Category: PM News

By Reporters

Motorists plying Kabba-Omuo-Ekiti road have expressed concerns over the slow pace of construction on the corridor, citing frequent gridlock, damage to vehicles and a huge loss of man-hours.

They noted that the road is a crucial interstate economic route connecting communities between Kogi and Ekiti States.

Motorists who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ado-Ekiti, lamented that passenger patronage had dropped sharply since construction began, stating that many commuters now take alternative routes to avoid delays.

They appealed to the Federal Government to prevail on the contractor handling the project to speed up work in order to ease vehicular difficulties, improve lives, and boost commercial and socio-economic activities in the area.

The respondents while expressing displeasure over the slow pace of work on the road, noted that the unpredictable global economic activities could be a hindrance towards the completion deadline.

The Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Ekiti State Branch, Chief Omotayo Falope, said the road had been in a deplorable condition for a long time, and was causing severe damage to vehicles.

“The road has become a death trap and an avenue for criminals to operate freely. Because it is a federal road and a linkage between states, it is very critical for not only for human survival, and but the state prosperity too.

“Our appeal is for government to expedite action on its completion, and aside the Kabba-Omuo-Ekiti road, we are grateful to the government for the major work on Akure-Ikere-Ado-Ekiti and the Ifaki-Omuo which has been fixed to a commendable extent,” he said.

On his part, Mr Kehinde Afolabi, the Chairman, National Association of Cooperative Transporters (NACT), Ekiti Chapter, said before the administration of President Bola Tinubu, the Akure-Ikere-Ado-Ekiti road was a major issue, causing traffic gridlock, severe vehicle damage, and extended travel times for commuters due to its deplorable state.

“The difficulties becomes more compounded as most of our businessmen and women from Ado-Ekiti who desire to board flights at Akure Airport, have to use the road.

“Even, for farmers in Ekiti to move their produce to neighbouring Ondo State becomes problematic, but today the road has been fixed.

“Work on Kabba-Omuo-Ekiti has also commenced from the Ifaki-Omuo section and it is a good development for transport stakeholders in the state and beyond,” he said.

Also, the state Chairman of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) in Ekiti State, Chief Sunday Adeola, said the construction of the Kabba-Omuo-Ekiti road was long overdue due to its importance as a linkage for commercial and trading activities between the affected states.

Mr Sunday Adedeji, an Ado-Ekiti based commercial driver, said he had once escaped an armed robbery ambush on the road.

“If not for God and my expertise as a professional driver, I and my passengers would have been victims of armed robbery attack in one of my trips on the road due to it’s deplorable state.

“I thank God, I escaped. More importantly, I am very happy that the newly awarded construction contract is a major relief that will drastically cut down on recurring vehicle repair expenses and improve daily commute,” he said

The Federal Controller of Works in Ekiti State, Engr. Wasiu Owolabi, told NAN that the Kabba-Omuo-Ekiti road was 104 kilometres with the Ekiti section accounting for 63 kilometres from Omuo-Ekiti.

He disclosed that the road, due to its bad state, was first awarded to CCECC Nigeria Limited (China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation) at the cost of N9.99 billion.

“After the COVID-19 pandemic the company couldn’t go ahead with the inflated construction cost and it was terminated.

“The road was re-awarded to Gamji Construction Company in March, 2026 to cover the whole length of 104 kilometres into Kogi State from Ekiti at the cost of N25 billion.

“The company is yet to commence full construction work on the Omuo-Ekiti to Kabba section of the road as it awaits the release of funds.

“On its part, the company has fixed the bad portion from Ifaki-Ekiti to Omuo-Ekiti to make it motorable and allow farmers and traders move their produce and wares with ease.

“Part of the conditions the contract was awarded to Gamji in the first place was that the company gave it’s full assurance of having the capacity, resources and relevant equipment to execute the project. It is expected that they will move to site to commence work at least to a certain level.

“The company has fixed the portion from Ifaki-Ekiti to Omuo-Ekiti and now motorable but yet to commence work from Omuo-Ekiti end toward Kabba section,” he said.

