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Cyprus leaders meet on Wednesday morning

President Nikos Christodoulides will have a new meeting on Wednesday morning with Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman at the Good Offices premises in Nicosia airport in the buffer zone. The meeting is scheduled for 1030 am local time.

On Tuesday the President of the Republic, in an interview with daily Turkish Cypriot newspaper ”Yeni Dzen” expressed his belief that together with the Turkish Cypriot leader they can “write history”, noting at the same time that “as Greek Cypriots we do not have a Plan B” and that the only possible solution is the reunification of Cyprus. He further noted that the current status quo does not allow our country to fully realise its potential.

The UN in New York also announced on Tuesday that UNSG’s personal envoy Maria Angela Holguin, will brief the Secretary-General by phone about her work, as she canceled her planned visits to both New York and Cyprus, for health reasons.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results due to Turkish intransigence. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, whose term nears its end, announced he would convene another meeting in broader format, after adequate preparation, but gave no timeline. He secured to that end the consensus of both sides and of the guarantor powers. María Angela Holguín, Guterres’ Personal Envoy on Cyprus, is tasked to engage with the parties. Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto acts as the European Commission’s Special Representative for Cyprus, succeeding EU special envoy Johannes Hahn.

Suspected child trafficker reveals how she sold newborn, twins for N300,000 in Ogun

A suspected member of a child-stealing and trafficking syndicate, Adejoke Popoola, has revealed how she allegedly sold a set of twins she gave birth to and stole other children for onward sale.

Popoola, who said she had been involved in the illegal activity since October 2024, disclosed that she had sold a newborn baby and a set of twins.

She said the twins were sold to a clinic in Ogere, Ogun State, for N300,000.

The suspect made the disclosure while speaking with journalists at the Oyo State Police Command headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan.

Popoola was paraded alongside her alleged accomplices by the police.

Explaining how she became involved in the activity, Popoola said she had the ability to conceive easily and often found it difficult to terminate her pregnancies.

‘God blessed me with the gift of pregnancy. Anytime a man had sex with me twice, I easily get pregnant, and it has always been difficult for me to abort,’ she said.

‘I have sold two sets of children, a newborn boy and twins last year. I sold the twins to a clinic, the person i sold to also resells them to her customers in Lagos. Sometimes I get N80,000 or N120,000 for each child I sold.

‘The clinic in Ogeere gave me N300,000 for the twins.’

‘I gave birth to seven children. Some are married. My last child is six years old, while the eldest is 34 years old.’

The suspect, who admitted of stealing children, explained that she would sometimes disguise herself as someone seeking to rent a house before stealing the children when their parents were not around.

‘I steal babies. I will go to their place and say I want to rent a house. Then, if I do not see anyone, if I see their children, I will just steal their children.’

‘Sometimes, I disguise myself as a spiritualist. Parents bring their disabled children to me because they cannot talk, sit, or walk. So, I will promise them that I can help them to heal.’

According to Popoola, she had been involved in the alleged activities since October 2024 while also selling herbs at Ariyo Bus Stop, Olunloyo.

Recounting how she allegedly stole a three-year-old boy, Ifakunle Ifagbenro, during an Egungun festival in Oyo Town, Popoola said, ‘I went to an Egungun festival to steal a child, Ifakunle. I woke up early and asked a bike man to drive me to the place where they were holding the Egungun festival, so he drove me to the house.

‘When I entered the house, they were praying, so I joined them and I even gave them money for the prayer.

‘When the Egungun left, the boy told his mother that he did not want to stay at home and wanted to join the procession. So, I volunteered to help hold the boy hands and monitored him during the egungun procession.

‘I joined them for the procession and, in the evening, I picked up the boy, put him on my back and ran away with him.’

‘About six children died from the 19 children I have kidnapped, but 13 are alive,’ she said.

Ebola fears block DRC mourners from Oyo burial

Mourners travelling from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to attend the burial of Tooro King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV have been restricted from entering Uganda as health authorities tighten measures to prevent the reintroduction of Ebola into the country.

King Oyo, who died on August 27, will be buried on Saturday, September 12. Thousands of people, including officials from government and foreign dignitaries, are expected to attend the event in Fort Portal City.

The Ministry of Health issued a public health advisory dated September 4, following the announcement of the death of King Oyo.

This was after concerns were raised that his burial could attract mourners from eastern DRC, which is still battling Ebola.

‘No mourners from eastern DRC shall be permitted to travel to attend the burial ceremony of His Royal Highness. The Uganda-DRC border remains closed, and travel remains restricted,’ the advisory stated.

