Transparency must go beyond SALNs: The FOI bill is the next crucial step

The recent decision by the Office of the Ombudsman to reopen public access to the Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs) of government officials marks a significant victory for transparency and accountability in our government. This move, reversing the restrictive policy under former Ombudsman Samuel Martires, rightly acknowledges that the Filipino people have an undeniable right to know how their public servants acquire and manage wealth.

In an era where trust in institutions is at a historic low-exacerbated by the ongoing investigations into multi-billion-peso ghost projects implicating lawmakers and officials-openness is not just desirable; it is essential. The Ombudsman’s new memorandum circular, which allows public inspection and reproduction of SALNs after due processing, signals a renewed commitment to transparency. It is a concrete step towards rebuilding public trust through information accessibility, a principle that must be consistently applied across all branches and agencies of government.

However, restoring access to SALNs, while commendable, should not be mistaken as the endpoint of transparency reforms. As highlighted by House Assistant Majority Leader Mark Anthony Santos, transparency should be a comprehensive, institutionalized practice-not a patchwork of isolated disclosures. The long-overdue Freedom of Information (FOI) bill remains the linchpin in this effort.

The FOI bill, pending in Congress for nearly 30 years, is the legal backbone that would empower citizens to scrutinize government operations beyond personal wealth declarations. It would mandate government agencies to release records, contracts, and transactions that reveal how public funds are spent and programs are executed. This is precisely the kind of openness needed to deter corruption, prevent abuses like the ghost projects scandal, and ensure that public servants are held accountable at every level.

The history of the FOI bill is a saga of delay and missed opportunities, despite its clear constitutional mandate under Article III, Section 7. The persistent lobbying by champions such as the late Rep. Ernesto Ruffa, Rep. Lorenzo Tañada III, and others shows the enduring demand for transparency among lawmakers themselves. The current iteration, supported by a broad coalition in both the House and Senate-including Sen. Francis Pangilinan and Senate President Vicente Sotto III-provides a real chance for passage.

The timing could not be more crucial. The Ombudsman’s transparency move, coupled with growing public outrage over corruption scandals, sets the perfect political climate for Congress to act decisively. Passing the FOI bill would institutionalize transparency as the norm rather than the exception and would complement the SALN disclosure policy by opening the floodgates to information on how government operates.

Moreover, transparency must be paired with accountability mechanisms. Calls for a strict ‘one-strike policy’ against corrupt officials in agencies like the Department of Public Works and Highways are necessary corollaries. Transparency without enforcement risks becoming an empty gesture.

Reopening SALNs to public scrutiny is a welcome milestone but not the finish line. The real test of our government’s commitment to transparency and good governance lies in passing the FOI bill. It is time for Congress to fulfill its constitutional duty and the people’s right to know. Only then can we hope to restore genuine public trust and build a government that serves with integrity and openness.

Transparency is not a privilege but a right. The people deserve nothing less than full access to information that affects their lives and their future.

’Batanes farms still untouched by synthetic chemicals’

The Department of Agriculture (DA) declared Batanes as an organic farming practitioner province, which positions it as a leading agro-tourism destination that would boost local livelihoods.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. signed an order that formalized the recognition of Batanes as ‘organic by default.’

The DA said that due to the province’s geographic isolation and long-standing farming traditions, its 13,208.90 hectares of agricultural land that spans across crops and livestock have remained untouched by synthetic chemicals.

It added that the province’s 4,126 farmers and 35 cooperatives exclusively engage in organic agriculture, supported by local ordinances and provincial legislation aligned with Republic Act 10068 or the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010.

‘This designation affirms Batanes’ commitment to sustainable farming that ensures food security, protects the environment, and empowers communities,’ the DA chief said.

He added that the recognition paves the way for increased technical, financial, and market support for the province.

The DA said all six municipalities, such as Basco, Uyugan, Sabtang, Ivana, Itbayat, and Mahatao, have passed ordinances institutionalizing organic farming.