Owolabi said other major roads that received Federal Government attention in the state include the Akure-Ikere-Ado-Ekiti road, Ado-Afe-Babalola-Ijan-Ilu-Omoba-Imesi-Ikare-Akoko road as well as Ado-Iyin-Igede-Aramoko-Itawure road.

Similarly, Mr Taiwo Olatunbosun, the state Commissioner for Information, described the Federal Government intervention on the roads as a “significant boost to the socio-economic growth of Ekiti State and the South-West region as a whole.

“The Kabba-Omuo-Ekiti road is a critical corridor connecting key parts of the country. The reconstruction will greatly improve movement, ease transportation challenges, and open up more opportunities for trade and commerce.

“This project goes beyond road construction; it is about improving lives, strengthening economic ties, and enhancing regional integration.”

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has described the public presentation of the book ‘From Cradle to Saddle’ as a celebration of visionary leadership, sacrifice, institutional development and enterprise growth in Nigeria.

Governor Radda made the remarks on Thursday in Abuja during the public presentation of the book authored by former Director-General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Dr. Olawale Fasanya.

Represented by the Deputy Governor of Katsina State, Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe, the Governor said the occasion was not merely the launch of a book but a reflection on the journey of enterprise development in Nigeria and the role of strong institutions in driving economic growth.

Governor Radda noted that his relationship with Dr. Fasanya dates back to their years together at SMEDAN, where he witnessed firsthand the author’s commitment, discipline, loyalty and passion for the development of Nigeria’s small business sector.

According to the Governor, Dr. Fasanya distinguished himself through an uncommon sense of responsibility, professionalism and dedication to service, qualities that earned him increasing leadership responsibilities within the agency.

“Leadership is not merely about occupying positions; it is about preparing institutions to outlive individuals. One of the greatest tests of leadership is succession. When I left SMEDAN to pursue my governorship ambition in Katsina State, I recommended Dr. Fasanya to succeed me as Director-General because I had absolute confidence in his competence, integrity and commitment to the MSME sector,” Governor Radda stated.

The Governor expressed gratitude to former President, Muhammadu Buhari, for approving the recommendation, noting that subsequent events have justified the decision.

He described ‘From Cradle to Saddle’ as more than a personal memoir, saying the publication serves as a valuable record of institutional history, policy evolution, leadership experiences and lessons in enterprise development.

Governor Radda emphasized the importance of documentation and knowledge transfer in strengthening public institutions, stressing that future policymakers, entrepreneurs, development practitioners and scholars would benefit immensely from the insights contained in the book.

He reiterated that Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) remain critical to job creation, poverty reduction, innovation, wealth creation and inclusive economic growth, adding that governments must continue to strengthen institutions that support enterprise development.

The Governor further highlighted his administration’s commitment to entrepreneurship and economic inclusion through the establishment of the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency, which was created shortly after he assumed office.

He acknowledged the contributions of Dr. Fasanya to the successes recorded by KASEDA within its first two years of operation and commended him for his enduring service to national development.

Governor Radda urged Nigerians to not only celebrate the publication but also study its lessons and embrace the values of dedication, integrity and purposeful leadership that it represents.

Earlier in his remarks, Dr. Fasanya revealed that he resigned from a lucrative position at the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), where he earned significantly higher remuneration, to join SMEDAN because of his desire to make meaningful contributions to national development and create lasting impact.

The author explained that his decision was driven by personal fulfilment and the opportunity to contribute to institution-building rather than financial considerations, noting that he was among the pioneer staff members of SMEDAN and later rose to become its Director-General.

The event attracted government officials, development experts, entrepreneurs, policymakers, members of the private sector and other distinguished guests from across the country.

MTN Nigeria CEO, Karl Toriola, has said that providing unlimited mobile data at a low cost is not possible because it would affect the quality of network services.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Saturday, Toriola said no mobile operator in the world can offer truly unlimited data at cheap rates while maintaining a reliable network.

According to him, most so-called unlimited plans have usage limits or fair-use policies, while genuine unlimited plans are usually very expensive.

He explained that telecom operators cannot build enough network capacity to support every customer using unlimited data at the same time.

