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Cheaper electricity and system reliability key goals, Energy Minister says

The goal of providing cheaper electricity for consumers and ensuring the safe operation of the electricity system, as the foundations of the country’s green and competitive development, remains the common denominator of all efforts, Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry, Michael Damianos noted on Thursday, adding that energy storage is a key pillar of the Government’s energy strategy.

In his address at the presentation of the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) 2025 annual achievements, held at the Authority’s headquarters in Nicosia, Damianos stated that “the EAC continues to be a strategic pillar of the state’s energy policy and a key partner in the transition towards a secure, competitive, and climate-neutral energy system.” He added that the EAC’s contribution is crucial both to achieving the country’s national energy objectives and to safeguarding energy security and the quality of services provided to citizens.

Referring to the challenges ahead, the Minister said these include upgrading the electricity grid and installing energy storage systems to increase the penetration of renewable energy and reduce renewable energy curtailments, implementing the EAC’s production development programme, with particular emphasis on upgrading the EAC power station at Dhekelia, expanding the Authority’s renewable energy portfolio, and ensuring the smooth operation of the competitive electricity market.

He noted that the EAC has embraced its modernization programme with commitment, saying that “we recognize and greatly appreciate this.” He added that upgrading and digitalizing the transmission and distribution networks, based on their ten-year development plans and supported by approximately pound 120 million in European funding, is helping to gradually remove the technical barriers to the further integration of distributed renewable energy generation while reducing the curtailment of green energy.

The Minister stated that by 2030, Cyprus will require at least 600 MW of energy storage capacity to reduce renewable energy curtailments to acceptable levels. He added that the Transmission System Operator is implementing a distributed energy storage system with a total capacity of 120 MW, which will operate with full transparency.

Our candidate will be on ballot for 2027 elections, says Turaki PDP camp

The Tanimu Turaki camp of the Peoples Democratic (PDP) on Thursday allayed the fears of candidates sponsored by it on whether or not they will be able to contest the 2027 general elections, insisting that they will be the ones that will fly the party flag in National and state elections.

Speaking at a stakeholders meeting in Abuja, Turaki said emphatically that nobody will be able to kill the PDP, while assuring that the party was on course and will participate in the elections.

He said, ‘I want to say, without fear of contradiction, that PDP, your party is on course. The essence of every political party is to legitimately capture power in a given polity. You cannot capture power unless you are on the ballot. I want to tell you that PDP shall be on the ballot for all rounds of the 2027 elections, from the presidential down to the states houses of assembly election PDP, this PDP shall be on the ballot’.

He commended those who have kept fate with the group for their tenacity, for your loyalty, for your conviction, for your belief in democracy, and for your resoluteness in working towards ensuring that democracy that believes in a multi-party system survives in our country.

Turaki said ‘there comes a time in the life of a human being when challenges, ups and downs become the order of the day. But as the saying goes, when the going gets tough, it’s only the tough that ultimately gets going.

‘For us in PDP, we’ve seen all seasons. We’ve seen the good times. We’ve also seen the bad times. We’ve seen days of prosperity, just as we’ve also seen days of adversity. We’ve seen successes, and we’ve seen challenges. For us, the kind of challenge that the People’s Democratic Party is facing today is not something that is new to us.

‘People may recall a time in the past when attempts were made by some charlatans to take the leadership of our party and then give it in the hands of some impostors, and when the party and the party leadership rose in unison and said, ‘We will not allow anybody to run away with our party’, a caretaker committee was set up under the leadership of His Excellency Senator Ahmed Mohamed Makarfi.

‘Those who were there and those who are conversant with what happened during that period of serious challenge, will appreciate that what we are now witnessing in our party is even a child’s play. By the special grace of God, we shall overcome. We will overcome. Indeed, we are overcoming.

‘Today we are witnessing in Nigeria, a time that is different from what we all are used to seeing. There are a lot of tension. There are a lot of crises. There are a lot of upheavals in the domain of most of the opposition political parties. It’s regrettable, indeed very sad and unfortunate, that when you begin to trace the genesis of those crises, that they will take you back to the footsteps of the party in government.

‘We used to think that more than any other person, that people in government, people who are on the surgeon of leadership, should prefer peace to reign than crisis in their domain. But for us in PDP, while other political parties are having existential threat, while their existence is threatened and their lives is shaking, nobody, and I dare say, nobody can kill the PDP.

‘PDP will continue to live. There may be challenges here and there regarding the leadership of our party. Again, for us in PDP, this is nothing new. We will overcome. We shall overcome. We are overcoming.

