Chiz Escudero asks SC to disbar critic

Sen. Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero has sought the disbarment of a lawyer over ‘speculative’ and ‘malicious’ social media posts regarding his supposed insertions in the national budget.

In a complaint submitted to the Supreme Court (SC) on Monday, Escudero asked the justices to disbar lawyer Jesus Nicardo Falcis, who was found guilty of direct and indirect contempt in a 2018 case that sought-but failed-to push for the legalization of same-sex marriage in the country.

Aside from being cited for contempt by the high tribunal, Falcis was also fined P5,000 for allegedly failing to observe provisions on propriety and fidelity under Canon VI of the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability.

Escudero, likewise a lawyer and member of the Philippine Bar, enumerated several instances in which Falcis made public posts on Facebook that contained ‘accusatory, defamatory, demeaning, speculative, hateful, and/or malicious statements and remarks’ against him.

‘Unfortunately, and as will be shown hereunder, such statements and remarks are actually gratuitous instruments of contempt designed to publicly humiliate [the] complainant. As such, their irresponsible and unrestrained character serves to provide a bad and scandalous example of how a lawyer should not behave publicly,’ Escudero said.

In a statement, Falcis said it was Escudero who should be disbarred for publicizing the disbarment proceedings, which, according to the Rules of Court, should be private and confidential.

‘He is a Senator of the Republic. I am but one of the many Filipinos who are calling out his reprehensible actions as a public official,’ Falcis said.

July 21 post

In his petition, the senator pointed to a July 21 post of Falcis that said: ‘Ang kapal ng mukha ni Chiz Escudero na pagalitan ang House of Representatives for budget insertions and pork barrel pero siya pala mismo, hitik na hitik ang insertions! (The nerve of Chiz Escudero to scold the House of Representatives over budget insertions and pork barrel when he himself is loaded with insertions!)’

Escudero likewise cited a Sept. 6 post of Falcis about his alleged political ties with Lawrence Lubiano, saying that it ‘sweepingly’ suggested that the lawmaker’s supposed insertions in the 2025 national budget for projects in Sorsogon were a ‘quid pro quo’ for Lubiano’s campaign donation in the 2022 elections.

Lubiano, the president of Centerways Construction and Development Inc., is being investigated by the Commission on Elections after he was found to have donated P30 million to Escudero when the latter ran for the Senate in 2022. The poll body has also asked Escudero for an explanation.

Under the Omnibus Election Code, candidates cannot source any ‘contribution for purposes of partisan political activity . directly or indirectly’ from, among others, people who hold government contracts or subcontracts.

Escudero also mentioned in his petition another post by Falcis on Sept. 24, which went: ‘Chiz Escudero is in an emergency meeting with his lawyers and crisis managers in BGC (Bonifacio Global City) today in preparation for tomorrow’s Senate Blue Ribbon.’

Public conviction

‘The unrestrained tone above is rendered in so-called gotcha fashion, which can virtually ‘convict’ [the] complainant in the public mind. Again, this lack of civility and non-observance of fairness compromises the image of [the] legal profession,’ Escudero said.

The ‘irresponsible conduct and vitriolic language’ of Falcis, he added, prompted him to urgently raise the matter before the SC.

‘A victim like [the] complainant is virtually ‘sentenced’ in the bar of public opinion that now exists also in cyberspace. Be that as it may, clearly at stake here is not only complainant’s good name and reputation but also the integrity and honor of the legal profession,’ Escudero added.

He noted that his status as a public official does not give Falcis an ‘unbridled discretion’ to attack him and put him in ‘public ridicule.’

Roberto Bernardo, a former Department of Public Works and Highways official, told the Senate blue ribbon committee last week that he delivered P160 million to Escudero’s friend and campaign contributor, Maynard Ngu, representing the senator’s supposed cut from infrastructure projects.

Nigeria’s hardship will soon end, best days are ahead – Ooni of Ife

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has assured Nigerians that the nation’s present economic and social difficulties will soon give way to a new dawn of progress and restoration.

Speaking on Monday in Ile-Ife shortly after moving to his ancestral home for the 2025 Olojo Festival rites, the monarch described the annual celebration as a global symbol of hope, renewal, and divine intervention.

‘This Olojo has given us a sample of appreciation. It is a global festival, a festival of thanksgiving. The day that the day comes out across the universe, we celebrate it here in the ancient city of Ile-Ife. It gives us hope that our condition as a nation is turning around,’ he told newsmen.

The Ooni, who hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts in navigating Nigeria through what he termed ‘turbulent waters,’ expressed faith that God continues to strengthen leaders in resolving disputes and stabilising governance.

‘All the hardship, difficulties, and challenges Nigerians are facing are turning around for good. Between a year and five years from now, we will begin to experience new life, and all lost glory will be restored. This is the dew of hope that change is coming,’ he declared.