“The idea of unlimited data on mobile networks does not really exist unless customers are paying very high prices. There is always a limit or fair-use policy,” he said.

Toriola compared the situation to the airline industry, saying airlines would not survive if they offered unlimited flights at very low prices.

He added that offering cheap unlimited data would make it difficult for telecom companies to invest in network infrastructure, leading to poor service quality.

Meanwhile, MTN recently launched an initiative called “Data on Trial” to address customer complaints about data usage and billing.

The programme allows customers to better understand how data is consumed on the MTN network and to raise concerns directly with the company’s technical team.

MTN’s Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, Tobe Okigbo, said the initiative is aimed at determining whether complaints are caused by technical issues, customer misunderstandings, or a lack of knowledge about how data is used.

The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has dismissed reports claiming prospective candidates were excluded from admission into its 78 Regular Course due to portal closure.

The Academy described the allegations as inaccurate and inconsistent with the realities of its admission process.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Kaduna, the Academy’s Public Relations Officer, Maj. Reuben Kovangiya, said the application portal remained accessible throughout registration.

He said applications for the 78 Regular Course opened on Nov. 28, 2025, and closed on April 30, 2026, before being extended to May 15.

According to him, candidates who scored 180 and above in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination and selected NDA as first choice were invited.

“Eligible candidates were sent emails on May 19, 2026, directing them to register for the NDA Screening Test not later than May 24, 2026,” he said.

Kovangiya said application procedures, timelines and requirements were widely publicised through the Academy’s website, portal, social media platforms and emails.

He noted that candidates had adequate time to complete registration requirements, including generating Remita Retrieval References, paying fees and submitting forms.

The spokesman added that applicants were repeatedly advised to monitor official communication channels for updates and important notices.

He also dismissed allegations that some candidates received privileged information or preferential access during the admission process.

“The allegation that some candidates received preferential access to registration information or procedures is entirely unfounded.

“The Academy maintains a transparent, merit-based and equitable admission process that affords all eligible applicants equal opportunity,” he said.

Kovangiya said the NDA operates a structured, time-bound admission process to ensure effective planning and conduct of screening exercises.He said candidates who failed to complete registration within the stipulated timeframe could not be accommodated for the June 20 screening test.

The spokesman reaffirmed the Academy’s commitment to transparency, fairness and excellence in its admission process.

He urged the public to rely only on information disseminated through the Academy’s official communication channels.(NAN)

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Katsina

The Katsina State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening institutions, promoting social cohesion, and advancing sustainable peace-building through targeted capacity-building programmes across the state.

This follows the successful conclusion of a two-day training on Interest-Based Negotiation and Mediation (IBN+M), organized under the European Union-funded Conflict Prevention, Crisis Response and Resilience (CPCRR) Programme, in collaboration with Mercy Corps.

The training brought together members of the CPCRR Steering Committee, High-Level Women Advocates, and selected media practitioners to enhance their skills in conflict prevention, mediation, and inclusive peace-building.

Stakeholders noted that the initiative forms part of ongoing efforts by the Governor Dikko Radda-led administration to institutionalize peace-building frameworks across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

According to participants, the programme was designed to equip stakeholders with practical tools in dialogue facilitation, mediation, and conflict prevention, with the aim of strengthening community resilience and promoting peaceful coexistence.

They further explained that the initiative goes beyond technical training, serving as a strategic effort to fully integrate the CPCRR model into government systems for long-term sustainability.

Our Correspondent reports that the goal is to institutionalize peace-building so that it becomes part of governance systems and service delivery processes across relevant MDAs.

The engagement also underscored the importance of multi-stakeholder participation in peace-building, highlighting the roles of women, youth, traditional institutions, government actors, and the media in preventing conflict and promoting dialogue at all levels.

Speaking on the outcome of the training, the Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Development Management Board (KTDMB), Dr. Mustapha Shehu, reiterated the government’s commitment to sustaining peace-building interventions.

“Through the Katsina State Development Management Board, the government remains committed to scaling up programmes that strengthen institutions and empower communities to become active agents of peace and development,” Dr. Shehu said.

