Prayers Alone Can’t End Poverty – Chiwetalu Agu

Veteran Nollywood actor, Chiwetalu Agu, has declared that prayers alone cannot eliminate poverty.

In a video on X, the outspoken actor dismissed the common belief that poverty can be prayed away, insisting that hard work and diligence are the true keys to prosperity.

‘Poverty does not die by fire. I repeat, poverty cannot die by fire. Pray from now till tomorrow – if you don’t work hard, poverty will deal with you,’ Agu said.

He explained that while prayer connects people to divine wisdom and favour, it becomes ‘meaningless without corresponding effort.’

‘Yes, prayer is powerful; it connects you to divine wisdom and favour, but work is the channel through which blessings manifest,’ he added.

Agu urged Nigerians to abandon the ‘manna mentality’ and embrace industry and self-reliance, stressing that even divine favour requires human participation.

‘You can pray all day for success, but if you refuse to work, plan, or act, you will still remain poor. God blesses effort, not idleness,’ he concluded.

LRT-2 revenue flat on higher discount

The rise in Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) ridership has failed to translate to higher income for its regulator due to the government order to give out higher discounts to select sectors.

Based on data from LRT-2 manager Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), passenger traffic in LRT-2 grew by eight percent to 42.04 million in the nine months to September, from 38.9 million a year ago.

LRT-2 posted its highest passenger volume in the pandemic aftermath in September of 5.15 million, beating the previous high of 5.1 million in August.

In spite of this, the LRTA booked a one-percent uptick only in revenue to P942.33 million as of September. This can be attributed to higher discounts granted to students, persons with disabilities and senior citizens.

President Marcos instructed the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to increase the discount on railways to 50 percent, from 20 percent. For students, the discount also covers all learners, and it can be availed every day, even on holidays and weekends.

In LRT-2, the discount reduced the cost of riding the LRT-2 to a range of just P8 to P18, from P15 to P35 on the regular.

Since the higher discount was rolled out in June, the LRT-2 has seen monthly hikes in ridership, but revenue failed to keep up, dropping instead with the exception of August.

LRT-2 serves a large population of students in its ridership, especially as the Recto-Antipolo corridor is host to dozens of schools, particularly in the University Belt.

As a government-owned and controlled corporation, LRTA is mandated to generate as much revenue as it can to fund its own operations. The agency also needs capital to upgrade the LRT-2 to prepare for future demand as ridership goes up.

For instance, LRTA plans to pursue the LRT-2 West Extension Project that seeks to add three more stops after the Recto Station. The project is estimated to cost P10.12 billion, as it covers the purchase of new light rail vehicles, too.

In spite of the financial drag, the DOTr appears committed to keeping the 50-percent discount in place, eyeing to maintain it until the end of the Marcos administration in 2028.

In September, railway managers like the LRTA started distributing specialized stored value cards to students to easily avail themselves of the discount.

Establish Rice Devt Board To Enhance Sector – IFS

The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has called for the establishment of a Rice Development Board (RDB) to help transform the country’s rice sector and reduce dependence on imports.

Executive Director of IFS, Dr. Said Boakye, made the call when he presented an overview of the country’s rice sector on the theme: ‘Increasing Importation of Rice in Ghana: Can the Country Transform Its Fortunes in the Rice Sector?’

Dr. Boakye noted that, unlike countries such as Thailand and Vietnam, successive governments have largely relegated themselves to the background, focusing only on creating an enabling environment while expecting the private sector to address the challenges limiting rice production.

He said this policy approach has led to market failures in the rice sector, as private actors alone have been unable to improve local rice production to its full potential.

‘To correct this market failure, government should take an active role in the rice sector so that Ghana can realise its potential and become a major net exporter of rice,’ he stated.

Dr. Boakye proposed that the government should formally establish a Rice Development Board (RDB) as the main agency to coordinate and channel all state interventions in the rice value chain.

‘We recommend that the government of Ghana formally establish the Rice Development Board, an agency through which active government interventions in the rice sector should be channelled. The RDB should be adequately funded, and its funding sources clearly defined,’ he said.

He explained that the proposed board should oversee production, harvesting, milling, and storage of rice, as well as the provision of certified and quality seeds to farmers. It should also be equipped both financially and technically to ensure the sector’s long-term growth.