He said the party intend to discuss the judgement of the Federal High Court on the suit instituted by its Board of Trustees against the Independent National Electoral Commission on the leadership of the party and ‘agree on where we need to get to, for the purpose of taking our people and our nation out of the woods, and then we will maybe when we get into the private session, discuss exhaustively what our strategies would be’.

Former Niger state Governor, Babandiga Aliyu regretted that the crisis rocking the party came from within the party, regretting that those he called fugitives and nomadic politicians have been using the party for their own selfish.

He said however that those who thought they could kill PDP by running away to another party, are the ones who suffering more, and don’t even know what is there on the ground for them.

He said, ‘It is unfortunate that people are not patient enough. It is unfortunate that some people try to play god by taking decisions that really belongs to God. We have seen many of them jumping from one party to the other, for every election that has been conducted, but they forgot the success is not only in their effort.

‘Success is also in the way your heart functions, because our creator judges you by what is in your heart, not what is in your pocket or what is in your mouth. So, if you have clean heart, He knows it, and He will reward you at the end of the day. Believe me, we will be rewarded, and we will be surprised by our creator on the way and manner He is going to reward those of us who have stayed tenaciously to ensure that there is justice in our country.

‘Whatever is happening now, let us see it as a temporary way of making people understand that we messed up as we were coming along. If I will borrow from our creator, whatever you do, you will reap it, you will get it back. We will get yourselves back. You will get our party back, and we will succeed in the final analysis. We want people to be alive to see when we succeed. We will not laugh at them, but at least they will also learn some lessons as we go along.

‘You might think you are cheating me if you collect bribe to get me down. For you, you think you have made something, but believe me, you will pay both here and in the in the hereafter. So please let us continue patiently, and let us try to continue to at least organize properly.’

’Coup’: Sylva’s aides’ trial for Oct. 5

A Federal High Court in Abuja has rescheduled the trial of five men, said to be aides of former Governor of Bayelsa State Timipre Sylva, for October 5.

The trial, initially scheduled for yesterday, was moved forward due to the absence of Justice Peter Lifu in court.

The five – Reuben Ayuba, Musa Mohammed, Friday Paul, Paganengigha Anagaha and Ayebaifie Suobite- were arraigned on July 1 on a two-count charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/299/2026, filed by the Department of State Services (DSS).

They are, among others, accused of failing to disclose Sylva’s whereabouts, allegations they denied by pleading not guilty.

Justice Lifu had on July 1 granted bail to each of them at N5million, with two sureties, who must be residents of Abuja and who must provide their tax clearance certificates.

The defendants are, in count one, alleged to have, on or about April 28 in Abuja, become ‘accessories after the fact of felony by concealing the whereabouts of Timiprey Sylva, who is a fugitive of the law.’

The offence is said to be contrary to Section 519 of the Criminal Code Act.They are, in count two, alleged to have conspired to commit a felony by concealing the whereabouts of Sylva, who Is a fugitive of the law.

The offence is contrary to Section 516 of the Criminal Code Act LFN, 2004.

The five defendants, who were arrested last year, had filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit, demanding that they be either released or be arraigned in court.

In the suit, they described themselves as domestic workers and aides to Sylva.

Anagaha’s wife, Preye, stated in a supporting affidavit that DSS operatives arrested her husband and others on October 25 at Sylva’s house in Maitama, Abuja.

Preye, who described her husband as ‘a domestic staff member’ to Sylva, further stated that ‘when Chief Timipre Sylva was not found at the residence, the operatives arrested three aides and domestic workers including my husband.’

Sylva featured in the charge, filed by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) against six men currently being prosecuted before a Federal High Court in Abuja over the alleged coup plot against the Bola Tinubu-led administration.

Sylva is not named as a defendant in the 13-count charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/206/2026, but was described in some of the counts as ‘still at large.’

The six are: Maj. Gen. Mohammed Gana (rtd.), Captain Erasmus Victor (rtd.), Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni and Abdulkadir Sani.

Hearing in the trial of the six alleged coup plotters continues on September 30 before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, also of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Angat Dam’s water level dips further below critical mark

The Angat Dam recorded 151.45 meters above sea level (masl) on Thursday, July 23, dipping further below the 160-meter critical water level threshold, the state weather bureau reported.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), the reservoir fell 0.67 meters from Wednesday’s 152.12 masl.

The Angat Dam’s water level also declined on Tuesday, plummeting to 152.20 masl from Monday’s 152.53 masl.

The normal high water level of Angat Dam is around 210 masl, with a minimum operating level of 180 masl.

Previously, Pagasa said during a climate forum last June that the reservoir would start to replenish by the second to third week of July due to the southwest monsoon rains.