He added that the training outcome represent long-term investments in peace and governance.

“The knowledge gained today forms the foundation for a more peaceful and prosperous Katsina State. When institutionalized, these efforts will benefit future generations,” he stated.

He emphasized that under Governor Radda’s leadership, sustainable peace is being pursued through strong institutions, inclusive governance, and collaborative partnerships.

He noted that, “peace is not achieved through enforcement alone, but through trust, dialogue, and institutional strength.”

In commemoration of World Environment Day 2026, the UBA Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group, has reinforced its commitment to environmental sustainability through a tree-planting exercise at two of Lagos’ most historic educational institutions King’s College, Lagos, and CMS Grammar School, Bariga.

The exercise marks the commencement of the Foundation’s 2026 Tree Planting for Sustainability Initiative, which is being implemented across selected schools in Nigeria to promote environmental consciousness among young people and encourage climate-positive action.

Observed annually on June 5 and coordinated by the United Nations, World Environment Day is the world’s leading platform for environmental awareness and advocacy. The 2026 theme, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,” underscores the urgent need for collective action to address climate change and environmental degradation.Speaking during the exercise at CMS Grammar School, Managing Director/CEO, UBA Foundation, Bola Atta, described the initiative as a strategic investment in the future.

“We want young people to understand that the environment needs our collective support and protection. Through initiatives like this, we are encouraging the next generation to embrace sustainable practices that will help create healthier communities and a better future for all,” she said.

Now in its fourth year, the Tree Planting for Sustainability Initiative is designed to instill environmental responsibility in students by integrating sustainability practices into school communities and empowering young people to become environmental ambassadors.

Atta explained that the choice of King’s College and CMS Grammar School was deliberate, reflecting both institutions’ rich heritage and their capacity to sustain the initiative over time.

“These are iconic institutions with deep historical significance. CMS Grammar School is Nigeria’s oldest secondary school, while King’s College has been shaping leaders for more than a century. We wanted schools where these trees will be nurtured and allowed to flourish for generations to come,” she noted.

The initiative comes at a time when rapid urbanisation has continued to reduce green spaces across many Nigerian cities, highlighting the need for sustained environmental restoration efforts.

“Over the years, development has often taken precedence over environmental preservation, leading to the loss of many trees and green areas. However, there is no better time than now to begin restoring our environment and making a lasting impact,” Atta added.

The exercise forms part of UBA Group’s broader commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles.Speaking at the event, UBA’s Group Chief Risk Officer, Awele Ajibola, emphasized the importance of proactive environmental stewardship in addressing climate-related risks.

“At UBA, initiatives like this demonstrate our commitment to the environment and the communities we serve. Climate change presents real and growing risks, and as a responsible financial institution, we recognise our role in driving positive environmental action and sustainable development,” Ajibola stated.

The tree-planting exercise is one of several activities being implemented by the Group to commemorate #WED2026. Other activities include UBA’s inauguration as a member of the Finance Taskforce for Plastic Action in Nigeria, Green Talk sessions with customers across branches, the launch of Sustainability Clubs in participating schools, environmental awareness campaigns across the Bank’s communication platforms, and a month-long Green Challenge designed to encourage environmentally responsible behaviour.

Commending the initiative, Principal of CMS Grammar School, Revd. Jacob Ayokunle Ogunyinka, described the exercise as a practical extension of environmental education.

“Our students learn about the importance of trees and environmental conservation in the classroom. Seeing these principles demonstrated in practice deepens their understanding and inspires greater responsibility towards protecting the environment,” he said.

Similarly, Principal of King’s College, Magaji Zachariah, expressed appreciation to UBA Foundation for selecting the institution as one of the beneficiaries of the programme and for investing in environmental education.

Beyond planting trees, the Foundation engaged students in discussions on environmental stewardship, encouraging responsible practices such as proper waste disposal, water conservation, recycling, and energy efficiency.

Referencing the famous words of Nobel Laureate and environmentalist Wangari Maathai, Atta reminded participants of the importance of immediate action: “The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second-best time is now.”