According to IFS, establishing the RDB would promote policy continuity, ensuring that new governments sustain policies initiated by their predecessors, since the board would be legally and institutionally entrenched.

Dr. Boakye also urged government to provide incentives and a conducive environment for private actors in the local rice value chain.

However, he stressed that the state must not leave production entirely to private hands.

He proposed that government should secure adequate farmland, mobilise the youth for rice farming, and produce, distribute, and market aromatic rice seeds locally to reduce reliance on imports.

The event was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, advocacy groups, farmer organisations, research institutions, members of the diplomatic corps, and other key stakeholders in the rice sector.

Gyakie Gets Multiple Grammy Considerations With ‘Sankofa’, ‘After Midnight’

Ghanaian Afro-fusion star, Gyakie, is soaring to new international heights as her latest projects earn multiple Grammy Considerations. The songbird, known for her silky vocals and emotional delivery, has been recognised across several major categories.

Gyakie’s ‘After Midnight’ project has received a consideration for Best Global Music Album, while her single ‘Sankofa’ earned nods for Best Global Music Performance and Best Music Video. In addition her collaboration with 6LACK, ‘Damn U’ has been listed for Best African Performance.

These recognitions highlight Gyakie’s evolution as an artiste who bridges cultures through sound. Her ability to merge soulful melodies with African rhythms continues to position her as a leading voice in the global music conversation.

Gyakie is not just representing Ghana, she’s showcasing the depth and artistry of modern African music to the world. While these considerations are not yet official nominations, the achievement reflects how far Gyakie and Ghanaian music have come in gaining global acknowledgment.

Benjamin Acorda starts work as chief of anti-crime body PAOCC

Former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Benjamin Acorda Jr. has formally assumed office as chairperson of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), replacing Gilbert Cruz, who led the agency since 2022.

Acorda took his oath of office on Thursday, October 16, according to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).

Leadership transition. Cruz’s tenure at the PAOCC was marked by a series of major operations against illegal scam and gaming syndicates. The agency spearheaded the nationwide crackdown on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), which led to the outlawing of illegal POGO hubs and the deportation of undocumented foreign workers.

The PAOCC also played a role in the arrest and detention of former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, who has been linked to POGO-related activities.

In June 2024, the commission began a campaign against illegal online lending apps, responding to more than 13,000 public complaints about predatory lending practices.

Anti-crime mandate. Created in 2000, the PAOCC leads the government’s efforts to identify and prosecute organized crime groups and public officials who protect them.

The commission also coordinates with law enforcement and intelligence agencies to dismantle syndicates involved in trafficking, fraud, and cybercrime.

Who is Acorda? Acorda, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1991, served as PNP chief from April 2023 to April 2024. Before his appointment, he was PNP Director for Intelligence and previously headed the Police Regional Office 10 in Northern Mindanao.

He is considered a pioneer of the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group and has also led the Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group, which investigates police misconduct.

Black Queens Management Committee Supports Black Maidens

Members of the Black Queens Management Committee, led by ASP Naomi Fainusatu Abdulai, have extended their support to the Black Maidens, Ghana’s U-17 women’s national team, with a donation of bottled water and an undisclosed amount of cash during their training camp in Sunyani.

The gesture, according to ASP Abdulai, was meant to motivate the young players as they continue preparations for upcoming international competitions.

She commended the players and technical staff for their dedication, emphasising the Committee’s commitment to promoting the growth and success of all women’s national teams.

‘We are proud of the effort you’re putting in and want you to know that the entire women’s football fraternity stands behind you. Keep pushing, stay disciplined, and your hard work will surely yield results,’ she encouraged.

The donation was warmly received by the team’s technical staff and players, who expressed appreciation for the continued support.

Head Coach and team officials noted that such gestures play a vital role in boosting morale and inspiring the players to give their best.

The Black Maidens are currently in Sunyani fine-tuning their preparations as part of the Ghana Football Association’s broader plan to strengthen women’s football and enhance readiness for future tournaments.

GNFS Feeding Fees Refund Demand Sparks Outrage

A correspondence from the management of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) to some personnel demanding refund of feeding fees expended on them during their training days as recruits and officer cadets has triggered public outrage.