It added that various programs and demonstration farms like the Naidi Multi-Commodity Project and the Tukon Agro-Tourism Site further promote natural farming methods and community-based food production.

According to the DA, Batanes’ organic crops, such as garlic, sweet potatoes, onions, and beef cattle are key to local food sufficiency that would allow it to gain market value outside the province.

Premium prices and increasing demand are encouraging wider participation among farmers, it added.

With organic produce as a driving force, the DA said Batanes is integrating agriculture with tourism.

Projects like the Batanes Resort Agro-Tourism Site are drawing visitors interested in eco-friendly farming practices and Ivatan culture.

‘Through this declaration, the DA reinforces its support for provinces like Batanes that exemplify the goals of sustainable agriculture, ensuring long-term food safety, ecological balance, and rural development.’

Earlier, the DA deployed mobile soil testing laboratories nationwide as part of efforts to improve crop yields.

Erwin Tulfo to IPU: Mechanism needed vs fake news peddlers

THERE is an urgent need to institute accountability mechanisms against spreaders of false information in order to uphold and strengthen democracy, which is put in peril because of their activities, Sen. Erwin Tulfo told global parliamentarians in Geneva.

Tulfo is the head of the Philippine delegation to the ongoing 151st Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Switzerland, where he delivered a speech detailing how fake news negatively affected public perception of the government and the political atmosphere in the Philippines.

‘We, in the Philippines, have seen how fake news and malicious online campaigns can erode public trust, distort democratic discourse, and even incite anger and violence. What begins as a false post or manipulated image can spread faster than facts, and the damage, once done, is often irreversible,’ Tulfo said during the meeting among lawmakers from Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) member-countries, Korea, Japan, and China, on Sunday.

While discussing the ill effects of fake news, Tulfo noted the importance of respecting and protecting freedom of speech in democratic countries. ‘Our task, therefore, is not to silence voices, but to safeguard [the] truth; to ensure that the digital public square remains a place for informed dialogue, not deception,’ Tulfo, a veteran journalist turned lawmaker, said.

‘We must work together as parliamentarians to strengthen legal frameworks that hold accountable those who deliberately spread falsehoods, without endangering legitimate expression,’ he asserted.

Apart from legal measures in combating disinformation and misinformation, Tulfo also advocated investing in media literacy, especially among the youth, so citizens can better discern truth from lies. ‘Ultimately, the fight against disinformation is not only about defending our leaders; it is about defending democracy itself,’ he concluded.

Tulfo, a member of the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media, has been pushing for transparency in the government to fight the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation in the Philippines

In July, Tulfo filed Senate Bill 768, which seeks to penalize the generation and spread of fake news or information deliberately presented as factual content with the intent to mislead or deceive the audience.

He also filed Senate Bill 1361, or the ‘People’s Freedom of Information Act,’ which would help strengthen accountability in government and combat fake news in the Philippines.

Before becoming a lawmaker, Tulfo worked over three decades as a multimedia journalist.

Tulfo leads the Philippine delegation in participating in the IPU Assembly and related meetings which will run until October 23. The Philippine delegation is composed of Sens. Raffy Tulfo and Imee Marcos; Reps Ferdinand Hernandez, Kristine Singson-Meehan, Ma. Georgina de Venecia, Maria Rachel Arenas, Faustino Michael Carlos Dy III, Brian Llamanzares, Jonathan Clement Abalos II and Florabel Yatco.

Pre-Christmas splurge

Halloween may be hovering around the corner, yet what is strongly being felt now is the cheerful air of the holidays. So before the mad rush of shoppers begins, consider this nice list as your gift guide:

MUJI AT GLORIETTA

MUJI, which is short for Mujirushi Ryohin, meaning ‘no-brand quality goods,’ opened its largest and first flagship store in the Philippines at Glorietta Mall in Makati City. Embodying its retail mantra of ‘simplicity, functionality, and thoughtful design,’ it offers more than 7,000 meticulously designed products such as clothing and household essentials to food, furniture, and interior-design solutions.