The ministry said the decision was necessary because, although Uganda was recently declared Ebola-free, health authorities were continuing to monitor the high transmission of Ebola in provinces of eastern DRC.

The ministry, however, said subjects of the late king in DRC and elsewhere would be able to follow the burial proceedings virtually through an official online link that will be shared through government communication channels.

‘All points of entry and security agencies are directed to remain vigilant, strengthen border surveillance and report any persons who attempt to enter the country illegally during the border closure,’ the advisory states.

Despite the ban, a delegation led by Queen (Omugo) Dorothy Bacwenkojo Kiiza of Mitego Kingdom (Ituri, DRC) arrived at Karuziika Palace on Monday afternoon, representing King Rutahaba Albert Ibanda Kituku II, to pay tribute to the late Oyo and deliver condolences to the Tooro Kingdom. The delegation also brought cows as a gesture of condolence.

At the palace entrance, mourners are screened by a Red Cross team, which checks their temperature and sanitises them as they enter the palace.

On Monday, health officials from Tooro and Rwenzori sub-regions and the Ministry of Health were in Fort Portal reviewing how districts performed during the Ebola outbreaks. They recommended that border districts need extra support in response to outbreaks.

Dr Richard Mugahi from the Ministry of Health said the advisory needs to be followed and that they have already informed the kingdom to prevent DRC delegations from coming for burial because it poses a great risk to mourners.

‘Our surveillance team across the Uganda-DRC border has been alerted and will not allow any Congolese to cross into Uganda. We ask those from DRC to take this issue seriously,’ he said.

Regarding the delegation from DRC that went to the palace, Dr Mugahi said after learning of the news, all those who came were later screened. None had signs or symptoms of Ebola, but they will all remain under active surveillance.

‘We have put in place control measures that these people will follow. Every day, we take their temperature and we know where they are sleeping. We have been informed that a number of them were leaving around Fort Portal. Only a few [herdsmen] who came with cows crossed from DRC,’ he said.

Ebola threat

Uganda declared the end of its 2026 Ebola outbreak on July 28 after completing the internationally recommended 42-day period without detecting a new confirmed case.

The country’s last confirmed Ebola patient was discharged on July 16, triggering the 42-day countdown.

The outbreak had been declared on May 15. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reported that the Ugandan outbreak was epidemiologically linked to transmission originating in the DRC.

Army reshuffles senior commanders, redeploys Ajose to lead Operation Hadin Kai

The Nigerian Army has undertaken a major reshuffling of its senior leadership, redeploying commanders and senior officers to key operational theatres and strategic formations as the military seeks to strengthen its response to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

The changes, approved by Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Army Staff, place fresh leadership at critical commands, including the North-East theatre where the military is battling insurgency and other security threats under Operation Hadin Kai.

Under the new arrangement, IA Ajose, Major General, has been moved from the Department of Army Operations at Army Headquarters to the Theatre Command Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, as Theatre Commander.

The redeployment comes as the military continues to adjust its command structure to improve operational effectiveness and ensure that officers with relevant experience and expertise are deployed to areas considered critical to national security.

AE Abubakar, Major General, who previously served in Operation Hadin Kai, has been moved to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre as Dean, Faculty of Operational Research.

AM Alechenu, Major General, has also been redeployed from Defence Headquarters Garrison to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, while RT Utsaha, Major General, moves from the Department of Army Standards and Evaluation at Army Headquarters to Defence Headquarters Garrison as Commander.

The latest reshuffle also affects the Army’s training, civil-military relations, financial and pension structures.

AM Umar, Major General, moves from the Department of Civil-Military Affairs at Army Headquarters to the Army War College Nigeria as Commandant, while UM Alkali, Major General, moves from the Army War College to the Department of Civil-Military Affairs at Army Headquarters.

GS Muhammed, Major General, moves from the Office of the National Security Adviser to the Nigerian Army Finance Corporation as Director General, while JE Osifo, Major General, moves from the Nigerian Army Finance Corporation to the Military Pension Board as Chairman.

IE Ekpenyong, Major General, has also been redeployed to the Department of Defence Logistics at Defence Headquarters as Director, Engineering Services.

At the operational level, AA Bello, Brigadier General, moves from 6 Division Garrison/Sector 3 Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe, to the Department of Defence Operations at Defence Headquarters.

The Army has also strengthened the command structure of some of its formations with the redeployment of senior officers to newly created and existing brigades.

MS Adamu, Brigadier General, moves from the Nigerian Army Women Command to the newly established 8 Brigade as Commander, while MS Sule, Brigadier General, moves from Special Task Force Operation Enduring Peace to 27 Brigade as Commander.