Being the first time such a demand is being made from personnel who have passed out already and serving in various commands of the GNFS, the outrage is unsurprising.

Dated October 9, 2025 and authored by the Chief Fire Officer, the correspondence is titled ‘Notice For Payment Of Feeding Fees’.

The unusual demand, according to the correspondence, is informed by funding challenges. ‘Recruits, cadets and existing personnel who went for their training were made to pay something to subsidise their feeding cost for the period of their training.

‘The list has been grouped into two categories

Appendix A contains the list of personnel who still owe but will be deducted from their accounts directly by their various banks.

Appendix B contains the list of personnel who are to make Cash payment for the amount owed.’

Payments, the correspondence added, must be made to a GNFS Donor Fund at Bank of Ghana and affected personnel must do so by December 31, 2025.

Jaraula grabs one-shot lead with 68 in ICTSI Del Monte Championship

Reymon Jaraula tapped into local knowledge and late-round brilliance to shoot a clutch four-under 68 on Thursday, seizing a one-shot lead over Rupert Zaragosa heading into the final round of the ICTSI Del Monte Championship here.

With a three-day total of 14-under 202, the Bukidnon native catapulted himself from second to first, bringing him within 18 holes of a storybook redemption – and his fourth career victory on the Philippine Golf Tour.

‘Ang advantage ko dito ay home course ko ‘to at very familiar ako,’ said Jaraula, who turned adversity into opportunity after a bogey start and a costly double on the par-4 13th. He clawed back with a steady front nine capped by an eagle on the par-5 No. 9, then scorched the closing stretch with three straight birdies from No. 14 to seal a resilient 34-34 round.

‘First six holes, hindi maganda. Buti na lang nakabawi sa back nine,’ he said. ‘Inisip ko lang na relax lang at madami pa namang butas.’

Now standing on the brink of another triumph, Jaraula is determined not just to win, but to rewrite the ending of last year’s heartbreak at Del Monte, where he fell just one shot short of Clyde Mondilla. This time, he has the crowd behind him, course familiarity on his side, and a steely focus to match.

‘Gusto ko talagang manalo dito. Masarap sa pakiramdam kung dito ko makuha ang panalo,’ he said.

But chasing closely is the in-form Zaragosa, who carded a steady 71 for a 203 total and remained well within striking distance of back-to-back PGT titles following his dominant victory in Negros Occidental last month.

Though his red-hot 64 in the second round briefly vaulted him into the lead, Zaragosa grappled with inconsistency off the tee on Moving Day.

‘I struggled with my long game kaya konti lang ang chances na maka-birdie,’ he said.

But a dependable short game – particularly his pitch-and-putt precision – kept him in contention for the top P623,000 purse out of the P3.5-million total prize.

‘Most of the time, short game ang nag-work,’ he said. ‘Lalo na yung mga scramble ko for par.’

Fueling Zaragosa’s charge is something deeper than the leaderboard. He is playing with a heavy heart following the recent passing of his grandfather – a man he considered one of his biggest supporters.

‘Gusto ko talagang manalo for him,’ said Zaragosa, who headed straight to the range post-round to fine-tune his swing. ‘I know I still have a chance. Pero hindi ko iniisip yun masyado. I’ll just do my best at kung ano man ang resulta ay tatanggapin ko.’

As the two top guns battle it out, veteran Tony Lascuña quietly surged into contention with another vintage 68, his second straight, for a 10-under 206 total – just four shots off the lead.

At 54, the five-time PGT Order of Merit winner continues to defy expectations, but not without acknowledging the toll time has taken on his game.

‘Maganda ang tee shots and irons ko. Pero ang putting, maganda sa front nine, pero nawawala sa back nine,’ Lascuña said, alluding to a recurring pattern: strong starts followed by fading finishes. He’s shot 36 on the back nine all three days after a 34 and two 32s.

‘Siguro may edad na din talaga,’ he admitted with a smile. ‘Pero happy ako sa laro ko. Basta may chance pa, lalaban pa rin.’

Lascuña’s experience and composure could prove pivotal, especially if the leaders falter under pressure. While stamina may be his biggest hurdle, his track record proves he can’t be counted out.

