Emergency employment eyed for Nando-hit workers

Up to 5,750 workers displaced by Super Typhoon Nando are being eyed for inclusion in an emergency employment program that will be provided by the Department of Labor and Employment.

The DOLE said displaced workers in Cagayan and Batanes are being considered for the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers or TUPAD program.

‘The intervention will benefit workers from 13 coastal towns in Cagayan and six municipalities in Batanes. We will ensure that TUPAD reaches the most affected workers as quickly as possible,’ the DOLE said.

Beneficiaries will be tapped for short-term community works including clearing operations, and repair and rehabilitation efforts that will start this month.

The initiative intends to give workers immediate income while supporting recovery efforts in typhoon-hit areas.

To support more workers, the DOLE said preparations for a second tranche of emergency employment assistance is being undertaken.

Nando, the first super typhoon to enter the Philippines this year, caused serious damage to property and agriculture, particularly in Northern Luzon.

What secures Nigeria’s carbon future: Gas flare capture or mangrove restoration?

For generations, the story of the Niger Delta has been told in two powerful, conflicting images. One is the constant, angry glow of gas flares, a symbol of wasted wealth and a damaged environment. The other is the quiet, fading green of the mangrove forests, a symbol of life and resilience that we have too long taken for granted.

Our national discussion on climate change keeps circling back to the technical challenge of capturing those flares. But in doing so, we are missing the most powerful solution we have. It is a solution that lies not in complex machinery, but in the rich, muddy soil of our coast.

The mangrove, our true ‘green gold,’ offers us a clear path. It is a plan that turns ecological restoration into a guaranteed source of revenue, creating a valuable financial asset while delivering the profound community renewal our people deserve.

The argument for mangroves begins with a powerful and simple economic truth. While the national project to capture flared gas remains bogged down by immense costs, estimated at over three billion dollars, and endless delays, planting mangroves is stunningly affordable and can begin today. Think of what we could do with a strategic investment of just three hundred million dollars. That fraction of the gas capture budget could restore three quarters of a million hectares of these life-giving forests.

This investment unlocks what experts call ‘blue carbon.’ A single hectare of healthy mangrove can absorb a thousand tonnes of carbon, storing it safely in its roots and soil for centuries. This is not just about cleaning the air; it is about building a natural bank account. A growing mangrove forest is a financial asset that appreciates in value every single year, providing long term revenue assurance that is not tied to the volatile price of oil.

This is not just a hopeful idea. It is a reality that is already transforming lives in other parts of Africa, showing us exactly what is possible. In Senegal, local villagers have led one of the most ambitious mangrove restoration projects on the planet, planting over one hundred and fifty million seedlings. The results have been miraculous for the communities. The fish and oysters have returned in abundance, restoring the primary source of food and income for countless families.

The restored forests now protect their villages from the sea itself, acting as a natural barrier against erosion and storm surges. In Kenya, the pioneering Mikoko Pamoja project, which means ‘Mangroves Together,’ goes even further. They sell the carbon credits from their protected mangroves and pump every dollar of that revenue directly back into the community. This money builds new classrooms, provides clean water, and supports local clinics.

This creates a beautiful, self-sustaining cycle: a healthy ecosystem funds community renewal, and a renewed community becomes the proud guardian of its environment. This is the living proof that the Niger Delta can and should emulate.

This is where our state governments in the South-South have a historic opportunity to lead. For Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, and Cross River, this is a call to action. The vision is a regional green revolution, launched in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Environment. It can start with practical, state led pilot projects.

Imagine designating and restoring ten thousand hectares in each state, employing local men and women to nurture and plant the mangroves. The success of these initial projects would be the catalyst for the most crucial step: filling the national carbon registry.

By carefully measuring the carbon captured by our new forests, we can formally register these credits. This transforms our green gold into a solid, tradable financial asset, guaranteeing revenue assurance for future development. This effort will require all of us: international partners for technical support, our own universities for research, and the oil and gas companies operating here, who can invest in this green legacy as a core part of their social responsibility.

But the true magic of this plan is not found in spreadsheets or carbon reports. It is found in the tangible benefits that flow directly to the people who need them most. A restored mangrove forest means the return of the fishing grounds that once sustained entire villages, putting food on the table and money in pockets.

It means the next generation can see a future for themselves in their ancestral home, not having to leave in search of opportunity. It means mothers can watch their children play without fear of the next flood, because the mangroves stand as a mighty shield against storm surges. It means thousands of new, dignified jobs for our young people in nursery management, planting, patrolling, and eco-tourism.