The National Irrigation Administration Irrigation Management Office in Bulacan said farmlands in Pampanga and Bulacan are heavily dependent on rain water due to the state of the water level of Angat Dam, the critical watershed of the National Capital Region (NCR).

Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected to prevail over parts of the NCR on Thursday due to the southwest monsoon, or habagat, according to Pagasa’s 5 a.m weather bulletin

Group asks SC to suspend SALEx tree-cutting after RTC rejects bid

A group of college students on Thursday filed a petition with the Supreme Court (SC) for a temporary environmental protection order (TEPO) against environment officials and SMC Southern Access Link Expressway Corp. over the mass cutting of trees along Quirino Avenue in Manila.

The tree-cutting is intended to make way for the Southern Access Link Expressway (SALEx).

Five students, led by journalism student Joaquin Bautista and sustainability and environment student Elisha Zantua, brought the case to the SC after a Manila regional trial court (RTC) rejected their initial bid for a TEPO due to a technicality.

They said the RTC dismissed the petition in June, citing Section 23 of RA 11966, or the PPP (Public-Private Partnership) Code, which states that only the SC-and not lower courts-can issue a TEPO.

This prompted the petitioners to also challenge the provision as unconstitutional.

‘The PPP Code itself gives a full judicial shield over a PPP project that will cause reckless ecological modifications that are irreparable,’ lawyer Army Padilla-Santos, who represents the students, said in an interview after the filing.

The same law also allows the suspension of lower court judges who violate the provision and issue a TEPO for a certain project.

‘It appends the balance of power. Why is it that they can suspend a judge, when only the Supreme Court can discipline the judges?’ Santos said.

On May 27, Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna announced that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) had temporarily suspended the cutting of hundreds of trees at the intended site of the new expressway.

But at the time, more than 200 of the roughly 600 targeted trees had already been processed, according to the DENR

Experts frown at flight dispatchers’ redundancy rate

GROWING unemployment among licenced flight dispatchers has became a major concern for aviation stakeholders, warning that Nigeria is wasting a significant pool of safety-critical professionals despite increasing demands for safe and efficient airline operations.

The concern was raised, at the 2026 Annual Conference of the Flight Dispatchers Association of Nigeria (FLIDAN) held at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Annex Training Hall in Lagos under the theme: ‘Safety and Efficiency: The Flight Dispatcher’s Role.’

Delivering the keynote address, president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and Second Vice President of the Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative (ASRTI), Dr. Alexander Nwuba, described flight dispatchers as integral to operational control, stressing that aviation safety and operational efficiency converge in the dispatch office.

Dr Nwuba, who was represented by the general secretary, ASRTI, Mr Olumide Ohunayo, stated that dispatchers are far more than support personnel, and noted that every flight release signed by a dispatcher represents a commitment to passenger safety.

‘Safety and efficiency are not competing goals. Efficiency without safety is recklessness, while safety without efficiency is unsustainable. The dispatcher’s daily responsibility is to maintain both in balance on every flight,’ Nwuba said.

He expressed concern over what he described as the country’s underutilisation of certified flight dispatchers, revealing that although Nigeria has licenced about 1,500 flight dispatchers, fewer than 500 are currently employed.

He noted that many dispatchers lose the validity of their licences within five years because they are unable to secure employment that allows them to maintain operational competency.

Describing the situation as a major loss to aviation safety, Nwuba said the country was wasting nearly two-thirds of its trained and certificated safety workforce.

He assured participants that AOPA and the Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative would continue to advocate improved recognition, welfare and regulatory status for flight dispatchers while supporting FLIDAN’s engagement with the NCAA on issues, including aircraft type ratings, dispatcher logbooks and enforcement of duty-time limitations.

Nwuba also projected significant opportunities for the profession beyond conventional airline operations, citing the emergence of centralised and remote operations control centres, business aviation, humanitarian and energy flight support, charter operations, as well as the growing unmanned aircraft and advanced air mobility sectors.

He said with sustained investment in recurrent training, modern flight planning technologies and structured career development, Nigeria possesses the capacity to become West Africa’s operational control hub by training, certifying and exporting highly skilled flight dispatch professionals.

Earlier in his welcome address, FLIDAN president Mr. Daniel Ayuba, described flight dispatchers as strategic partners in airline operational control whose contributions directly influence every safe departure, efficient flight plan and successful arrival.

He said the conference theme reflected the increasing complexity of global aviation, where technological innovation, evolving regulatory requirements, environmental concerns and rising passenger expectations demand continuous professional development.

‘The role of the Flight Dispatcher is no longer viewed merely as a supporting function. We are strategic partners in operational control,’ Ayuba stated.

