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President reviews fisheries projects, priorities for 2027 Budget

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake this week eviewed the implementation of projects funded under the 2026 Budget for the Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Ministry and discussed priorities for next year’s Budget, with a focus on strengthening fisheries infrastructure, increasing production and supporting fishing communities.

The discussion, held at the Presidential Secretariat, examined the progress of recurrent and capital expenditure undertaken this year by institutions operating under the Ministry, as part of the Government’s preparations for the 2027 Budget.

The review covered the performance of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR), National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA), National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA), Ceylon Fishery Harbours Corporation (CFHC), Ceylon Fisheries Corporation (CFC), Cey-Nor Foundation Ltd., and the Central Fish Market Complex.

Extensive discussions were held on programs aimed at increasing fish production and exports, ensuring an adequate supply of fish to meet the country’s nutritional requirements and improving the livelihoods of fishing communities, while also outlining priorities for 2027.

The President also reviewed the progress of several key infrastructure projects, including the Myliddy Fishery Harbour Development Project, development work at Gandara Fishery Harbour, the construction of the Rekawa Fishery Anchorage, and the modernisation and rehabilitation of the Karainagar Boat Yard.

The meeting further assessed the progress of research and development initiatives undertaken by the Ministry and considered funding requirements for these programmes under the 2027 Budget.

Attention was also given to the reconstruction of fishery harbours damaged by Cyclone Ditwah and ongoing efforts to restore the livelihoods of affected fishing communities.

The President reviewed the implementation of a Rs. 189 million program to provide boats, fishing nets and other equipment to fishermen affected by the disaster, with the aim of accelerating the recovery of the fisheries sector.

The discussion also examined progress under the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative to recycle decommissioned fishing boats and other fibreglass waste, supporting environmental sustainability within the fisheries industry.

Cleric counsels women on life’s challenges

Marriage, career, motherhood, or the quiet pain of childlessness – none of life’s heavy burdens should ever derail a woman from her God-given destiny.

That was the message delivered by Apostle Lawrence Achudume, Lead Pastor of Victory Life Bible Church International, at the 2026 All Women Summit in Abeokuta.

Speaking at Victory City, Achudume reminded the audience that despite the immense pressures they shoulder daily, women remain the indispensable bedrock of the family, the Church, and society.

‘As a woman, you may be overwhelmed by responsibilities… but God will never abandon you,’ Achudume declared. ‘There are things God will take you through because of the assignment He has prepared for your life. If you can identify His presence, you will come out stronger.’

Drawing from the biblical account of the fiery furnace, he assured believers that God’s presence is an all-sufficient anchor during trials.

Achudume also challenged the conventional definition of success, arguing that true leadership is defined by sacrifice, discipline, and character-not titles.

‘The world is looking for true leaders to improve the lot of humanity,’ he said. ‘Leadership is beyond position. The real question is: can you pay the price?’

Blaming Nigeria’s current leadership crises on individuals chasing public office without preparation or integrity, he urged women to model humility, patience, and godly principles in their homes and professions.

The summit also paid emotional tribute to the late Reverend Fola Achudume, the visionary whose faith birthed the annual gathering. Guest minister Apostle (Dr.) Ngozi Okwok stated that the greatest honor women could pay her memory is to keep her vision alive by living purposefully.

Warning that ‘ignorance is never an excuse,’ Okwok challenged participants from all economic backgrounds to aggressively pursue personal development and become guiding lights in their communities.

The summit’s impact was made tangible through the ‘Shop for Free’ outreach-a signature legacy of the late Reverend Fola Achudume via Royal Ladies International. Breaking down religious and social barriers, the outreach distributed clothing, shoes, food, and household essentials to massive crowds free of charge.

The 2026 summit, themed: ‘Shine, concluded with powerful prayers for families, the Church, and the nation.

Parliament Approves $822m World Bank Loans

Parliament has approved three World Bank credit facilities worth a combined US$822 million to finance road infrastructure, secondary education and statistical development projects across the country, despite concerns from the Minority over the country’s growing reliance on borrowing.

The facilities comprise a US$500 million credit agreement for the Ghana Market Access and Connectivity Project (GMACP), a US$300 million facility for the Secondary Education Transformation for Access, Relevance and Results for Jobs (STARR-J) Project, and US$22 million in additional financing for the Harmonising and Improving Statistics in West Africa Project.

The approvals followed extensive debate in the House, with both the Majority and Minority supporting the facilities while disagreeing over the government’s fiscal management and the need for additional borrowing.