The Japanese lifestyle brand covers approximately over 2,600 square meters, housing the largest Coffee Counter, which can sit around 122 diners, and the newest and unique Muji Bakery, which is exclusive to this store and a first in the Philippines.

ABC-MART AT BGC

Japan’s famed footwear retail giant ABC-MART Grand Stage officially opens at Bonifacio High Street in Taguig City. Spanning two floors and 750 square meters, the store is a haven for shoe and sportswear lovers. ‘From the store design to the curated selections and exclusive offerings, every detail was thoughtfully considered to create a destination that goes beyond just shopping for shoes. It’s an experience in itself just being in [inside the store],’ said Kabir Buxani, director of the SONAK Retail Group.

UNIQLO AT GREENHILLS

Uniqlo opens its 80th store in the Philippines at Greenhills Mall, San Juan. The brand’s LifeWear Apparel, which comes from the Japanese values of simplicity, quality and longevity, is front and center.

The opening of a new branch was also an opportunity to advance the brand’s strong sustainability efforts, as it partnered with the San Juan-based Performing Arts and Recreation Center (PARC) Foundation to provide LifeWear items and a day of fun to its young beneficiaries. The PARC is a non-profit organization that harnesses the power of performing arts to transform lives, especially of the youth.

SIP2GLOW

Sip2Glow is a drink whose mission is to provide scientific, natural and effective beauty solutions that empower women to achieve beauty from within.

Sip2Glow’s Medical Consultant Dr. Rico Sebastian shared: ‘Achieving truly radiant skin means working from the inside out and that’s where Sip2Glow’s Advanced Collagen Drink and Advanced Brightening Drink work perfectly together. While collagen strengthens the skin’s foundation by improving elasticity, reducing wrinkles, and supporting healthy hair and nails, the brightening drink boosts your glow with Glutathione, White Tomato, and Hyaluronic Acid to lighten dark spots, even out skin tone, and deeply hydrate. Together, they build and reveal your healthiest, glowiest skin-firm, smooth, and naturally luminous.’

NIVEA EXTRA BRIGHT BODY SERUM

THIS product comes in two variants: the pink bottle is infused with vitamins C and A for a supple, dewy glow, while the orange version combines vitamins C and E to deliver bouncy, radiant skin.

This game-changing body serum is formulated to deeply nourish, hydrate and brighten the skin, powered by their first ever Triple Bright Power combination-consisting of 50x Pure Vitamin C for intense skin brightening, Glutathione for the revitalization of dull skin, and Niacinamide for a smooth, even skin tone. ‘This new product has triple bright power and your skin stays visibly bright and beautiful. Own your confidence because it starts with how you feel in your own skin,’ shared Cat Relator, the brand manager for body and creams.

NEW MOON PH

NEW Moon PH, a leading wellness and beauty brand, is holding Power Within, a heartfelt campaign running from September to October 2025 in honor of PCOS Awareness Month, Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Mental Health Awareness Month.

At the heart of this campaign is Jonah Sison-Ramos, the CEO: ‘As someone who has experienced the challenges of PCOS, I know how important it is to have access to support, awareness, and the right wellness tools. With this campaign, we want women to know they are not alone, and that taking care of themselves is an act of power,’ she shared, as her brand’s Hormo Balance partnered with Miss Universe Philippines 2025 queens. Hormo Balance may help support cycles, skin clarity, mood and energy-so you can feel more balanced from within. It also supports regular menstrual cycles, reduces acne and unwanted hair, improves fertility potential, and stabilizes mood and energy levels.

KIM SUNOO FOR 8SECONDS

K-pop idol Kim Sunoo of Enhypen graced the opening of the South Korean fashion brand 8seconds’ flagship store at SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City, its first store outside of his country.