I Sule, Brigadier General, moves from the Directorate of Recruitment Management to 6 Division Garrison as Commander, while E Azenda, Brigadier General, moves from the Land Forces Simulation Centre to 2 Division Garrison as Commander.

AS Bugaje, Brigadier General, moves from 2 Division Garrison to the Land Forces Simulation Centre as Director, Administration.

The scale of the redeployment reflects the Army’s attempt to align command responsibilities with changing operational requirements, particularly as security threats increasingly cut across conventional boundaries and require greater coordination between military formations and other security agencies.

The North-East remains one of the most significant operational theatres, with the Theatre Command under Operation Hadin Kai responsible for counter-insurgency operations against armed groups and efforts to restore stability across affected communities.

The Army said the appointments were designed to ensure that the right leadership, experience and expertise were positioned in critical operational and strategic roles.

Shaibu charged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence placed in them through exemplary leadership, operational innovation and professionalism.

He also directed them to remain committed to the constitutional responsibility of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity and supporting civil authorities in maintaining peace and security.

The Army said the leadership changes formed part of its broader effort to maintain a dynamic force-employment framework capable of improving operational outcomes, strengthening joint and inter-agency coordination and responding more effectively to contemporary and emerging threats.

The latest changes therefore go beyond routine postings, with the service seeking to match leadership capabilities with the demands of an increasingly complex security environment.

The Army Public Relations Department said the redeployments took effect as approved by the Chief of Army Staff.

Appolonia Anele, Colonel, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, signed the statement dated September 9, 2026.

NCC eyes commercialisation of assistive walking stick for visually impaired

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is working towards further developing and potentially commercialising an assistive walking stick prototype designed to support people who are blind or visually impaired, as the regulator intensifies efforts to make technology more accessible.

Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman of the NCC, disclosed this on Wednesday in Lagos while speaking at the opening of a digital citizenship training for persons with disabilities organised by the commission.

Maida, who was represented by Helen Obi, director of Digital Economy at the NCC, said the commission was seeking to move assistive technology beyond research and prototypes to solutions that respond to the evolving needs of users.

According to him, the assistive walking stick is one of the innovations supported through the commission’s research and innovation initiatives, particularly its Professorial Chair Initiative.

He said the NCC was working towards further developing the prototype and potentially commercialising it, while ensuring that the technology remained responsive to emerging technologies and the needs of persons with disabilities.

The development comes as the telecoms regulator broadens its digital inclusion agenda from connectivity to accessibility, recognising that access to devices and broadband alone does not guarantee meaningful participation in the digital economy.

Maida identified inaccessible digital products, high device and connectivity costs, inadequate digital skills and limited involvement of persons with disabilities in technology design as major barriers to digital participation.

He said effective digital inclusion required appropriate devices, affordable and reliable broadband, accessible platforms, digital skills and secure digital systems.

‘Digital technology should create opportunities, not create new barriers,’ Maida stressed.

He said technology could significantly improve access to education, employment, entrepreneurship, public services and information for persons with disabilities, making inclusion central to the NCC’s digital transformation agenda.

The commission has also deployed an e-Accessibility Project that provides ICT tools and assistive technologies to institutions supporting persons with disabilities.

Maida cited the fourth NCC Hackathon, themed ‘Technology Without Barriers,’ as another initiative through which the commission is encouraging the development of accessible technological solutions.

Beyond physical accessibility, he said the NCC’s digital citizenship programme was designed to equip persons with disabilities with practical skills to use digital tools safely, responsibly and productively.

He said digital citizenship extends beyond operating smartphones and computers to include responsible online behaviour, protection of personal information, identification of scams and misinformation, and awareness of digital rights.

Michael Idah, country programme manager, Christian Blind Mission (CBM), Nigeria Office, commended the NCC for using digital skills to expand opportunities for persons with disabilities.

Idah said CBM, which operates across 22 states, supports disability inclusion, skills development, livelihood opportunities and access to vocational training.

He urged stakeholders to translate the training into tangible opportunities in learning, employment, entrepreneurship, advocacy and leadership, while encouraging participants to become champions of digital inclusion.

Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, general manager, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), described the initiative as an important step towards preventing persons with disabilities from being excluded from the digital society.

She said digital literacy had become essential for education, employment, entrepreneurship, access to information and meaningful participation in society.

Oyetunde-Lawal urged participants to convert the knowledge gained from the programme into economic independence, employment opportunities and greater participation in Nigeria’s digital economy.