Projects

The Ghana Market Access and Connectivity Project is aimed at improving all-season farm-to-market roads and strengthening rural transport infrastructure to support agricultural development and reduce post-harvest losses.

The facility carries a maturity period of 30 years with a five-year grace period and will be complemented by US$23 million in counterpart funding from the Government of Ghana.

The International Development Association (IDA) project seeks to address overcrowding, inadequate infrastructure, shortages of laboratories and ICT facilities, and improve the relevance of secondary education to labour market needs.

The STARR-J project will finance the rehabilitation and construction of secondary schools, teacher development programmes, digital learning initiatives, technical and vocational education reforms, and improvements in education management systems. It also includes provisions for emergency response interventions.

The third facility, valued at US$22 million, will provide additional financing for the Harmonising and Improving Statistics in West Africa Project to strengthen statistical systems in Ghana and six other West African countries.

The financing is expected to support data collection, statistical harmonisation, technological upgrades and the rebasing of key economic indicators, including the Consumer Price Index and Gross Domestic Product.

Revenue Failures for New Loans

During the debate, the Tano North MP, Dr. Gideon Boako, criticised the government for resorting to borrowing to fund critical investments, arguing that poor revenue mobilisation was forcing the state back to the debt market.

According to him, the government had failed to meet several revenue targets, including collections from VAT, the National Health Insurance Levy, the GETFund levy, crude oil receipts and import duties, resulting in expenditure cuts and increased borrowing.

He contended that revenues generated domestically should be sufficient to finance education and other essential investments rather than relying on loans.

Ofoase-Ayhirebi MP

The MP for Ofoase-Ayirebi, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, also expressed concern about the scale of borrowing shortly after Ghana exited the IMF programme.

He observed that the three facilities, together with borrowing provisions in the national budget, amounted to almost US$1 billion in new debt commitments.

While supporting the facilities, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah urged the government to improve revenue collection and adopt a whole-of-government approach to expenditure management to avoid future debt sustainability challenges.

Minority Leader

The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, similarly backed the education investment but argued that better economic management could have reduced the need for additional borrowing.

He maintained that losses associated with the Bank of Ghana’s gold-for-reserves policy had contributed to the current fiscal pressures and said the Minority would closely monitor the implementation and procurement processes associated with the approved projects.

Government Response

Responding on behalf of the government, the Deputy Finance Minister, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, defended the facilities, particularly the education loan, insisting that the funds would not be used to finance Free Senior High School but rather to expand infrastructure and improve educational quality.

The Deputy Minister further stated that 86 percent of the US$300 million facility would be invested directly in school infrastructure, while an additional US$20 million would be used to provide furniture and textbooks for students nationwide.

Mr. Ampem stressed that the facility was highly concessional, carrying a 30-year repayment period and a five-year grace period, and represented one of the most favourable financing arrangements available to Ghana.

ATHLETICS-CARIFTA-Guyana to host 2027 CARIFTA Games, Barbados to play host in 2028

Guyana has stepped forward to host the 2027 CARIFTA Games, just one week after St Kitts withdrew its bid to host the Caribbean’s top athletic sporting event.

Guyana’s decision to host the Games was revealed by the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC) on Thursday, which also announced that Barbados had taken responsibility to host the Games in 2028.

The news comes exactly one week after St Kitts pulled out of hosting the 2027 Games, with the St. Kitts-Nevis Athletics Association and the St. Kitts and Nevis Olympic Committee citing that it was ‘not the most ideal time’ for the island.

NACAC Athletics said the commitments followed the swift intervention and support of the CARICOM Heads of Government.

‘On behalf of the NACAC Athletics Council, officials, and athletes of the NACAC Athletics family, I wish to thank the CARICOM Heads for their swift and positive response in support of the CARIFTA Games,’ NACAC Athletics President Mike Sands said during a media briefing.

‘I especially thank President Ali of Guyana and Prime Minister Mottley of Barbados for agreeing to host CARIFTA 2027 and 2028. This secures the immediate future of what is arguably the world’s premier junior athletics event.’

NACAC is expected to engage the relevant authorities in Guyana and Barbados to support early planning for both editions while continuing discussions with CARICOM leaders on a more sustainable framework for athletics and major youth sporting events in the Caribbean.

How Mugo went from Tahidi High extra to The Agency

Talent, Emmanuel Mugo says, has never been the hardest part of acting.

Rejection is.