8seconds, a casual-wear brand that offers products with good quality, diverse concepts, and reasonable price ranges at a faster speed, also aims to break away from repetitive routines and similar styles.

Its second store is set to open at Uptown Mall in Bonifacio Global City later this year.

MAX MARA AT GREENBELT

Max Mara, the Italian fashion brand that markets upscale ready-to-wear clothing, introduces the Whitney Bag at its Greenbelt 3 store in Makati.

‘Research, design and innovation are the common values that link the Whitney Bag to the brand’s DNA. Architectural elements, expressed in rigorous lines and distinctive details, are as much a feature of the coats as they are of the Whitney Bag-inspired by the famous Whitney Museum in New York,’ said Maria Giulia Prezioso Maramotti, Max Mara Fashion Group Board Member, in a statement.

The Whitney Bag is a one-of-a-kind creation that owes its uniqueness to the collaboration with the Renzo Piano Building Workshop. Its distinctive design and rigorous lines have allowed it to be created in various sizes and colors to meet the needs of the fashionable Filipina.

JERICHO ROSALES FOR VISION EXPRESS

Vision Express, which offers state-of-the-art vision care technology paired with a truly personal approach to eye care, launched its Unwrap the Holidays campaign with Kapamilya actor Jericho Rosales. In time for the holidays, shoppers can enjoy a Buy One, Get One (BOGO) promotion on premium eyewear ongoing until December 31. ‘The real gift for Christmas is good food, deep conversations, and being in the company of family and friends,’ shared Rosales. ‘Eyewear is the easiest yet most underrated accessory that can transform an outfit. Every moment is a gift, wrapped in Vision Express’ signature style.’

Sean Dyche to replace Postecoglou as Nottingham Forest manager

Nottingham Forest are set to appoint former Everton boss Sean Dyche as their new manager following the sacking of Ange Postecoglou, according to Sky Sports.

Dyche has reportedly verbally agreed to take over at the club, with an official announcement expected before Forest’s crucial Europa League clash against Porto on Thursday.

The 54-year-old English manager has emerged as the standout candidate after Forest dismissed Postecoglou after their 3-0 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday, a result that left the club 18th in the Premier League with just one win from eight games.

Dyche has held positive talks with Forest officials over the past 24 hours, and sources close to the negotiations say his chances of landing the role have significantly improved over the weekend.

Other names linked with the position include Roberto Mancini and Marco Silva, but both are believed to be out of the running, Mancini’s early discussions reportedly cooled, while Silva’s situation is complicated by a large release clause and his ongoing commitment to Fulham.

Forest’s hierarchy are keen to finalise Dyche’s appointment swiftly as they look to stabilise a turbulent season that has already seen two managers, Nuno Espírito Santo and Postecoglou, sacked in quick succession.

The Maser Foundation’s billion-dollar bet on public systems

For a man who built one of Africa’s fastest-rising business empires, Prateek Suri could have chosen the easier kind of generosity – the kind with ribbon cuttings, school walls bearing his name, and fast media applause. Instead, he chose the slower, less glamorous path: helping governments do their jobs better.

That’s the quiet rebellion behind the Maser Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Suri’s $5 billion Maser Group. Where most private donors build their own institutions, the Foundation embeds itself within public systems, funding state-led programs in education, health, women’s empowerment and youth development.

‘The idea was never to build something parallel,’ Suri said. ‘It was to strengthen what already serves the people.’

The logic is simple, even if the execution rarely is. By working through ministries, Maser trades visibility for permanence. Its funding model, co-managed with governments and community representatives, measures success not by how much Maser spends but by how much capacity local systems gain.

As Zhang Xue, the Foundation’s CFO, puts it, ‘Real philanthropy stands beside governments, not outside them. Our goal is to help institutions deliver dignity, not dependency.’