Oba Ogunwusi urged Nigerians to remain patient, united, and prayerful, stressing that sustainable transformation requires resilience and collective commitment.

He reassured citizens that the economy will bounce back, while opportunities in governance, security, and development will be recovered for the benefit of all.

The monarch also charged leaders at all levels to embrace transparency and accountability, noting that only with sincerity and unity of purpose can Nigeria’s lost glory be restored.

This year’s Olojo Festival, one of the oldest and most spiritually significant festivals of the Yoruba people, drew thousands of tourists, traditional rulers, political leaders, and dignitaries from across the globe.

The festival, which symbolises the creation of the world and the emergence of daylight after primordial darkness, was marked with prayers for peace, prosperity, and stability in Nigeria.

NELFUND opens 2025/2026 Student Loan Portal October, sets clear deadlines

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced that its application portal for the 2025/2026 academic session will open in the second week of October 2025, providing fresh opportunities for students to access the government’s interest-free loan scheme.

The Fund explained that the new application cycle will remain open until January 2026, giving prospective beneficiaries ample time to complete their submissions.

NELFUND also urged institutions to promptly update student records on the Student Verification System (SVS) to enable seamless processing of applications.

The development follows the closure of the 2024/2025 portal on September 30, 2025, marking the end of the scheme’s second full cycle.

According to NELFUND, all unverified applications from the outgoing session will be automatically cancelled after October 8, 2025, with affected students required to reapply under the new cycle.

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NELFUND, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, said the timelines were designed to provide clarity and ensure no eligible student is excluded.

‘Announcing the closure of the current application portal is a necessary step to prepare for the next cycle. NELFUND remains committed to removing financial barriers for students and to working with institutions to ensure that no eligible student is left behind,’ Sawyerr stated.

He also assured that upkeep payments for students under the 2024/2025 session would continue until November 2025, but stressed that all students must reapply for the 2025/2026 cycle to remain eligible.

Institutions that fail to complete mandatory verification of student lists by the deadline will be named publicly for non-compliance, NELFUND warned.

The Fund advised students to maintain close contact with their school management and submit their applications early, emphasising that transparency and institutional cooperation remain central to the success of the scheme.

Shettima, DBN, SMEDAN, stakeholders map road to MSME Growth

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its resolve to reposition micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as the foundation of Nigeria’s economic transformation.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by the Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs, Dr. Tope Fasua, gave the assurance at the 6th Annual Lecture of the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) held in Abuja on Thursday.

Shettima noted that MSMEs account for more than 80 percent of national employment and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s GDP, making them central to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

‘MSMEs are not peripheral actors; they are the lifeblood of our economy. As government provides policy clarity and enabling infrastructure, institutions such as DBN are vital in turning vision into action,’ he said.

The Vice President highlighted key reform measures of the administration, including the removal of fuel subsidies, foreign exchange unification, infrastructure renewal, human capital investment, and stronger global engagement-all designed to stimulate enterprise, attract investment, and widen opportunities for small businesses.

DBN Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Tony Okpanachi, described the bank as more than a financier. He said DBN had become ‘a convener of ideas, a builder of capacity, and a partner in national transformation,’ stressing that Nigerian entrepreneurs can rise stronger with access to finance, knowledge, and enabling policies.

SMEDAN Director-General, Charles Odii, announced fresh strategies to boost the global competitiveness of Nigerian SMEs. These include regulatory reforms to ease exports, shared infrastructure such as garment hubs, financial and non-financial support for expansion, and innovative logistics partnerships.

‘These small but significant steps are designed to make our SMEs not only visible globally but also competitive,’ Odii said, noting Nigeria’s recent ‘Best Pavilion’ award at the International Africa Trade Fair as evidence of growing potential.

Keynote speaker, Kenyan entrepreneur Flora Mutahi, urged African businesses to scale deliberately as a way to address youth unemployment across the continent. With 10-12 million youths entering the labour market annually but only 3-4 million formal jobs available, she said entrepreneurship must be backed by resilience and determination.

At the end of the session, stakeholders, including policymakers, financiers, and entrepreneurs, agreed that the success of Nigeria’s economy is inseparably tied to the growth and sustainability of its MSMEs.

LOOK: The Stanley 1913 x Jennie luxe hydration collection is a must have

Stanley 1913 partners with global superstar Jennie of chart-topping K-pop group Blackpink to launch the new Stanley 1913 x Jennie collection.

The limited-edition capsule features the Quencher Luxe Tumbler and All Day Slim Luxe Bottle in Midnight Ruby. It blends fashion, functionality and Jennie’s signature style across the brand’s most coveted hydration silhouettes.

The collection also follows successful launches with global artists such as Olivia Rodrigo and Tyla, among others.