He maintained that safety remains the foundation of aviation while efficiency ensures resources are utilised responsibly without compromising operational standards.

He said the annual conference serves as a platform for knowledge sharing, innovation, collaboration and professional development aimed at strengthening airline operations across Nigeria.

Ayuba reaffirmed FLIDAN’s commitment to promoting professionalism through improved training, stronger Operations Control Centres, competency-based development, implementation of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and increased recognition of flight dispatchers within Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem.

He called on industry stakeholders to ensure that recommendations emerging from the conference translate into practical improvements across airlines, regulatory institutions, training organisations and Operations Control Centres.

The FLIDAN president also urged the aviation industry to accelerate implementation of ICAO Document 10106, strengthen Safety Management Systems (SMS), embrace modern operational technologies and expand competency-based training programmes to enhance both safety and efficiency.

He commended the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the NCAA, airlines, Approved Aviation Training Organisations (AATOs), airport operators and other aviation service providers for supporting professional development and safety oversight within the sector.

Kano ready for state police – Gov Yusuf

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has declared the state’s readiness for the establishment of state police, saying the initiative would strengthen internal security and complement the operations of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

Governor Yusuf made the declaration during the inauguration of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Trafficking at the Government House in Kano.

In a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature, the governor said the proposed state police should be viewed as a partner to the Nigeria Police Force rather than a competing institution.

He explained that both policing structures share the responsibility of maintaining law and order, protecting lives and property, and promoting peaceful coexistence across the country.

Speaking on the ongoing consideration of the State Police Bill, Yusuf said closer collaboration between the two policing systems would strengthen intelligence gathering, improve rapid response to security threats, and boost public confidence in law enforcement.

‘The state and Nigeria Police Force should be seen as partners working together to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve rapid response to security threats, and enhance public confidence in law enforcement,’ the governor said.

Yusuf expressed confidence that Kano has the institutional capacity, skilled personnel, and political will required to establish and sustain an effective state police system once the necessary constitutional and legal frameworks are put in place.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting all legitimate efforts aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture, noting that improved security is essential for citizens to freely pursue their economic, educational, and social activities.

The governor added that Kano remains committed to initiatives that enhance public safety and contribute to a more secure environment for residents and businesses.

Ursula von der Leyen reveals details of EU’s 21st sanctions package against Russia

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the agreement on the European Union’s 21st package of sanctions against Russia, AzerNEWS reports.

“Today, I welcome the agreement on the 21st sanctions package against Russia,” von der Leyen wrote on social media X.

Under the new package, 32 additional Russian banks will be added to the EU’s transaction ban list. The measures will also target cryptocurrency companies and oil trading platforms.

Von der Leyen said the EU would freeze the adjustment of the oil price cap for one year.

“For the first time, we are targeting vessels assisting Russia’s shadow fleet,” she added.

The European Commission also thanked Ireland, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union, for its role in helping reach an agreement on the new sanctions package.

Northeast leaders endorse Tinubu, Shettima for 2027, pledge bloc votes for APC

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday received a major political boost ahead of the 2027 general election as political leaders from the Northeast unanimously endorsed his re-election bid and pledged to deliver overwhelming votes for the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the region.

The endorsement came when governors, ministers, lawmakers, traditional rulers, elder statesmen and other stakeholders from the six Northeast states paid a thank-you visit to the President at the State House, Abuja, following his decision to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election.

The delegation was led by Borno State Governor and Chairman of the Northeast Governors’ Forum, Professor Babagana Zulum, alongside former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Zulum described Tinubu’s decision to retain Shettima as a demonstration of confidence in the Northeast and recognition of loyalty, competence and dedicated service.

‘We are here for one overriding purpose, to show our appreciation and thank you most profoundly for the re-nomination of an accomplished son of our region, His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima, as your vice-presidential running mate in the forthcoming 2027 presidential election.

‘By this decision, you have once again demonstrated your outstanding qualities as a leader who recognises and rewards loyalty, competence and commitment’, he said.

The governor described Shettima as a dependable deputy who had served the President with distinction over the past three years, adding that his retention reflected continuity, political maturity and strategic leadership.

Zulum noted that although the APC’s zoning arrangement gave the President the discretion to choose a running mate from any of the three northern geopolitical zones, his decision to retain Shettima had further strengthened the confidence of the Northeast in the Tinubu administration.

He also commended leaders from the Northwest and North-Central for supporting the decision, describing their stance as evidence of unity within the ruling party.