Before working on the second season of The Agency, the American spy thriller television series featuring Michael Fassbender and Richard Gere, Mugo spent years navigating failed auditions, financial uncertainty and long stretches without work.

Those setbacks, he says, became the foundation of a career that has taken him from a Tahidi High extra to one of Kenya’s most experienced stunt performers on international productions.

“There has been a lot of learning, a lot of connecting with fellow artistes and learning from them, but there has also been rejection. You can be very good and still not get the role.”

For many aspiring actors, rejection is interpreted as failure. For Mugo, it eventually became part of the job description.

“That experience years has helped me build resilience and self-acceptance. Even if you’ve been rejected, you have to keep moving.”

Unlike traditional professions where progression follows a predictable ladder, acting often means long periods of waiting punctuated by short bursts of intense activity. There are months when projects flow and months when phones simply stop ringing.

“That’s why diversification is key. Having a side hustle is important in this industry.”

While many know him as an actor, Mugo has steadily expanded his skill set over the years, becoming a stunt performer, stunt coordinator and assistant director. Today, he co-runs a company known as Stunt It alongside fellow stunt performer Mickey Stunts.

His entry into stunt work came more than a decade ago through veteran Kenyan stunt coordinator Charles Kembero.

“He got me into the first season of Sense8, trained me on the basics and we kicked off from there. Without Kembero, honestly, The Agency would not exist for me. Sense8 was my first stunt gig ever.”

Mugo’s fascination with acting began in childhood while watching the 1990s action series Renegade starring Lorenzo Lamas.

“I really wanted to do what he was doing,” he recalls.

His TV opportunity came in 2012 as an extra in the Kenyan teen drama, Tahidi High. It would take another 13 years before he found himself working on The Agency.

From there came commercials, supporting roles and more auditions.

“Every opportunity and every place you go, you make sure you leave a lasting impression because you’re only as good as your last gig.”

The transition into stunt coordination happened almost by accident.

After working on productions including Mission to Rescue and the Maisha Magic drama Kina, Mugo began taking on more responsibility for action sequences and eventually coordinated one of the show’s major stunt scenes involving weapons and a wedding shootout.

By the time The Agency came calling, Mugo was a multi-skilled creative capable of contributing in several departments. He joined the production through the stunt team rather than a traditional audition process.

Produced by Hollywood star George Clooney’s Smokehouse Pictures for Paramount+, The Agency is among the highest-profile international productions to film in Kenya in recent years. The espionage thriller became Showtime’s most-streamed new series ever following its launch, drawing 5.1 million viewers globally during its opening weekend.

July security sweep: Why you must reset your bank app login credentials now

Resetting your bank app credentials immediately breaks the chain of access for hackers using stolen passwords, credential stuffing, or mobile trojans to target your funds.

Therefore, with the surge in AI-assisted scams and phishing links, updating your login info ensures that compromised old data becomes useless to cybercriminals.

As banks strengthen their digital security systems, fraudsters continue to develop new tactics to steal login credentials, intercept one-time passwords (OTPs), and trick unsuspecting customers into revealing sensitive information. That is why it is crucial to treat your banking credentials like your house keys and replace them periodically.

For Nigerians who rely on mobile banking for transfers, bill payments, and savings, carrying out a bank app cybersecurity audit Nigeria is no longer optional.

A simple password reset, combined with stronger authentication settings, could prevent unauthorized access to your account and protect your finances from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

Why resetting your login credentials matters

Many people create a banking password once and keep using it for years. While it may be convenient, it also increases the risk of compromise. If that password is exposed through a phishing scam, a leaked database, or malware on another device, attackers may attempt to reuse it across multiple services.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) directed financial institutions to strengthen cybersecurity governance, improve risk management, and protect customer information through comprehensive security controls. These expectations are outlined in the CBN’s Risk-Based Cybersecurity Framework and Guidelines for Other Financial Institutions, which emphasizes continuous monitoring, identity management, and customer protection.

Resetting your banking credentials periodically adds another layer of defence by reducing the window of opportunity for criminals who may have obtained older login details.

Phishing attacks are becoming more convincing

Fraudsters no longer rely on poorly written emails filled with spelling mistakes. Today, many phishing messages closely resemble genuine bank communications, complete with official logos, branding, and convincing language.

Customers may receive text messages claiming their account has been suspended, emails requesting immediate verification, or phone calls from individuals pretending to represent a bank’s security department.

The Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) and financial institutions regularly advise customers never to disclose passwords, PINs, OTPs, or card details through unsolicited messages or phone calls. Genuine banks do not request these credentials through such channels.

