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Today could be the most dangerous day of the wildfire season, Chief Fire Officer tells CNA

Thursday could be “perhaps the most difficult day of the wildfire season” due to a combination of high temperatures, very low humidity and strong winds, Cyprus Civil Protection National Coordinator and Chief Fire Officer Nikos Longinos told CNA, urging the public to exercise extreme caution as more than 1,350 countryside fires have already been recorded this year.

Longinos said today’s conditions create an exceptionally dangerous environment, with high temperatures, low humidity and strong winds significantly increasing both the likelihood of wildfire outbreaks and the speed at which they can spread.

“High temperatures cause drought, meaning that a single spark can ignite a wildfire,” he said, adding that humidity levels are “below 20%”, while winds further accelerate the spread of fires, particularly in areas where the terrain favours fire propagation.

He said all relevant services are on heightened alert to ensure any fire is tackled at its initial stage, adding that authorities are monitoring the entire government-controlled area of Cyprus.

“Today, almost the entire government-controlled area is experiencing high temperatures and the conditions that increase the risk of wildfires are prevailing,” he said.

Asked whether there are sufficient personnel and resources available, Longinos said the emergency response mechanism is fully mobilised, while stressing that no country can ever be certain of containing every major wildfire.

“You can never be certain when a wildfire may overwhelm the system,” he said, noting that even countries such as Canada, Spain and France, despite having far greater resources, continue to face serious challenges in tackling large-scale fires.

“The message to our fellow citizens is to avoid any action that could create a spark, because the consequences could be catastrophic,” he added.

Longinos stressed that the elevated fire risk will continue beyond today until weather conditions change.

“In the coming days, until conditions change and, above all, until we receive rainfall, we will remain on standby, ready to suppress any fires at their initial stages,” he said.

Referring to the emergency response mechanism following last summer’s deadly wildfire in Limassol, he said important improvements have been made, while acknowledging that further strengthening is still needed.

Commenting on this year’s wildfire statistics, Longinos described the number of countryside fires as particularly high.

“We have recorded more than 1,350 countryside fires since the beginning of the year,” he said, adding that comparative data with 2025 have not yet been finalised.

Concluding, he stressed that human activity remains the main cause of wildfires.

“More than 94% are caused by human activities. It is we, the people, who cause these fires,” he said, calling on the public to avoid any action that could ignite a blaze.

Nine startups win N9.75m as AICL targets youth enterprise growth

Nine startups received a total of N9.75 million after emerging winners in the 2026 Abuja Young Entrepreneurs’ Hunt organised by the Abuja Investment Company Limited (AICL) in partnership with the Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA).

The competition rewarded entrepreneurs in the information and communications technology (ICT), creative and agribusiness sectors, with first, second and third-place winners in each category receiving N1.5 million, N1 million and N750,000 respectively.

Speaking at the event in Abuja, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AICL, Maureen Tamuno, said the initiative was aimed at helping young entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses beyond the competition.

‘The level of training and mentorship they receive from professionals during the programme goes far beyond the competition itself. It gives them ideas on visibility, expansion and sustainability,’ she said.

Tamuno said winners would continue to receive support after the competition through mentorship and exposure to investors.

‘We have mechanisms in place to follow up with them. That is why previous winners return every year to share their success stories and inspire new participants,’ she added.

She said this year’s winners would also have the opportunity to pitch their businesses before investors during the Abuja Business and Investment Expo (ABIS) 3.0 scheduled for August 5 to 7.

Tamuno identified access to finance, electricity and long-term funding as some of the major challenges confronting young entrepreneurs.

‘We now have renewable energy solutions that are helping businesses reduce dependence on the national grid. One of our markets operates entirely on green energy, and we encourage entrepreneurs to take advantage of these opportunities,’ she noted.

She urged more private organisations and development partners to support youth-led businesses.

‘All we need to do is believe in Nigeria and believe in what we do. As we evolve, we create opportunities for people who want to come into the space,’ she explained.

The Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Abuja Enterprise Agency, Chudi Ugwuada-Ezirigwe, said the organisers selected ICT, the creative economy and agribusiness because of their potential to drive economic growth and employment.

‘The journey of a million miles begins with one step. We started with these sectors, but we intend to expand as more innovative business ideas emerge,’ he said.

Chairman of the judging panel and economist, Paul Alaje, said the entries were assessed based on innovation, sustainability, financial viability, scalability and their potential to create jobs.