She pledged LASODA’s continued collaboration with relevant institutions to build an inclusive Lagos where disability would not constitute a barrier to opportunity, innovation and participation.

Guinness Ghana DJ Awards Public Nominations Open

The Guinness Ghana DJ Awards, powered by Smirnoff, has officially opened public nominations for its 2026 edition, inviting music fans, industry professionals and stakeholders across Ghana and beyond to nominate deserving DJs for recognition.

The public nominations mark an important phase of the awards season, giving fans the opportunity to spotlight DJs whose talent, consistency and impact have shaped radio, nightlife, events, digital platforms and Ghana’s wider music culture during the year under review.

Organisers are encouraging the public to nominate DJs across the various award categories, including DJs working within regional communities and emerging talents whose contributions may not yet have received national attention.

‘The Ghana DJ Awards has always been driven by the culture and the people who experience the work of DJs every day. Opening nominations to the public ensures that fans have a voice in identifying the DJs who have truly made an impact,’ Alfred Amaah, Technical Producer of the event, stated.

This year’s awards season is being held under the theme ‘ALL OUT,’ celebrating the passion, resilience and fearless creativity of DJs who continually push boundaries and create unforgettable experiences. The theme also calls on fans, creatives and industry stakeholders to participate fully in celebrating the personalities behind the music.

Following the close of public nominations, all submissions will be reviewed by the Ghana DJ Awards Board in line with the scheme’s eligibility requirements. The shortlisted nominees will subsequently be announced ahead of the public voting period.

The 2026 season features a packed calendar of activities, including Pub Fest, the Ghana DJ Clinic, nationwide engagements and other experiences leading to the main awards ceremony. Members of the public can nominate deserving DJs by visiting entry.ghanadjawards.org. Nominations close on September 22, 2026.

Produced by Merqury Republic, the Guinness Ghana DJ Awards has grown into Africa’s biggest DJ event, providing a respected platform that celebrates excellence, develops talent and amplifies the contribution of DJs to music, entertainment and culture.

SEC halts Nego Food Solution operations

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued a cease-and-desist order against Nego Food Solution Corp. for its investment solicitation, which the agency finds illegal.

The order covers the company, which owns Japanese restaurant chain Takoyadon, and individuals, such as Noel B. Andres, a certain Marko/Mark Marquez and Celyn/Jocelyn Manzanero.

The agency said it received reports that the company has entered into various co-ownership agreement with several individuals to become a part owner of the company, with Nego Food having full and complete management and control over the operations of the business.

The co-owner will pay a one-time non-refundable fee of P99,000, which will be for SMNV Project Food Corp., whose money will be used by Nego Food for restaurant operations.

There’s also a management operations fee of 3 percent of the gross sales per month basis, which will form part of SMNV Project’s operational expense and a systemwide and marketing fee of 4 percent of the gross sales per month.

The said co-owners will divide net profits of the firm and also share the net loss of Nego Food.

The SEC said the company was selling securities since the public is required to pay a total of P849,000. It noted there is also common enterprise as investors’ monies were pooled.

‘Third, there was clearly an expectation of profits on the part of its investors and were it not for the profit, investors would not part their money. Lastly, the profits are derived primarily from the efforts of others.’

The SEC said the investors had no hand in the management of Nego Food and earned profits by merely investing in said entity.

‘Furthermore, the act of Nego Food Solution Corp. in carrying out its unauthorized investment-taking activities through social media, promoting its unauthorized investment schemes constitute as public offering,’ it said.

The SEC said it will initiate the appropriate administrative and criminal action against any persons or entities found to act as solicitors, information providers, salesmen, agents, brokers, dealers or the like for and in their behalf.

Work progresses on $ 291 m Sahasdhanavi power project in Kerawalapitiya

The Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) has certified the registration of its agreement with Sahasdhanavi Ltd., paving the way for the development of a 350 MW RLNG/diesel-operable combined-cycle power plant at the Kerawalapitiya Industrial Zone.

The BOI Agreement was registered on 13 August 2026 under Section 17(2) of the BOI of Sri Lanka Law No. 4 of 1978, covering an envisaged investment of $ 291.19 million in the power generation project.

The investment comprises $ 90 million in share capital, $ 196.19 million in loan capital and $ 5 million from other sources, with funds to be deployed towards fixed assets and working capital.

The project is being developed on a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) basis and is expected to supply electricity directly to the national grid.

It will be implemented in two phases. Phase I will comprise a gas turbine with a generating capacity of 243 MW using LNG, or 213 MW using diesel, while Phase II will add a steam turbine capable of generating 107 MW using LNG, or 105 MW using diesel.