This is the heart of community renewal: restoring not just the land, but the hope, health, and economic vitality of the people.

We must continue to push for the advanced technology and regulatory will needed to finally stop gas flaring at the source. But we cannot wait. The states of the South- South, hand in hand with the Federal Government, now have the chance to write a new, hopeful chapter for the Niger Delta.

Let us shift our gaze from the complicated, expensive task of capturing wasted gas to the simple, profound act of growing our natural wealth. Let us choose to invest in our green gold. Let us build a future where communities that have lived for decades in the shadow of flares can now thrive in the shelter of lush, carbon rich forests.

This is our blueprint for a future that is ecologically whole, economically secure, and deeply rooted in the renewal of our communities. Our green gold is waiting to be rediscovered.

Ten were healed but only one was thankful

We are familiar with that part of the gospel where 10 lepers approached Christ begging for healing, and they were healed, but only one of them had the fine detail of going back to Christ to thank him, which made Christ very happy, of course. (cfr. Lk 17, 11-19)

To be sure, Christ would not mind if he was not thanked for what he did to the 10 lepers. Christ, the very personification of love –a love lived in the context of our limitations and sinfulness–would just do things for others completely gratuitously, without expecting any return. He would gain nothing if he is thanked.

But what he would rather mind is when the recipients of his favors would not be thankful since they would sooner or later be spoiled by Christ’s goodness. To be thankful is meant more for the good of the recipient of God’s favors than for God himself.

Indeed, to be thankful to God can only deepen our spiritual connection and relationship with him. Knowing how easily we can be separated from God, it would be good if we are always thankful to him for whatever favor received from him, even if we consider them as small and ordinary, like being able to wake up in the morning from sleep.

To be thankful to God would also enable us to see life’s many blessings more clearly. We know very well that we always have the strong tendency to take these blessings for granted, and even going to the extent that God has the obligation to give us these blessings.

To be thankful to God also would foster humility and help us to acknowledge our abiding dependence on him. There is no doubt whatsoever that we always tend to think that we can simply be on our own. We only go to God when we find ourselves helpless in some difficult situations.

The duty to be thankful should also be done with the others, since this would strengthen our relationship with them. Let’s remember that we are meant always to be in relation with others. We should not simply be on our own since that would contradict the very nature of our humanity. Besides, when we are always thankful to others for whatever favor they give us, we would actually foster more positive interactions and a supportive environment. It would minimize our tendency to be judgmental of others, especially because we cannot deny that we will always have differences and even conflicts among ourselves.

In the end, the virtue of gratitude promotes greater well-being among ourselves and generates an atmosphere of positivity, especially these days when with all the confusing developments around, we are often tempted to fall into negative and critical thoughts.

Let’s hope that we can take this business of being thankful always seriously. Let’s not allow any opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to pass. And let’s see to it that we do it sincerely, coming from the heart, avoiding the pitfall of doing it mechanically.

For this, we need to train our heart to be truly thankful, quick to realize its basis and purpose. For sure, we would be making a very beautiful world if we manage to be consistently grateful. We would have an environment that is healthy and vibrant, quite immunized to the evils of this world.

We would know how to be at home with God and with others while we explore and navigate our now-complicated and challenging world!

AASU honours Mosadoluwa as beacon of hope for Africa’s development

The All-Africa Students’ Union (AASU) has honoured Hon. (Dr.) Saheed Mosadoluwa Audullahi, chairman and CEO of Harmony Gardens and Estate Development Limited, with the 2025 Africa Leadership Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to youth empowerment and development across the continent.

The colourful investiture ceremony, themed ‘Reawakening Our Consciousness as Africa’s Next Generation,’ took place on Friday, September 26, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria.

Although Dr. Mosadoluwa, popularly known as Mr. Ibile, could not attend the event, the AASU leadership visited his office on Thursday, October 9, for the official conferment and presentation of the AASU Hall of Fame Award.

Describing Dr. Mosadoluwa as a ‘Beacon of Hope for Africa’s Development,’ AASU commended his unwavering dedication to nation-building, human capital development, and the empowerment of young Africans.

In a solidarity address, the Union lauded the Harmony Gardens boss as ‘an apostle of positive change and an iconic leader per excellence who continues to stand tall among his peers.’

‘We are gathered to celebrate a true patriot who has positively impacted our generation. Dr. Saheed Mosadoluwa is not just a successful entrepreneur; he is a mentor, a nation-builder, and a champion of educational growth and youth empowerment,’ AASU stated.