‘These businesses will generate employment, reduce imports, promote exports and contribute to economic growth,’ he said.

Among the winners was Plastic Abdullahi Suleiman, who won the creative category with an innovation that converts plastic waste and sand into interlocking paving stones.

‘We are turning plastic waste into stronger, more affordable interlocks. We believe this innovation can help solve both environmental pollution and road construction challenges,’ Suleiman said.

Winner of the ICT category and Chief Executive Officer of Cyber Vigil, Ridwanllah Adeleke, called for greater collaboration with indigenous cybersecurity firms.

‘Government agencies should partner with local cybersecurity companies to strengthen the protection of critical public infrastructure against data breaches,’ he said.

Pamela Azeminor, first runner-up in the creative category, said the prize money would help expand her fashion training business.

‘Access to finance remains one of the biggest challenges for young entrepreneurs. This support will enable us to acquire equipment that will prepare fashion designers for global opportunities,’ she said.

Senator assures AIG Jimoh of support in battle against insecurity

The Senator representing Lagos Central district, Wasiu Sanni Eshilokun, has assured the Assistant Inspector of Police in charge of Zone 2, AIG Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, of support.

He pledged his continued partnership on policing efforts across Lagos and Ogun states.

The Senator, who chairs the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, visited the Zonal Headquarters in Onikan, Lagos, alongside members of his entourage.

According to him, the visit was to strengthen collaboration on public safety and security, commending AIG Jimoh for his professionalism and commitment to protecting lives and property.

He þpraised police officers for maintaining law and order despite ongh9oing security challenges. He urged them to remain steadfast in their duties, assuring them of his continued backing.

Responding, AIG Jimoh thanked the Senator for the visit, describing it as a demonstration of confidence in the Nigeria Police Force and an encouragement to officers making sacrifices to safeguard the country.

The AIG said Zone 2 was committed, under the leadership of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to strengthening community policing and sustaining peace across Lagos and Ogun states. He added that the zonal command would continue working with stakeholders to ensure a safer environment for residents.

Make.com workflows: How to automate your monthly invoicing in 30 minutes

Every freelancer and small business owner knows the feeling. The end of the month arrives, where some projects are completed, clients are waiting for invoices, and you find yourself copying customer details, checking spreadsheets, generating PDFs, and sending emails one after another. Oftentimes, it is repetitive work that consumes valuable time, time that could be spent serving clients or winning new business.

Fortunately, no-code automation platforms are changing the way businesses handle routine administrative tasks. A Make.com automated invoicing workflow can automatically collect customer information, generate invoices, notify clients, and even update accounting records with little or no manual intervention. These that once took hours each month, can now be completed in minutes.

Why businesses are automating invoicing

Manual invoicing is not only time-consuming. It also increases the likelihood of errors, including incorrect invoice numbers, duplicate entries, forgotten payments, and missing customer information.

Workflow automation removes much of that risk by allowing applications to communicate automatically. Instead of transferring information manually between different software platforms, Make.com connects them using visual workflows that move data instantly whenever predefined conditions are met.

According to research from Gartner, organisations continue increasing investment in low-code and no-code technologies because they improve operational efficiency and accelerate digital transformation. Microsoft also notes that low-code automation enables teams to streamline repetitive business processes without extensive software development expertise.

How Make.com automated invoicing workflow works

The beauty of Make.com lies in its visual interface. Users build automation scenarios by connecting applications with drag-and-drop modules rather than writing complex code.

A typical invoicing workflow begins when a customer completes a purchase, signs a contract, or submits a project request. That event automatically triggers the workflow.

Customer information can then flow into platforms such as Google Sheets, Airtable, HubSpot, or a CRM. Make.com generates the invoice using integrated accounting software such as QuickBooks, Xero, or Stripe before sending it directly to the client through Gmail or Outlook.

The same workflow can update payment records, notify the finance team through Slack or Microsoft Teams, archive documents in Google Drive, and schedule follow-up reminders if payment remains outstanding.

So, instead of switching between multiple applications, the automation performs every step in sequence.

Saving time without sacrificing accuracy

Interestingly, one of the biggest advantages of automation is consistency.

Every invoice follows the same format, with customer details remaining accurate, invoice numbers are generated sequentially, and payment reminders are sent automatically according to predefined rules.

Also, the Zapier report shows that employees spend a significant portion of their workweek performing repetitive tasks that can often be automated, allowing businesses to redirect time toward higher-value activities such as customer service, innovation, and sales.