The project is scheduled for completion within 42 months of the Agreement date.

Initially, the plant will operate on diesel, with the ability to transition to re-gasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) once the required national infrastructure and gas supply arrangements are in place.

The transition is expected to support a cleaner fuel mix while improving the reliability of electricity supply and providing additional generation capacity as demand grows and Sri Lanka diversifies its energy mix.

The project is also expected to generate 1,147 new employment opportunities once it reaches full operational capacity. In addition, construction and subsequent operations are expected to create demand for engineering, procurement, logistics, manufacturing and other related services.

The Sahasdhanavi plant will further consolidate Kerawalapitiya as a major electricity generation hub.

Together with the 350 MW Sobadhanavi Combined Cycle Power Plant and the 300 MW Yugadhanavi Combined Cycle Power Plant, the three facilities are expected to give the area combined generation capacity of approximately 1,000 MW.

The development comes as Sri Lanka seeks to strengthen generation capacity and improve the resilience of its electricity supply while gradually moving towards greater use of natural gas and other cleaner energy sources.

The BOI said the project demonstrates continued investor interest in strategic infrastructure and the energy sector, while Sahasdhanavi Ltd., thanked stakeholders for their support in advancing the project.

European champion joins fan event ahead of World Judo Championships

European champion and two-time World Championships medalist Orkhan Safarov has met with fans at a special fan zone dedicated to the upcoming World Judo Championships in Baku.

The autograph session was held at Deniz Mall Shopping Center, Safarov spoke with fans, signed autographs and posed for commemorative photographs.

Orkhan Safarov is one of Azerbaijan’s leading judokas. Competing in the 60kg and 66kg weight categories during his career, he won bronze at the 2013 World Championships and silver at the 2017 World Championships in the 60kg division. In 2020, he became European champion in the 66kg category.

The judoka also represented Azerbaijan at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, finishing fifth in the men’s 60kg event. Safarov has won medals at the World Championships, European Championships, Masters and Grand Slam tournaments.

The fan zone is part of activities organized ahead of the 2026 World Judo Championships, which will bring leading judokas from around the world to Baku.

The individual competitions will be held from October 4 to 10, followed by the mixed team event on October 11. The championships will take place at the National Gymnastics Arena in Baku.

The tournament will feature competitions in seven men’s and seven women’s weight categories, with the mixed team event concluding the championships.

The Baku championships will give Azerbaijani fans an opportunity to watch top international judokas compete on home soil, while the country’s athletes will seek strong results in front of their home crowd.

AFL allows fruit exporters to earn more than $200M

Local fruit exporters generated a combined $290.71 million in booked and under-negotiation sales during a two-day fresh produce trade show in Hong Kong, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

The Philippines returned to Asia Fruit Logistica (AFL) after almost a decade as part of efforts to expand the country’s export market portfolio. The fair was held at AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong last September 2 to 4.

Broken down, exporters secured $222.75 million in booked sales and $70.4 million in under-negotiation sales across four commodities, such as banana (Cavendish and Cardaba), durian, mango, and dragon fruit.

Of this, durian held a lion’s share of the total generated sales at around $275 million. This was followed by Cavendish and Cardaba bananas at $11 million and $3.5 million, respectively.

Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said the government and the private sector actively promote the country’s tropical fruits.

‘Our efforts are now bearing fruit to further increase the income of our farmers, especially those in the high-value commercial crops (sector),’ De Mesa told reporters on Wednesday.

He also said the DA will go to Rome in October for the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) global Hand-in-Hand (HIH) initiative, where they will pitch mango, seaweeds, coffee, and cacao to private investors.

AFL, Asia’s leading fresh produce trade show, covers the fresh produce supply chain and allows exporters to meet buyers, distributors, retailers, and other industry players. The 2026 edition featured over 760 exhibitors and some 14,000 buyers from 80 countries.

The Philippine delegation was led by Agriculture Undersecretary for High Value Export Crops and Agri-Fishery Export Development and Promotion Philip Young.

‘We are participating not merely to exhibit but to forge durable global partnerships, secure vital market shares, and showcase the unmatched quality of our high-value export crops,’ Young said.

Stakeholders who joined the trade show included Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) and the Philippines Banana Council Inc. (PhilBana Council).

Also present were the Durian Exporters Association of the Philippines Inc. (DEAP), the National Mango Farmers and Stakeholders Federation Inc., and the Philippine Dragon Fruit Growers Association.

The agency said it already identified 16 priority export commodities as part of its broader overseas market development program.