Jennie brings her authenticity, bold style and creative energy to Stanley 1913’s renowned quality and performance. The collaboration celebrates self-expression, fashion and individuality-values championed by Stanley 1913 and Jennie and shared with fans around the world.

‘I love how the products turned out, and I think fans will notice the ‘Jennie’ touches that represent me,’ Jennie expressed. ‘I hope they feel the personality and energy we poured into every detail.’

The Stanley 1913 x Jennie Collection in Midnight Ruby

At the heart of the collection are two inaugural Luxe products from the brand, delivering a premium experience for those who want to elevate their hydration accessories.

The new 30oz Quencher Luxe Tumbler is a fitting debut for the artist’s bold, fashion-forward style.

Each tumbler features a silicone base plus translucent Tritan handle and etched logo for an elevated look. Collectible charms with Jennie’s personal touches-including a “Ninibara,” an exclusive capybara design created by Jennie; a bear; and a “JENNIE” name plate-adorn the Quencher Luxe.

Also featured is the 12oz All Day Slim Luxe Bottle-lightweight, portable and effortlessly chic. Silver floral accents, a heart-shaped graphic, etched logo and the artist’s signature are featured on both elevated, limited-edition products.

In the Philippines, the collection is now available exclusively at the Stanley Pop-Up Store in SM Mall of Asia until October 1 only, so hurry!

A dynamic creative campaign brings the collection to life with bold blacks, deep reds and metallic silvers reflecting Jennie’s powerful aesthetic. Imagery and video highlight her signature boots, sunglasses and hydration accessories, capturing the energy and personality of the collection.

Consumer activations in Seoul, Shanghai, Jakarta, Bangkok, Manila, Taipei and Los Angeles provide fans with a ‘backstage’ look into the artist’s world while celebrating her music, style and individuality.

‘Our brand lives at the intersection of culture, lifestyle and entertainment. We aim to surprise and delight customers around the world through authentic partnerships, and we found an ideal one in Jennie,’ said Matt Navarro, global president, PMI WW Brands, LLC.

‘Her global presence, musical prowess, and ability to energize her global fan base make her a cultural powerhouse, and we are excited to partner with her to bring a truly one-of-a-kind, special collection to our consumers.’

Lauren Dyogi credits BINI’s Coachella gig to world tour, denies ABS-CBN payment

ABS-CBN executive Lauren Dyogi shared the details on how the Nation’s Girl Group BINI was invited to perform at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival next year.

In an interview with Karmina Constantino on the latter’s “KC After Hours” YouTube channel, Dyogi said that BINI’s recent world tour paved the way for their Coachella 2026 gig.

“Laging ang nasa utak natin, one way to go international is to be invited in big festivals [like] Coachella and Lollapalooza,” Dyogi shared.

He added it was the vision of ABS-CBN CEO Carlo Katigbak to hire an international group of consultants to guide them in bringing artists to global stages.

“When we were able to get an agent nadala tayo sa promoters na non-Filipinos. And these promoters, ang vision talaga ‘nun is if we were able to impress the promoters, itong mga promoters na ‘to, sila din ‘yung magdadala sa atin sa festival,” Dyogi said, referencing promoters like Live Nation and All Things Live.

Dyogi continued by saying that the BINIverse world tour was an investment rather than a revenue-making tour for the group.

“Wala tayong kita diyan. It was really a risk on our end. It was really Carlo’s vision, Tita Cory (Vidanes) saying, ‘Kailangan niyong gawin yan,'” Dyogi went on. “Because that’s a month of being away from more lucrative opportunities locally. But we took that risk, we went there.”

The executive explained they had to prove the P-pop act had a crowd, and big shows in Dubai, Los Angeles, and San Francisco were evidence of a global audience, and in Dyogi’s eyes led to the Coachella invitation.

Dyogi also denied that ABS-CBN paid the long-running music festival to include BINI in the lineup.

“Sinasabi ng tao ngayon binayaran daw natin, hindi naman po totoo ‘yun, hindi ganun,” Dyogi stated.

BINI will be the first all-Filipino group to perform at Coachella. Next year’s festival will be headlined by Justin Bieber, Sabrina Carpenter, and Karol G.

Fed Govt: efforts intensify for YABATECH upgrade

The Federal Government has intensified efforts to work out the modalities for the upgrade of Yaba College of Technology(YABATECH) to University of Technology and Vocational Studies.

Speaking at the institution’s 37th convocation, President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad,noted that the upgrade of the institution was aimed at integrating hands-on technical training with advanced research, fostering innovation, economic growth and national development.

A total of 8,654 students received National Diplomas, Higher National Diplomas and Certificates for the 2023/2024 academic session.

They include 291 Distinctions, 2,434 Upper Credits, 4,403 Lower Credits and 1,526 Pass grades.

The President had approved the conversion of YABATECH to a university in February.

He said: ‘As you are aware, the Federal Government has approved the upgrading of YABATECH to Yaba Technical and Vocational University.