UBA Foundation is the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group. The Foundation is committed to the socio-economic development of communities across Africa through strategic interventions focused on education, environmental sustainability, economic empowerment, and special projects.

By Femi Oyewale

The haunting cadence of W.B. Yeats’ The Second Coming, quoted so often by the late Chinua Achebe, has ceased to be mere poetry. It has become a grim, real-time mirror reflecting our national existence: “Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world.”

In a nation that boasts some of the brightest minds globally, a land steeped in the communal sanctity of “it takes a village to raise a child,” we have descended into an unthinkable abyss. Daredevil criminals have reached into the heart of Oyo State, snatched our children–the very architects of our future–and vanished. Yet, as the sun rises and sets, from the gilded halls of the Presidency to the dusty corners of the local street, we remain paralyzed, tethered to a collective ignorance that is as chilling as it is shameful.

The Theatre of Performative Outrage

We have become a nation of “noises.” We trade blame with surgical precision–the Presidency points to the state, the state points to the security architecture, and the populace directs its vitriol toward the political elite. We have seen the press releases, the hashtags, the fleeting television appearances, and the hollow promises of “concerted efforts.”

But let us be painfully honest: these are not efforts; they are performances. There is not even a whisper of a “near-success syndrome.” While we debate and defend our preferred political affiliations, our children are sleeping under the cold, unforgiving stars of a forest floor. They are subjected to the kind of trauma that shatters souls long before it breaks bodies. They are waiting for a rescue that we are too divided to coordinate.

The Mirror of Empathy

Let us strip away the facade of civic detachment. I challenge every father in this country: if that abducted child were your only son, would you be content with a tweet? To every mother: if that child were the fruit of your old age, would you accept a press statement as enough?

To our governors, our senators, and our political titans: if these children were the heirs to your empires, would the current pace of “investigation” satisfy you? To our billionaires, our security chiefs, and our local traditional warriors, those who claim the mantle of protectors, what if these children were born of your own loins?

The silence that would follow that personal connection is the same silence currently haunting the homes of these victims. We have allowed the abstraction of “national crisis” to desensitize us to the visceral reality of a child’s terror.

Beyond the “One-Man” Savior Complex

We have developed a dangerous habit of outsourcing our conscience. We wait for the radical activist, the viral influencer, or the singular loud voice to carry the burden of the nation. We expect a solitary figure like VDM or a lone firebrand like Sowore to move mountains that require the combined weight of a movement.

But no singular individual can replace the collective pulse of a people. Their rescue is not a one-man job; it is a fundamental test of our humanity.

The Path to Reclamation

We are currently a house divided by party lines, religious silos, and ethnic prejudices. Yet, we have seen that we possess a dormant capacity for unity. When the Super Eagles take to the pitch, our differences vanish. We become one heartbeat, one voice, one nation. Why is it that a game can unify us, but the abduction of our children leaves us fractured?

We do not need more talk. We do not need more inquiries that lead to no arrests. We need to acknowledge a hard truth: we have failed. We have failed the children, we have failed their teachers, and we have failed ourselves.

No stranger knows our terrain better than we do. No satellite imagery can replace the intelligence of a community that refuses to be silent. It is our land. These are our children.

The systemic rot has metastasized to the point where “efforts” no longer count. Only results matter. The time for performative sorrow is over; the time for a unified, uncompromising demand for their return is now. If we do not rise, if we do not act with the singular intensity of a people reclaiming their future, then let the history books record that when our children were taken, Nigeria chose its politics over its people.

We must rescue them. Not tomorrow. Not after the next meeting. Now.

Femi Oyewale is the publisher of Sahara Online and President of NASRE who writes on national affairs, security, and social development.

North and Central India are set for a fierce heat spell from Monday, June 8, with temperatures climbing to 46 degrees Celsius.

This is predicted because the mercury is set to climb from Monday, June 8.

Independent weather forecaster Navdeep Dahiya has flagged a sharp rise in daytime temperatures across Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi-NCR and Uttar Pradesh, with maximums touching 42 to 46 degrees Celsius.