When Wealth Meets the State

The Maser Foundation was born from Suri’s conviction that wealth, to be meaningful, must have memory. After years of expanding Maser Group’s reach across logistics, real estate, and energy, he began searching for a form of impact that would outlive both himself and his companies.

‘Wealth is only meaningful when it improves lives,’ he said. ‘The Foundation exists to ensure that success is shared, and that the communities who supported our journey also benefit from it.’

Rather than writing cheques to isolated causes, Maser’s programmes work on two levels: funding infrastructure and training the people who will sustain it. A new school might feature solar classrooms and digital libraries, but also teachers trained to manage technology. A rural clinic might receive modern equipment – and administrators capable of maintaining it long after the Foundation steps back.

‘Capacity building isn’t a workshop,’ says media spokesman Vikram Singh. ‘It’s building confidence, competence and continuity.’

The System Behind the Giving

Each Foundation project is governed by a joint monitoring committee of Foundation officers, ministry representatives, and community members. Independent audits and transparent dashboards are standard practice – oversight as structure, not ceremony.

That methodical precision mirrors Suri’s business instincts. ‘Philanthropy must be measurable,’ he said. ‘Otherwise it becomes theatre.’

It’s an approach that treats generosity with the same rigour as investment. But instead of dividends, it seeks durability.

Taking the Slow Road on Purpose

Working through governments is never simple. It can be slow, bureaucratic and politically unpredictable. But Suri believes that’s where real impact lives.

‘Building our own schools or hospitals would be easier,’ he said. ‘But strengthening existing systems ensures that progress continues long after we’re gone.’

For the Foundation, patience is both method and message – a way of showing that real change doesn’t need to be branded to be lasting.

‘Real change happens when the system itself becomes stronger,’ Singh said. ‘We’re not here to own the solution; we’re here to make sure it works.’

From Enterprise to Empathy

Suri is best known as the founder and chief executive of Maser Group, a $5-billion conglomerate spanning infrastructure, logistics, mining and real estate. He is also the richest Indian in Africa, with an estimated net worth of $1.9 billion.

Through the Maser Foundation, he is now applying the same discipline that built his fortune to the task of deepening public trust. Its initiatives span education access, digital literacy, women’s empowerment and preventive healthcare – all guided by one principle: empower individuals, strengthen institutions, and build ecosystems that outlast donors.

As Zhang Xue puts it, ‘Philanthropy is not about giving – it’s about enabling. When people rise with capacity, nations rise with confidence.’

A Harder Empire to Construct

The Maser Foundation’s work rarely makes headlines. Its progress unfolds quietly within ministries, classrooms, and clinics – in systems that must function long after applause fades. But for Suri, that’s the whole point.

‘The easy things don’t last,’ he said. ‘We’re not trying to be visible. We’re trying to be useful.’

If Maser Group was about building markets, the Maser Foundation is about building trust – and that may turn out to be the harder empire to construct.

Developer explains why govt should participate in housing provision

A real estate investor and developer, Olasijibomi Ojuola, has explained why governments at the state and federal levels should not be seen as competitors trying to crowd out private developers in the provision of housing for Nigerians.

Ojuola, who is the managing director/chief executive of Fountain Havens, said the government should participate in housing provision because, according to him, the market is huge. There’s still a deficiency in terms of the number of houses that is available compared to the population of the country.

He spoke in an interview with BusinessDay on the sidelines of the launch of Jasmine Villa in Ikoyi, Lagos. ‘The population of the country continues to increase. And as people’s earning power increases, they need affordable housing,’ he noted.

He explained that affordable or what is appropriately called low-cost housing, is the duty of the government to provide, pointing out, however, that even though they are called low-cost houses, huge capital is required to develop those houses.

Ojuola described Jasmine Villa, a residential development, as affordable luxury. ‘That is what we have here because, at the end of the day, people have been promised 24-hour power. The project has a dedicated transformer and generators. We also have electrical panel works so seamlessly installed that when light goes off, it picks up automatically. Every unit has its own cinema and gym,’ he said.