Beyond politics, the Borno governor applauded the Federal Government’s interventions in the region, citing ongoing construction of the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Biu-Maiduguri Expressway, investments in agriculture, education, youth empowerment and the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons as proof of the administration’s commitment to rebuilding the Northeast after years of insurgency.

‘We sincerely appreciate your efforts. We see and feel the impact of your administration and remain grateful for your commitment to the development of our region’, he said.

He assured Tinubu that leaders of the region would mobilise massive grassroots support for the APC in the next general election.

‘On behalf of the governors, ministers, members of the National Assembly, party leaders, women, youths and our teeming supporters, I assure Your Excellency that the Northeast remains solidly behind your administration.

‘We will continue to support your policies and programmes and mobilise our people at the grassroots to embrace the Renewed Hope Agenda.

‘By the grace of God, come 2027, the Northeast will massively deliver your presidential ticket and all APC candidates at every level’, Zulum pledged.

Earlier, Kingibe said the delegation comprised respected leaders whose influence extended beyond partisan politics and who remained trusted voices across the region.

‘It is a great honour to be here today with my brothers and sisters from the Northeast to publicly acknowledge the leadership, vision and commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and to reaffirm our commitment to partnering with him in moving Nigeria forward’, he said.

He added that although many members of the delegation were no longer active politicians, they would continue to explain government policies, build public confidence and mobilise support for the administration.

Responding, President Tinubu described the endorsement as emotional and reassuring, saying it reflected the enduring partnership between his administration and the Northeast.

He paid tribute to elder statesman and former National Chairman of the defunct Social Democratic Party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, recalling his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic struggle and his influence on his political philosophy.

The President thanked governors, ministers, lawmakers, traditional rulers and other political leaders from the region for their confidence and pledged to consolidate ongoing reforms.

‘As a President nominated for a second term, I hold democracy, consistency, dedication and steadfastness very dearly. Our focus is to stabilise the country, strengthen the polity and grow the economy. The economy is already stabilised,’ Tinubu said.

He said his administration had fulfilled key promises to the Northeast, particularly in road infrastructure and security, while stressing that stronger collaboration between the Federal Government and state governments remained essential to defeating terrorism and banditry.

‘I remember passionately asking for improvements in the road network in the Northeast. We have started that journey and fulfilled that promise.

‘I have seen the challenges posed by terrorism and banditry, but I have also seen what our collaboration can achieve. Only by standing together and thinking together can we overcome these challenges as one united nation’, he said.

Tinubu expressed optimism that Nigerians would increasingly benefit from the gains of his administration’s economic reforms.

‘The golden age is here. Once the economy is stabilised, Nigerians are not asking for too much. They want stability, social welfare and a better life’, he said.

The President also defended his administration’s handling of pension obligations, saying it was clearing inherited liabilities neglected by previous governments.

‘We have our hands on the plough, and we are not looking back. Through the twists and turns of our democracy, Nigeria will survive. We will continue to find strength in our unity in diversity and chart a path of democratic stability and prosperity’, Tinubu added.

Among those at the meeting were former Borno State Governor and APC stalwart, Ali Modu Sheriff; former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and Special Adviser to the President on General Duties in the Office of the Vice President, Aliyu Moddibo Umar; Deputy Chief of Staff to the President in the Office of the Vice President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia; and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.

FCT council chair laments poor state of PHCs, vows rehabilitation

The Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Danjuma Samuel Shekwolo, has expressed concern over the poor state of facilities in some Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the area council.

Shekwolo spoke during an inspection tour of some primary healthcare centres, describing the condition of the facilities as unacceptable and inconsistent with his administration’s commitment to providing quality healthcare services to residents.

He said it was disturbing that many of the facilities had remained in a deplorable state for years without replacement, thereby limiting patients’ access to quality medical care.

The chairman stressed that primary healthcare centres should provide safe, accessible and efficient healthcare services, noting that the current condition of some facilities fell far below acceptable standards.

According to him, the state of the facilities does not inspire public confidence in the healthcare system.

‘Some of our primary healthcare centres are an eyesore because of the dearth of essential facilities. This is unacceptable. We will ensure that the necessary facilities are provided so that patients can access quality healthcare services,’ he said.

Shekwolo assured residents that the council had commenced plans to rehabilitate and upgrade the affected health facilities to improve healthcare delivery across the area council.

He, however, stressed that infrastructure alone would not guarantee quality healthcare, saying the commitment, professionalism and dedication of health workers were equally important.

The chairman warned that his administration would no longer tolerate negligence, absenteeism, indiscipline or poor work ethics among health personnel.

He urged health workers to take ownership of the facilities under their care and discharge their duties with the highest level of professionalism to ensure improved service delivery.