The peak is likely around June 10 and 11, before some relief arrives by Friday.

The main culprit is a steady stream of hot, dry winds blowing in from the northwest. Scientists call this advection, which simply means heat being carried from one place to another by the wind.

Here, the winds sweep across the Thar Desert and the dry plains of Rajasthan and Pakistan, soaking up heat as they travel.

These are the infamous loo winds, the dusty, parching gusts that strip moisture from the air and from your skin. Because they keep flowing, any cool air that forms locally is quickly shoved aside and replaced with more hot air.

There is a second player at work high above us. A ridge of high pressure, also called an anticyclone, often parks itself over the region. Picture an invisible lid that presses warm air downwards.

As this air sinks, it gets squeezed and warms up further, a process known as subsidence.

The lid also clears away clouds, so the strong June Sun beats down with little to block it. The outcome is sometimes called a heat dome, where warmth is trapped near the ground.

Dry soil makes it worse. With little moisture left to evaporate, almost all the Sun’s energy goes into heating the air rather than turning water into vapour, which is why parched land bakes fastest.

India Today

By Georgina Adegbie

Team Nigeria wins one silver and two bronze, concluding its competition at the ongoing Ulaanbaatar 2026 United World Wrestling (UWW) 3rd Ranking Series on Saturday in Mongolia.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Hannah Ojo and Esther Kolawole won silver and bronze in their categories, joining Christianah Ogunsanya in securing medals at the ongoing competition.

The championship allows athletes to earn crucial seeding points for upcoming global championships.

Nigeria’s Ojo put up a 10-0 superlative display against Mongolian Tuvshinjargal Tarav to set up a semi-final clash with Priya of India, who she later beat 5-1.

However, the reigning African champion’s impressive run came to an end, losing to Kajal of India 0-8 in the final to settle for silver.

Earlier, Kolawole won a bronze medal for Nigeria after she overwhelmed Huan Yang of China 10-0.

Kolawole made a statement of intent in her run to the bronze medal match, upsetting Russian world number one, Amina Tandelova 6-0.

She lost narrowly to world silver medallist, Kim Ok-ju of North Korea 4-5.

Team Nigeria concluded the Ranking Series Tournament with one silver and two bronze, totalling three medals from four athletes that represented the country.

Four female wrestlers represented the country in different categories: Mercy Genesis 50kg; Tolulope Ogunsanya 53kg; Esther Kolawole 62kg and Hannah Ojo 76kg.

The third United World Wrestling (UWW) Ranking Series for female wrestling in Mongolia, tagged ‘Ulaanbaatar Open’, is held annually on the international calendar.

This is the third of four UWW Ranking Series tournaments, offering wrestlers crucial seeding points.

The championship, which started on June 4, ended on Saturday in Mongolia.

Some matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup could be delayed or temporarily stopped because of severe weather, especially thunderstorms.

In the United States, safety rules require matches to stop immediately if lightning is detected within eight miles of a stadium. Players must leave the pitch and go to the dressing rooms, while fans are directed to safe areas inside the stadium.

Once lightning is detected, officials start a 30-minute countdown. If no more lightning occurs during that period, the match can continue. However, if another lightning strike is detected, the countdown starts again. This could lead to delays lasting several hours.

FIFA does not have a fixed rule on how long a match can be delayed before it is cancelled. Instead, each situation will be handled individually.

FIFA said it is working closely with weather and emergency management agencies in the United States, Canada and Mexico to prepare for severe weather during the tournament.

According to the governing body, all host stadiums must have emergency plans, including procedures for evacuations and lightning-related disruptions.

FIFA will also monitor weather conditions in real time using heat and temperature tracking systems and will activate emergency plans when necessary.

Concerns have increased because similar weather problems affected matches during last year’s Club World Cup in the United States. One match between Chelsea and Benfica was delayed for about two hours due to bad weather, causing the game to last more than four and a half hours.

Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca criticized the disruption at the time, saying repeated delays raised questions about whether the venue was suitable for the competition.

With the 2026 World Cup approaching, there are concerns that thunderstorms and extreme heat could once again affect the tournament schedule.