As freelancers handle dozens of clients each month, those time savings quickly become measurable financial gains.

Building your workflow in about 30 minutes

Meanwhile, setting up a basic Make.com automated invoicing workflow does not require advanced programming knowledge.

Start by connecting your preferred business applications to Make.com. Choose the trigger that starts the automation, for example, a completed order, a signed proposal, or a new spreadsheet entry.

Next, configure the invoice generation module, map customer data to the correct invoice fields, and add automated email delivery.

Finally, test the workflow using sample data before activating it. Once live, the automation continues processing invoices with minimal supervision while providing activity logs that help identify and resolve any issues quickly.

Who benefits most?

Automated invoicing is particularly valuable for freelancers, digital agencies, consultants, accountants, e-commerce businesses, software companies, coaches, and subscription-based services.

Any organisation that creates recurring invoices can reduce administrative work while improving payment consistency and customer experience.

As businesses continue embracing no-code technologies, professionals who understand workflow automation are becoming increasingly valuable because they help organisations reduce costs without investing in expensive custom software.

A Make.com automated invoicing workflow is more than a convenience, it is a practical business tool that improves accuracy, saves time, and supports growth.

Abia Warriors reinstate Amapakabo as technical adviser

Abia Warriors have reinstated Imama Amapakabo as the club’s Technical Adviser ahead of the new campaign.

Amapakabo, who was suspended towards the closing stages of last season, has resumed preparations with the Umuahia-based club.

The experienced tactician returns after Abia Warriors narrowly missed qualification for continental football and failed to make a significant impact in the President Federation Cup.

A former Super Eagles assistant coach, Amapakabo has also managed Rangers and El-Kanemi Warriors.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) will hold a mandatory workshop for Media Directors and Marketing Coordinators of its 20 clubs ahead of the 2026/2027 season as part of efforts to strengthen the league’s commercial appeal and media visibility.

According to a circular sent to clubs, the workshop on commercial and media innovation is aimed at repositioning the NPFL as a commercially viable, professionally managed and globally competitive league.

Club representatives are expected to arrive in Enugu on Tuesday, July 28, while the workshop will commence on Wednesday, July 29, at Ozom Hotel, Independence Layout.

The NPFL has said attendance is compulsory, with the league warning that clubs that fail to send representatives will face sanctions.

Each club is required to nominate two officials for the programme, which will focus on marketing strategies, commercial development, media relations, brand management, sponsorship acquisition, fan engagement and digital communication.

Anambra gov’t threatens to arrest, prosecute illegal traditional rulers

The Anambra Government has threatened to arrest and prosecute anyone parading himself as the traditional ruler of any community without recognition and certification.

Chief Vincent Ezeaka, Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs issued the warning in a letter addressed to Presidents General of Town Unions on Thursday.

The statement was entitled ‘Unlawful Assumption of Office and Parading as Traditional Ruler by Persons not Recognized by the Anambra State Government’.

Ezeaka said the government had received reports about persons who without recognition parade themselves, permit themselves to be addressed as and perform functions reserved for traditional rulers in some communities.

He said such acts were criminal offenses punishable with imprisonment under the Traditional Rulers Law of Anambra.

He said only a person duly selected, appointed and formally recognised by government in accordance with the law was entitled to function or hold himself out as the traditional ruler of a town or community.

‘In view of the reports received so far, the Anambra State Government has taken a decision to prosecute every person who unlawfully parades himself as a traditional ruler, assumes a reserved title, or performs the functions of a traditional ruler. Accordingly, you are requested to submit complaints to this Ministry and the Ministry of Justice against any person in your community who is parading himself as a traditional ruler contrary to the provisions of the law,’ he said.

Tinubu: Nigeria’s reforms winning global recognition, more gains ahead

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday declared that Nigeria’s economic reforms are attracting increasing global recognition and investor confidence, assuring citizens that the full benefits of the policy measures introduced by his administration will become more evident in the coming months.

The President spoke at the State House, Abuja, while receiving a delegation of the Aseyori Tinubu research group led by Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim.

Tinubu said the growing interest by multinational companies in investing and partnering with Nigeria was evidence that the country’s reform programme was gaining international acceptance.

He attributed the development to the collective efforts of Nigerians across different sectors who have continued to support his administration’s drive to reposition the economy.

‘The economy of our nation has passed the darkest tunnel. The twists and turns of democracy are there. We will continue to push for improvement. The economic recovery is here, proudly. We are running a very stable economy right now’, the President said.