The committee constituted to work on the modalities to bring about seamless transition has already submitted its report. The recommendations are being considered.’

Tinubu noted that the government had prioritised Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medical Sciences alongside technical and vocational education, stressing their importance to youth development and the nation’s growth.

He said Federal Ministry of Education has continued to align learning with employability through the expansion of vocational training and digital skills programmes.

Tinubu urged the graduates to be at the forefront of nation-building.

‘Through the Vocational Enterprise Institutes, over 960,000 trainees have been enrolled nationwide across more than 25 specialised trades, ensuring that young Nigerians acquire practical, market-ready skills.

‘In addition, the Ministry of Education is driving large-scale digital capacity-building programmes to equip graduates for success in Nigeria’s fast-evolving digital economy. These initiatives include intensive digital literacy bootcamps in coding, cybersecurity, data analytics, and digital marketing; e-learning platforms that provide access to certified online courses; structured internships and industrial attachments with leading technology companies; and the establishment of innovation and entrepreneurship hubs to nurture start-ups and small businesses,’ he said.

Tinubu added: ‘Nation building is not the responsibility of government alone; it is a sacred duty we all share.’

The Rector, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, disclosed that the institution is on the path to becoming Nigeria’s first specialised University of Technology and Vocational Studies.

He praised President Tinubu for granting the approval, adding that the elevation positions the institution to power the nation’s next phase of innovation-driven development.

Abdul hoped that the transition to a specialised university would unlock new opportunities for research, skills development and national economic growth.

He noted that beginning this year, the convocation ceremony would be held yearly, saying that graduates would now receive their certificates on convocation day as part of new measures to improve administrative efficiency.

Abdul urged the graduates to embrace entrepreneurship and innovation, adding that YABATECH had equipped them with both academic and compulsory vocational skills.

Firm, ministry tackling post-harvest losses

NovaCHILL, joint-venture cold storage company owned by Mystrose Agro Commodities and Ministry of Finance Incorporated, is rolling out modern cold-chain warehouses to tackle post-harvest losses for an all-year food availability.

The revolution, which begins next week, with launch of an advanced onion storage hub in Sokoto, will be followed by another cold storage warehouse in Southsouth in the first quarter of 2026.

NovaChill said these are opening phases, as more NovaChill facilities will follow, creating a seamless cold-chain backbone for Nigeria’s perishable value chains.

The impact will be immediate and far-reaching, and will reduce post-harvest losses, stabilise supply and lower prices for consumers, surplus production ready for export, higher farmer incomes and massive forex earnings, among others.

With NovaChill, Nigeria is turning the tide on food waste and taking a leap toward food security.

School marks 50 years Friday

Ogume Grammar School, Ogume in Ndokwa West Local Government of Delta State, will be celebrating its 50th anniversary and launch of N500 million education and infrastructure endowment fund tomorrow.

In a statement, the old students body said the celebrations and endowment fund will be held at the sports ground with GovernorSheriff Oborewvori and Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme as guests of honour.

It added that Rear Admiral Mike Onah (rtd) would chair the occasion while Friday Abaja, Ukwuata 1 of Umukwuata in Ukwuani Local Government would be father of the day.

UNILAG Alumni: town-gown partnerships vital for development

The University of Lagos Alumni Association, Lagos Branch has emphasised the importance of strengthening town-gown partnerships, stressing that funding of tertiary education cannot be entirely left in the hands of the government.

Speaking at a press briefing to herald the association’s dinner tagged: ‘Dinner with Corporate World,’ slated for Sunday, November 30, 2025,in Lagos, Chairman of the association Comrade Adedeji Owoeye, noted that it was imperative to mobilise critical stakeholders to address infrastructure deficit on campus.

According to him, the collaboration was conceived at the last edition of the Annual Shofoluwe Lecture in the university during which its alumni and other well-meaning Nigerians were urged to support the university.

He said: ‘To identify and address real needs, we engaged with all faculties and departments to submit detailed accounts of their most pressing infrastructure and academic requirements. We gained a clear understanding of the support needed and how to mobilise the necessary resources from external stakeholders.’

Owoeye said the event is geared towards building new partnerships, celebrating their contributions, and reinforcing the collective commitment to education. The association has, at different times, organised and funded various initiatives, including providing glasses for students and staff, donation to different faculties, introducing programmes for upskilling of students,among others.

The chairman noted that part of the line up for the event is recognition for outstanding partners, who have impacted the association and the university.

Dignitaries expected include, Minister for Youth, Ayodele Olawande, Deputy Speaker of Lagos State, Hon. Mojisola Meranda, Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor, Central Internal Audit, Dr Ayoola Oyeyemi, Chairman Platform Capital,Dr Akintoye Akindele, Chairman NAHCO Dr Seinde Fadein, among others.