressed confidence that his party would provide an alternative in 2027.

The criticism comes days after Tinubu formally launched his re-election campaign in Kaduna, where he defended his administration’s economic reforms and sought renewed support from voters.

Obi is expected to challenge the President in the January 2027 presidential election.

Lawmaker seeks measures to bridge gap between home prices and Filipino incomes

ENHANCED collaboration among government agencies, real estate developers, and housing finance institutions is necessary to narrow the gap between residential property prices and the purchasing capacity of Filipino families, said lawyer JP Padiernos, member of the House Committee on Banks and Financial Intermediaries.

Padiernos is pitching for stronger public-private partnerships in the housing industry as the property sector reportedly confronts a dip in sales and persistent affordability challenges.

The lawmaker said the proposed initiative seeks to identify practical ways to make homeownership more attainable through manageable monthly installments while ensuring that developers can deliver quality housing at commercially sustainable prices.

Padiernos has authored and co-authored at least seven House bills on condominium redevelopment, urban development, and socialized housing.

The Philippine Statistics Authority’s 2020 Census of Population and Housing recorded approximately 28.50 million housing units nationwide, of which 25.19 million were occupied, alongside 26.38 million households.

The approximately 1.18-million difference between households and occupied housing units provides a broad indicator of housing pressure but is not an official estimate of the housing backlog or the number of families capable of purchasing homes.

Padiernos said the challenge is not simply to build more houses, but to ensure that available homes match household incomes, financing capacity, location preferences and actual housing needs.

Earlier, Pag-IBIG Fund reportedly released ?69.19 billion in housing loans covering 43,051 units in the first half of 2026, up 15% in loan value and 9% in units financed year-on-year, indicating continued activity in the country’s formal housing-finance market.

Within that total, socialized housing loans for minimum-wage and low-income members reportedly reached ?6.70 billion, financing 6,601 units, with increases of 118% and 132%, respectively, from the same period last year.

Pag-IBIG also offers a subsidized 3% annual interest rate for eligible socialized-housing borrowers, alongside promotional rates of 4.5% and 5.75% for qualifying housing loans in other price categories and a maximum housing loan ceiling of ?10 million, subject to program conditions.

According to Padiernos, these measures provide a basis for examining how financing assistance can help qualified households purchase homes that would otherwise be beyond their reach.

He added, however, that the property market continues to face a mismatch between housing demand and available supply.

Colliers, a global real estate research firm, reported approximately 79,200 unsold condominium units in Metro Manila at the end of 2025, including nearly 30,000 unsold ready-for-occupancy units, while its second-quarter 2026 report projected residential vacancy to reach 25.6% by year-end.

Colliers also identified economic and affordable condominiums as the primary drivers of residential demand in the first half of 2026, suggesting that affordability, financing access and the alignment of housing products with end-user requirements are increasingly important to market recovery.

Padiernos said unsold inventory does not automatically mean that homes are affordable to families that need them. ‘Prices, down-payment requirements, monthly amortization, location and loan eligibility can prevent potential buyers from purchasing available units, while developers face financing, maintenance and other costs when inventory remains unsold,’ he explained.

He added that the proposed initiative would examine whether targeted financing assistance, more efficient construction methods, improved infrastructure coordination and streamlined government approvals could reduce avoidable costs and expand access to suitable housing without compromising construction quality or buyer protection.

Among the country’s developers, Ayala Land, Inc. generated P41 billion in property development revenues during the first half of 2026, leading peer performance ahead of Megaworld Corporation’s P27.2 billion, SM Prime Holdings’ P20.9 billion, and Robinsons Land Corporation’s P7.1 billion.

Despite the slowdown in reservations, ALI reported an improvement in residential inventory levels, from 18 months in the first quarter to 15 months, and turned over close to 6,000 residential units across 40 projects during the first half. These developments point to the importance of matching housing supply with effective demand, while balancing affordability for prospective buyers with the financial sustainability of property developers.