He also expressed confidence that ongoing economic reforms would continue to deliver greater stability and growth, saying his administration remained committed to stimulating production and expanding opportunities for Nigerians.

The President highlighted improvements in the education sector, pointing to the success of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which he disclosed had received additional funding from assets recovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

‘We have a production line going on well; we just need to stimulate the economy for growth. We can beat our chests with the bragging rights-no more ASUU strike. Today, our children are in school. The security is getting better, not getting worse’, Tinubu said.

He urged the research group to continue generating ideas and policy recommendations that would strengthen Nigeria politically and economically.

The President also commended Ambassador Ibrahim for what he described as an impressive performance since assuming office as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

‘Your capacity is exceedingly reliable, and your performance at the United Nations are very impressive. You have achieved a lot at the UN within a short period. I am very proud of that,’ Tinubu said.

He encouraged the diplomat to remain focused on his assignment and avoid distractions, while charging him to intensify efforts towards securing a permanent seat for Nigeria on the United Nations Security Council.

‘You know, this is an evolution that may not come back to our history in a very, very short time. So, I want you to work harder and get a permanent seat at the UN’, the President added.

Earlier, Ambassador Ibrahim, praised Tinubu’s leadership, saying the administration’s reforms had improved Nigeria’s global image and boosted foreign investors’ confidence in the country.

He said investors were increasingly partnering with Nigeria across various sectors because of the confidence inspired by the government’s economic policies.

The envoy also attributed his achievements at the United Nations to the support he had received from President Tinubu and pledged to continue working towards securing a seat for Nigeria on the United Nations Security Council.

No confidence motion against Justice Minister to be debated tomorrow

The Parliamentary Business Committee has decided that the no confidence motion against Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara, will be taken up for debate in Parliament tomorrow (24).

The decision was reached during the Parliamentary Business Committee’s meeting held yesterday.

The Opposition formally handed over a noconfidence motion against Justice Minister Nanayakkara to Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne in Parliament on Tuesday (21).

The submission was made with the signatures of several Opposition MPs, marking a coordinated challenge to the Minister’s position. The motion comes in direct response to the Negombo Prison unrest on 5 and 6 July, where clashes left 10 prison officers and inmates dead and several others seriously injured.

The Opposition pointed out that Minister Nanayakkara failed to fulfill his responsibility and accountability for ensuring the safety of those in custody.

Cops to be sanctioned if photojournalists’ ‘harassment’ is proven

The Philippine National Police (PNP) will penalize the law enforcers who reportedly tried to arrest two photojournalists covering a protest in Pasay City, if it will be proven that the cops did not enforce ‘maximum tolerance.’

PNP public information chief Col. Allen Rae Co said this in a press briefing at Camp Crame on Thursday.

His statement comes a day after the incident took place outside the Philippine International Convention Center during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Wednesday.

‘We’ll take a look at that,’ Co said when asked if the PNP is finding out whether or not the the police failed to handle the tense situation with utmost patience and courtesy.

The Photojournalists’ Center of the Philippines described the encounter as ‘harassment.’

Photojournalists Bullit Marquez and Rene Dilan were reportedly confronted by the police personnel and were prevented them from taking pictures while protesters were being arrested at the rally.

As a reaction, Marquez allegedly cursed, which prompted the police officers to attempt to apprehend him and Dilan as well.

According to Co, cursing police officers has a corresponding offense, but he noted that ‘it doesn’t mean that we will make the arrest.’

‘Our police practice maximum tolerance. That’s part of the job,’ the PNP official emphasized.

‘So if this is a result of being cursed, that will also come out in our [investigation], and we will take the appropriate action to discipline our personnel,’ Co noted.

The PNP official, however, did not elaborate on the sanctions police officers might face if it is proven that they committed a wrongdoing.

Co pointed out that it is not yet conclusive to say that the police officers tried to arrest the photojournalists, emphasizing that the investigation is still ongoing.

He also reiterated that the PNP has nothing to hide from the public, and it did not prevent anyone from documenting the events at the demonstration.

‘As I’ve stated earlier, they suddenly rushed in-they wanted to breach the line formed by the police for the restricted area. So they were pushed back. They were prevented from doing so,’ Co said.

He also told reporters that one of the photojournalists was allegedly not wearing any visible IDs and that his camera was dropped on the ground, ‘so there was no way of knowing that he was a journalist.’