He recalled that the estate was developed at the peak of hyperinflation in the country, but they were able to keep to their delivery promise without going back to the customers to say they needed to vary the project or to extend the time of delivery.

‘So we were able to work within our own means to ensure that the project was completed on time, quality, and also to the specification we promised the clients when they subscribed to the project,’ Ojuola enthused.

Besides inflation, he noted that the construction industry as a whole is challenged by a dearth of manpower, explaining that technical people are not easily available, while it is a bit tough managing the technicalities that come with construction.

‘The good news is that the government has approved that people who want to go to technical schools can do so free of charge, because that is what is lacking. We need to go look out for people from neighbouring countries like Ghana and Benin Republic to come in to do some of these jobs,’ he said.

Speaking on integrity as part of their value propositions, Ruona Oghuvbu, the company’s Head, Sales and Business Development, disclosed that they always try their best to ensure that they have competitive pricing and deliver value.

‘Part of delivering value is doing so on time, on budget, of the quality that was promised, and putting out the final product with the right pricing,’ he said.

Continuing, he said, ‘one of the things that works for us is our expertise in the market. As developers, we have been in the industry for over 5 years, ?but as a construction company, we have been in this industry for over 15 years. We have a mix of both value engineering and smart decision making.’

He argued that if you don’t understand the volatility of the Nigerian economy, or you do not do your procurement on time, you might run into problems which, according to him, is the reason most products are so highly priced.

?’So what we do is a mix of value engineering to ensure that our products are in the right location and easily accessible. Also, they are well priced, and we deliver on time. That on-time delivery is something that many people have challenges with,’ he stated.

Nigeria set to host 2026 World Public Relations Forum in Abuja

Nigeria is preparing to host the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) in Abuja, Yusuf Tuggar, the minister of foreign affairs, has announced.

Tuggar made the announcement on Monday, during the unveiling of the forthcoming forum at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Conference Centre, Abuja.

Represented by Kimiebi Ebienfa, ministry’s spokesperson, Tuggar congratulated the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) for securing the hosting rights for the 2026 World Public Relations Forum, describing it as a ‘remarkable achievement’ and a strong validation of Nigeria’s global standing.

‘The choice of Abuja for WPRF 2026 is a powerful testament to Nigeria’s growing stature on the world stage.

‘It is a recognition of our vibrant democracy, our dynamic economy, and our unyielding commitment to fostering open and constructive dialogue, both within our borders and across the continent’, the Minister said.

He said hosting the global event aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s foreign policy thrust anchored on the ‘4Ds’, Demography, Democracy, Development, and Diaspora which seeks to project Nigeria as a premier destination for investment, tourism, and international discourse.

Tuggar highlighted the crucial role of strategic communication in today’s interconnected world, noting that effective public relations fosters understanding, strengthens diplomacy, and drives socio-economic development.

‘In an era of rapid information exchange and complex global challenges, the role of strategic communication has never been more critical.

‘It is the bedrock of mutual understanding and a vital tool for shaping a future defined not by division, but by collaboration and shared progress,’ he stated.

According to the minister, the 2026 forum, scheduled for November next year will not only showcase Nigeria’s world-class infrastructure, rich cultural heritage, and hospitality but also serve as a platform for African voices to shape global narratives.

He said the ministry of foreign affairs, working closely with NIPR and other relevant agencies, would ensure that all necessary diplomatic and logistical arrangements are in place for a ‘seamless, peaceful, and exceptionally successful’ hosting.

‘The ministry will dedicate the necessary resources and expertise to facilitate the smooth issuance of visas to international participants and ensure a productive and unforgettable experience for all delegates,’ he assured.

Tuggar also extended an open invitation to communication professionals around the world to experience Nigeria’s warmth and innovative spirit, saying the 2026 edition of WPRF would be ‘more than just a conference.’