Security audit starts with your password

A proper bank app cybersecurity audit Nigeria begins with reviewing your login credentials.

Choose a strong password that combines upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid birthdays, phone numbers, names, or commonly used words that criminals can easily guess.

Most importantly, never reuse the same password for your banking app and other online services. If another platform experiences a data breach, criminals often test stolen passwords against banking and financial applications.

Password managers can also help generate and securely store complex passwords, reducing the temptation to reuse simple combinations.

Enable every security feature available

Strong passwords alone are no longer enough.

If your bank offers biometric authentication such as fingerprint or facial recognition, enable it. Likewise, activate two-factor authentication where available and ensure transaction alerts are sent to your registered phone number or email address.

Regularly update your banking application through the official Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Software updates frequently include security patches that address newly discovered vulnerabilities.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) also advises users to keep mobile operating systems and applications updated to reduce exposure to known cybersecurity threats.

Review the security of your device

Your bank app is only as secure as the device it runs on.

Install reputable mobile security software, avoid downloading applications from unofficial websites, and remove apps you no longer use. Public Wi-Fi networks should also be avoided when accessing sensitive financial services unless protected by a trusted virtual private network (VPN).

Lock your phone with biometric authentication or a strong passcode so that losing the device does not immediately expose your banking information.

Stay alert for unusual activity

Cybersecurity is an ongoing process, not a one-time task.

Review your transaction history regularly and investigate unfamiliar debits immediately. Enable instant debit and credit alerts so you receive notifications whenever money enters or leaves your account.

The earlier suspicious activity is reported, the greater the likelihood of limiting financial losses.

Completing a bank app cybersecurity audit Nigeria is one of the simplest ways to strengthen your digital security. Resetting your login credentials, enabling multi-factor authentication, updating your banking app, and remaining vigilant against phishing attacks can significantly reduce your exposure to cybercrime.

As digital banking continues to grow across Nigeria, protecting your account requires more than trusting your bank’s security systems. Safe online banking is a shared responsibility, and a few minutes spent reviewing your security settings today could prevent significant financial losses tomorrow.

Methodist Alumni mark 45th anniversary with Lagos-Ibadan train ride

Members of the Methodist Boys’ High School (MBHS) Club ’81 recently celebrated the 45th anniversary of their graduation with a first-class rail journey aboard the Nigerian Railway Corporation’s (NRC) Lagos-Ibadan Train Service (LITS), turning the reunion into a memorable travel experience.

The alumni departed from the Mobolaji Johnson Railway Station in Ebute Metta, Lagos, where they were received by officials of the NRC before boarding the First Class Coach for the trip to Ibadan.

For many of the old classmates, the journey offered more than a comfortable ride. It provided an opportunity to reconnect, relive cherished memories and celebrate over four decades of friendship while experiencing Nigeria’s standard gauge rail service.

Speaking during the trip, Chairman of MBHS Club ’81, Mr. Lorenzo Gomez, said the association deliberately chose rail transport to make the anniversary celebration different.

‘We wanted to celebrate this milestone in a unique way, and the train journey gave us that opportunity. The experience has been smooth, comfortable and enjoyable, and it has added a special touch to our reunion,’ he said.

The association’s General Secretary, Mr. Tunji Ayodele, said members were encouraged to make the trip after hearing positive feedback about the Lagos-Ibadan service.

‘We had heard good reports about the service and decided to experience it ourselves. From the reception at the station to the journey itself, it has been a pleasant experience,’ he said.

Throughout the trip, the atmosphere inside the coach reflected the spirit of the reunion, with classmates sharing memories, exchanging laughter and renewing friendships built more than four decades ago.

NRC officials described the visit as another indication of the growing appeal of rail transportation for group travel, reunions and excursions, noting that organised groups are increasingly choosing the railway for both business and leisure trips.

The Corporation reaffirmed its commitment to providing safe, reliable and customer-focused rail services across its network.

Police arrest kidnap suspects, rescue seven victims in nationwide crackdown

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has recorded major operational successes across 10 states, arresting suspected kidnappers, armed robbers, cultists, drug dealers and cattle rustlers, while rescuing seven kidnapped victims in a series of intelligence-led operations carried out within the last 24 hours.

The operations, coordinated by various state commands, also led to the recovery of firearms, ammunition, illicit drugs, stolen property and vehicles.

In Adamawa State, police operatives, working with the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF), raided a kidnappers’ hideout in Ba’a Usman Forest, Fufore Local Government Area, where two suspected kidnappers, Muhammadu Ibrahim, 35, and Isah Jahogi, 25, were arrested.