The chasing pack also remained formidable. Japan’s Atsushi Ueda (68), Russell Bautista (69), Keanu Jahns (70) and Kuresh Samanodi (70) are all tied at 207, five shots off the pace. Korean Jaehyun Jung also made a move with a second straight 69 to join Dino Villanueva (70), Guido van der Valk (70), Mondilla (72) and Michael Bibat (73) at 209.

Mondilla, the defending champion, briefly flashed his title-retaining form with back-to-back birdies bridging the nines, but a costly double bogey on the par-5 18th – the same hole he eagled the previous round – derailed his round and dropped him to joint eighth.

Govt Supports NSMQ With GHS9.6m

The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced that the government has provided Prime Time, the organisers of the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ), with GHS9.6 million, acknowledging the previous shortcomings.

He made this announcement during the launch of the 2025 edition of the NSMQ in Accra yesterday. He also noted that the number of participating schools in this year’s edition has risen from last year’s 156 to 174.ý

‘This year, the competition has reached another milestone featuring 174 participating schools. A significant expansion,’ he stressed.

He advocated for the inclusion of practical knowledge in the competition, urging the organisers to move beyond theoretical work and explore practical applications as well as research. However, he cautioned that if this approach would undermine the integrity of the quiz, it should be disregarded.

‘Beyond theoretical application, how will we be able to reform the National Maths and Science Quiz to include some research and experiment as part of it? If that will dilute the essence, then I’m all for it, but if that will improve the learning of Science and Mathematics, I’m all for it,’ he explained.

Mr. Iddrisu mentioned that as a part of his desire to encourage the teaching and learning of Mathematics and Science, he is considering establishing a Science and Mathematics centre in northern Ghana. Currently, the only centre that serves all these regions is located in Accra, which requires people from different parts of the country to travel a significant distance.

‘Our policy as a government is to encourage the teaching and learning of Maths and Science. I’m exploring the opportunity to set up a national science centre in the northern half of Ghana, between Sunyani, Tamale and Bolgatanga. There’s none. There is only one behind the police headquarters, where some of you sometimes travel in order to have access to the experiment,’ he disclosed.

He also noted the plight of many students, as many schools lack well-equipped science laboratories to facilitate and enhance the learning experience.

‘Many of you are studying under very difficult circumstances. No science laboratories; they are not adequately equipped to facilitate and enhance your learning. Government will look into that and improve the laboratories of many of the institutions,’ he added.

Drela Electrifies ‘Homecoming’ Show

Fast-rising Nigerian artiste Mohammed Salisu, known in the music scene as Drela, took the stage by storm at his highly anticipated ‘Homecoming’ show, a dual celebration of his Bad Boy EP launch and his roots. The electric crowd and unmatched energy were a testament to his growing popularity.

The show, which was a defining moment in Drela’s career, featured performances of his hit tracks, including ‘Ice Cream Boy’, ‘Bad Boy’, ‘Rain’, ‘Dem Dead’ and ‘Jekomo.’ His soulful voice and captivating stage presence left the audience in awe.

Drela’s music is a reflection of his eclectic upbringing and musical influences. Born in Jos, Plateau State, he was exposed to a rich musical heritage that has shaped him into the artiste he is today. His ability to fuse various genres into a seamless blend of RandB, Afrobeats, and soulful rhythms has earned him the reputation of being a storyteller with ‘Melodies Never Heard Before.’

The artiste’s journey into music began in the sacred halls of his local church, where he discovered his passion for instruments and vocals. He later pursued formal training at a local music academy, where he honed his skills in vocals, percussion, and songwriting.

Drela’s Bad Boy EP features six tracks that showcase his unique ability to weave together personal experiences, societal observations, and universal emotions into his songs. The EP has been generating buzz in the music industry, with fans and critics alike praising Drela’s innovative sound.

In addition to the EP, Drela has also released several singles, including ‘Japa to Sapa’, ‘Bad Boy’, ‘Rawan Mata’, ‘Nasira’, and ‘I Miss You’. His music is not just about entertainment; it’s about storytelling and capturing the complexity of human emotion.

As Drela continues to make waves in the music industry, his fans eagerly await what the future holds for this rising star. With his talent, dedication, and passion for music, Drela is poised to take the Nigerian music scene by storm.