‘Abuja 2026 will be a crucible for new ideas, a marketplace for innovation, and a celebration of the power of communication to change our world for the better,’ he added.

The World Public Relations Forum, a flagship event of the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, is the largest international gathering of communication professionals.

Institute certifies 100 humanitarians, urges FG to tackle violence through inclusive governance

The Institute for Humanitarian Studies and Social Development (IHSD) has called on the federal government to embrace inclusive governance as a strategic approach to reducing violence and civil unrest across the country.

Francis Origa, IHSD’s registrar and chief executive officer, stated this during the 15th Annual Humanitarian Public Lecture and Pan-African Humanitarian Leadership Award (TPAHLA) in Abuja.

Origa emphasised that marginalisation and unequal treatment remain key drivers of violence and civil unrest across the country.

Origa underscored that the path to lasting peace and national development lies in meeting citizens’ expectations and valuing human life.

He pointed out that the lack of equitable treatment and meaningful participation in decision-making processes fuels agitation and societal division.

He urged the government to fulfill its responsibilities by fostering fairness and inclusivity in governance. ‘Social justice and inclusion are not optional they are essential for unity and stability.

‘The current lack of fairness in representation and decision-making is deepening the country’s divides,’ he said.

He further criticised the top-down approach to policymaking, noting that many policies reflect the personal interests of political elites rather than addressing the needs of ordinary citizens.

He appealed to leaders to be more compassionate and adopt a governance model rooted in humanitarian values.

‘Let the poor breathe,’ he said, adding that leaders should adopt what he described as a ‘humanitarian faith’ one that treats human dignity as a cornerstone of governance.

Origa also encouraged Nigerians to embrace a culture of empathy and solidarity.

He stressed that humanitarian support doesn’t always require money; small acts of kindness, encouragement, and emotional support can make a significant difference.

‘Nigerians need to move beyond sympathy to empathy. If someone around you is struggling, your words or presence might be all they need,’ he added.

Speaking on the purpose of the event, Origa said it marked both the International Day for Disaster Reduction and the International Day of the Girl Child.

The lecture served as a platform for experts from government agencies, development institutions, and humanitarian organisations to explore pressing challenges and generate solutions.

According to him, the theme centered on enhancing African security and governance through humanitarian principles and building strong, responsive institutions guided by ethical leadership.

He disclosed that 100 individuals were certified as professional humanitarians after completing courses, exams, and practical training.

Additionally, more than 35 people were inducted as distinguished humanitarian fellows and honorary special ambassadors – a recognition reserved for those with a proven record of impactful humanitarian service and commitment.

Origa explained that applicants must first register, participate in training, pass evaluations, and demonstrate a commitment to humanitarian values before receiving certification.

Describing the public lecture as a vital meeting ground for key players in humanitarian and development fields, he said it was aimed at voicing concerns about societal issues affecting human welfare and survival.

The event’s chairman, former Kaduna State Governor Alhaji Mukhtar Yero, highlighted the importance of effective communication and humanitarian service. He thanked God for the success of the programme and congratulated the graduating cohort.

Ayodele Olawande, Minister of Youth Development, urged young Nigerians to engage in humanitarian work as a pathway to meaningful recognition and national development.

‘The more we serve others, the more we contribute to building our country. Don’t just wait on the government be part of the solution,’ he said.

Also speaking, Zubaida Umar, Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), represented by Director of Special Duties, Fatima Kassim, emphasised the vital link between humanitarian leadership, effective governance, and conflict prevention.

She noted the importance of strong partnerships in enhancing disaster readiness and promoting sustainable growth.

Adamu Ibrahim, President and Chairman of IHSD’s Governing Council and former Nigerian Ambassador to Guinea, used the occasion to welcome Bokchara Malanyaro as an honorary executive adviser to the council, recognising his contributions to humanitarian.