A locally-made pistol was recovered from the suspects, who were said to be members of a kidnapping syndicate terrorising Fufore and Jada Local Government Areas.

In Kogi State, a swift response by joint security operatives foiled an abduction along the Kabba-Ayere Road.

Police said intensive bush-combing operations, supported with the deployment of tear gas, forced the kidnappers to abandon six kidnapped victims, who were rescued unhurt.

Two vehicles were also recovered, while efforts are ongoing to rescue other passengers believed to have been taken away by the fleeing criminals.

Operatives in Ogun State also rescued kidnapped victim, Engr. Sola Boyeji, during sustained bush-combing operations.

Another victim’s vehicle was recovered as investigators intensified efforts to apprehend the abductors.

In Nasarawa State, police arrested suspected kidnapper Halilu Alhaji Shehu after intelligence-led operations.

The victim reportedly identified him as one of his abductors, while security operatives have launched a manhunt for other members of the gang.

The police also intensified the fight against cultism and violent crimes in Delta, Edo and Lagos states.

In Delta, operatives arrested suspected cultist Oghenebuba Mamatime, recovering three locally-made pistols and a single-barrel gun.

The command also arrested Benjamin Omoniovo, 32, described as a suspected abductor, rapist and fraudster, who was reportedly identified by five complainants.

In another operation in the state, officers arrested robbery suspect Jude Okonji and recovered a stolen motorcycle, preventing an attempted mob attack on the suspect.

In Edo State, Nosa Ehimwenma, 25, was arrested with a locally-made pistol and two live cartridges.

Police said he confessed to belonging to the Black Axe confraternity and provided useful information to investigators.

Similarly, Lagos operatives arrested suspected cultist Michael Abina, recovering eight live cartridges and 10 sachets of tramadol from him.

In Ebonyi State, police intercepted armed men allegedly blocking a road at Umuebe Roundabout in Ngbo, arresting Sunday John Obi, 38, and recovering a pump-action gun with two live cartridges.

His accomplice reportedly escaped.

The anti-crime operations also extended to Akwa Ibom and Benue states.

Three suspected drug dealers were arrested during a raid on a criminal hideout in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, where large quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp were recovered.

In Benue State, Mohammed Bilyaminu, 19, was arrested over alleged cattle rustling and the killing of one Benjamin Paul.

Police said the suspect confessed to the crime and had provided information that would aid the arrest of other gang members.

Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, who released the operational summary, said investigations were ongoing in all the cases while efforts had been intensified to arrest fleeing suspects and dismantle the criminal networks operating across the affected states.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to protecting lives and property through intelligence-driven policing and sustained nationwide operations.

FCT: Police seek public’s help to find man missing since January

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has appealed to members of the public to assist in locating Emmanuel Terfa, a 25-year-old man who has been missing since January 8, 2026.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, made the appeal in a statement issued on Wednesday, urging anyone with useful information about Terfa’s whereabouts to report to the police.

According to the statement, Terfa, popularly known as ‘Stoner,’ is an indigene of Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State and a graduate of Benue State University.

He was said to be residing in Guzape Village, Abuja, before his disappearance.

Adeh described the missing man as being over six feet tall, with a chocolate complexion, a slightly heavy build and dreadlocks. She added that he speaks both English and Hausa fluently.

The police spokesperson said Terfa was last seen at his residence in Guzape Village on January 8, 2026, and has not been seen since.

The command appealed to anyone with information that could assist in locating him to report to the nearest police station or contact the FCT Police Command through 08180382808 or the Police Public Relations Officer on 07038979348.

The police said any information provided would aid efforts to reunite the man missing since January with his family.

Gov’t budget deficit widens to P264.3B in June

The Marcos administration’s budget deficit widened by 9.4 percent to P264.3 billion in June as government spending outpaced revenue collections, according to the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr).

Latest data showed expenditures rose 5.5 percent to P578.7 billion, driven by higher National Tax Allotment shares for local government units, increased subsidies to state-run firms, and payments to suppliers and contractors for transportation infrastructure projects.

This outpaced the 2.46-percent increase in revenues, which reached P314.5 billion in June. Of the total, tax collections contributed P299.3 billion, while non-tax revenues amounted to P15.1 billion.

In the first half of the year, the fiscal deficit widened by 2.79 percent to P786.8 billion. This was 0.17 percent below the government’s P788.2-billion deficit program for the period.