But a photojournalist who personally witnessed the incident told the INQUIRER otherwise, attesting that both Marquez and Dilan wore visible IDs during that time.

She said her fellow photojournalists went near the area to capture the instance wherein a Muslim woman was being dragged by the police and her hijab (headscarf) was touched.

The Press Photographers of the Philippines earlier released a statement on the incident, condemning the reported ‘harassment’of the photojournalists that as a ‘clear violation of press freedom

Smart launches Samsung’s latest foldable innovations with exclusive pre-order offers

Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is empowering more Filipinos to widen their Galaxy and experience Samsung’s newest foldable innovations as it opens pre-orders for the latest Samsung Galaxy Z8 Series from July 22 to August 13, 2026.

Fresh from Samsung’s highly anticipated Galaxy Unpacked event, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 takes center stage as Samsung’s newest foldable design, leading the lineup alongside the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra and Galaxy Z Flip8.

Slimmer, lighter, and more powerful than ever, Samsung’s latest foldables combine advanced Galaxy AI features, enhanced cameras, and seamless connectivity across the Galaxy ecosystem.

Get bigger storage and more value with easy and flexible payment options

By pre-ordering with Smart Postpaid or Smart Infinity, customers can experience these mobile innovations with exclusive storage upgrades, trade-in savings, flexible payment options, and competitive pricing.

Smart subscribers who successfully pre-order a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8, or Galaxy Z Flip8 can enjoy up to P14,000 in savings when they upgrade their device storage from 256GB to 512GB. Plus, they can also get three months of complimentary Samsung Care+, subject to applicable terms and availability.

Customers can maximize their devices with Smart’s All-New Postpaid Plans+, which come with UNLI App Bundles, UNLI 5G for 12 months (in select areas), Open-Access Data, and high priority on the Smart network, empowering customers to play, create, and connect wherever they go on Smart’s fast and reliable network.

With Smart Postpaid Plans+ 1999, subscribers can get the following devices through straight payment or 24-month, zero-interest installment using participating credit cards (Metrobank, Security Bank, BPI, UnionBank, HSBC, and RCBC):

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra (512GB) for P101,600 or P5,021/month

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 (512GB) for P91,100 or P4,500/month

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 (512GB) for P65,100 or P3,217/monthTruly premium lifestyle with Smart Infinity

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Series is also available through Infinity Plan 5000 and Infinity Plan 8000, which come with unlimited data, calls, and texts, roaming-ready connectivity, and exclusive Infinity privileges.

Smart Infinity members also enjoy a curated suite of privileges designed around convenience, access, and personalized service, including Worldwide Concierge Services, complimentary airport lounge access, exclusive access to the Infinity Collection, Smart Infinity’s carefully curated portfolio of privileges and experiences from distinguished luxury and premium partner brands, dedicated Relationship Manager support, and 24/7 priority assistance with personalized service at Smart Stores nationwide.

Upgrade easier with Smart and Samsung Trade-In

Smart also makes upgrading to Samsung’s newest foldables easier and more rewarding with the Smart and Samsung Trade-In Program. Customers can reserve their preferred Galaxy Z8 Series device during the pre-order period and complete their trade-in at participating Smart Stores once the devices officially launch. Eligible smartphones can be traded in for instant discounts that can be applied toward the purchase of a new Galaxy device.

Complete the Galaxy ecosystem with Samsung’s newest smartwatches

Smart Postpaid and Infinity are also offering the new Samsung Galaxy Watch9 and Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2, enabling subscribers to enjoy a more intelligent, connected, and personalized Galaxy experience alongside the Samsung Galaxy Z8 Series.

Compatible smartwatch users can also add on Smart Device Link, which enables their smartwatch and phone to share one mobile number and plan inclusions for a more seamless connected experience. First-time subscribers can enjoy the service free for six months, when they activate until September 30, 2026, making it even easier to stay connected across devices.

With the Smart Postpaid Plans, subscribers can save up to 20% compared with the suggested retail price when they bundle a Samsung Galaxy Watch with their new Samsung Galaxy Z8 Series device. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 LTE starts at P1,525 per month, while the Samsung Galaxy Watch9 starts at P867 per month. These devices are also available to Infinity members.

Backed by Smart’s fast and reliable 5G network, subscribers can truly make the most of the latest Samsung Galaxy Z8 Series and Samsung Galaxy Watch devices for streaming, creating, collaborating, and staying connected wherever they go.