The event concluded with the unveiling of the Pan-African Humanitarian Response Centre, the graduation of newly certified humanitarian professionals, and the formal induction of new humanitarian fellows all part of IHSD’s efforts to strengthen the continent’s humanitarian and development landscape.

The event, held in collaboration with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), CIFAR Nigeria, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, and the African Refugees Foundation, focused on the theme: ‘Humanitarian Leadership as the Compass for Africa’s Future: Bridging Power, Policy, and People for Peace, Prosperity, and Planet.’

FG lauds stockbrokers $1trn advocacy as 48 members bag fellowship

The Federal Government has commended the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) for its proactive advocacy aimed at expanding the Nigerian economy to a $1 trillion valuation, through strategic engagement with capital market opportunities.

Speaking at the 29th Annual Stockbrokers’ Conference held in Abuja over the weekend, Ibrahim Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President in the Office of the Vice President, praised the Institute’s commitment to national economic growth.

The conference, themed ‘Capital Markets in a Digital, Ethical, and Sustainable Era: Charting Pathways for Economic Transformation,’ brought together key stakeholders in the financial sector to discuss the future of Nigeria’s capital market markets in a rapidly evolving global market.

‘On behalf of the Federal Government, I wish to commend the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers for its bold and forward-looking advocacy aimed at positioning the Nigerian economy on the path to achieving a $1 trillion GDP.

The journey to a $1 trillion economy is ambitious, but with strategic collaboration between government, regulators, and market operators, it is entirely achievable. We commend CIS for its leadership, and we look forward to continued partnership in building a stronger, more inclusive, and globally competitive Nigerian economy. The capital market remains one of the most powerful engines for sustainable economic transformation’, Hadejia said.

Emomotimi Agama, Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), delivered a keynote address on behalf of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite. He presented insights from the ongoing implementation of the Capital Market Master Plan (2015-2025), and the strategic outlook extending to 2035.

‘Through initiatives like Risk-Based Supervision (RBS) and the National Investor Protection Fund (NIPF), we’ve raised regulatory standards and investor confidence. Digital tools such as e-Dividend and Direct Cash Settlement have improved market efficiency and transparency. However, enforcement must be faster and more decisive to deter misconduct effectively.

Agama emphasised that while significant strides have been made in institutional strengthening and governance through instruments like the Nigerian Code of Corporate Governance (2018), true market transformation.

The Capital Market Master Plan was a call to action not to rest on potential, but to pursue purposeful performance. As we approach a new decade, the focus must shift from aspiration to execution.’

In his address, Oluropo Dada,13th President and Chairman of Council of the Institute spoke on the convergence of technology, ethics, and sustainability as transformative forces reshaping global capital markets.

‘Technologies such as blockchain, AI, and fintech are revolutionising the way markets function, making them more efficient and inclusive. This conference aims to explore how Nigeria can harness these trends to retool the capital market for stronger economic and social outcomes.

‘Since the COVID-19 disruptions in 2020, our capital market has delivered some of the highest verified returns on investment globally. With continued collaboration, we can reposition the economy towards double-digit’, stated Dada.

At the event, 48 members, including the former spokesman of The Nigerian Stock Exchange (now NGX), Sola Oni were conferred with the Fellowship status of the Institute while 220 others were inducted as Associate Members.

In his goodwill message, Umaru Kwairanga, Chairman of NGX Group Plc, stressed the importance of sustainability as a guiding principle for financial markets saying: ‘The future of finance is green. We must channel capital into climate-resilient initiatives, renewable energy, and the broader low-carbon transition. NGX remains committed to integrating ESG principles across the market.’

Sam Onukwue, chairman, Association of Securities Dealing Houses of Nigeria (ASHON) echoed the call for clear regulation and product innovation: ‘Stable, predictable policies are crucial to attracting investment. Diversifying instruments, including non-interest and alternative products, iskey to broadening investor participation. Furthermore, liquidity and smooth exit mechanisms are essential to maintaining investor confidence.’