The Union noted that the award was in recognition of his contributions to education, infrastructure, and leadership-values that align with AASU’s mission since its founding in 1972.

According to the statement, ‘Our organization exists to drive growth in education and health across Africa through strategic developmental programmes. Leaders like Dr. Mosadoluwa embody the vision of a progressive Africa where youth are empowered and equipped to take charge of the future.’

AASU also urged African governments and private institutions to emulate Dr. Mosadoluwa’s leadership model, describing him as ‘a man who understands and embodies the core values and aspirations of the youth.’

Dr. Mosadoluwa, through Harmony Gardens and Estate Development Ltd, has continued to spearhead numerous community development projects and humanitarian initiatives, earning both local and international recognition for his visionary leadership and entrepreneurial excellence.

The event concluded with a standing ovation as delegates, students, and dignitaries hailed Dr. Mosadoluwa as a symbol of integrity, hope, and transformational leadership for Africa’s next generation.

Duterte’s children factored in ICC decision to keep him detained

Remarks by Vice President Sara Duterte and the political role of her brother, Davao City Vice Mayor Sebastian Duterte, were among the reasons cited by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in denying former president Rodrigo Duterte’s request for temporary release from detention.

In a 23-page ruling made public Friday, October 11, the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I said Duterte remains a flight risk, a potential threat to witnesses, and at risk of committing the same crimes for which he is charged if freed.

While those are some the main reasons cited, the court also found that his children’s public statements and positions of authority reinforced those risks, explaining that his continued detention is required to ensure his appearance at proceedings.

The ICC ruling cited public remarks by Sara, who told supporters in July that she would break her father of detention and accused the ICC of relying on fake witnesses.

The court said these statements, as well as her later claim that her father wished to return to Davao City if released, contradicted the defense’s assertion that Duterte would remain in the host country designated by the court.

‘The foregoing illustrates Mr. Duterte’s rejection of the proceedings against him before the Court, and the will of his close family to help him elude detention and prosecution,’ the judges wrote.

The ruling also pointed to Duterte’s enduring political influence, which remains strong through his family’s high-ranking positions. The court noted Baste’s current role as acting mayor of Davao City, one of the sites of alleged extrajudicial killings. His influence amplifies the risk that the elder Duterte could use local networks to evade justice, the court said.

“Considering Mr. Duterte’s son’s position of power in the Philippines at one of the locations of the crimes alleged,” the chamber said, “this risk continues to exist even if Mr. Duterte would be released to a location outside the geographic scope of the alleged crimes.”

Heath arguments rebuffed. The decision, dated September 26, rebuffed defense arguments that Duterte’s age and medical condition justified interim release.

His lawyers submitted medical reports claiming cognitive decline and frailty, but the ICC said the documents failed to show that his health eliminates the risks of flight or obstruction.

The chamber also rejected 16 proposed conditions for release – including electronic monitoring, restricted movement and communication limits – finding them insufficient given the risks cited.

Judges noted that the unnamed country offering to host Duterte lacked the infrastructure to enforce electronic tracking, which even the defense described as “essential.”

Next in the case. The denial marks a significant setback for the Duterte family’s efforts to bring the former president home as he awaits trial for alleged crimes against humanity related to thousands of drug war killings.

Victims’ families and their lawyers had opposed his release, saying he still commands the political machinery to intimidate witnesses and influence proceedings.

The confirmation of charges hearing, originally scheduled for September 23, has been postponed as independent medical experts assess Duterte’s fitness to stand trial – a separate matter from his eligibility for release.

For now, the court ruled, detention remains necessary.

Germany, Australia, ASF France kick against death penalty in Nigeria

Germany, Australia and Avocats Sans Frontieres (ASF) France, an international non governmental organisations (NGO) have called for urgent action against death sentence in Nigeria.

They, however, commended President Bola Tinubu for commuting seven persons on death row to life imprisonment in his recent presidential pardon to 175 persons.

The trio made the call at the screening of a movie titled: ‘Just Mercy,’ to commemorate the 2025 World Day Against the Death Penalty in Abuja organised by ASF France, also known as Lawyers Without Borders France.

The German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Gnther, reiterated Germany’s unwavering commitment to the global movement.

‘We think that the death penalty is not only a legal matter, but it touches on core values of justice, human dignity and the right to life.

‘The irreversible nature of the death penalty means that mistakes and wrongful convictions are beyond correction.

‘Germany abolished the death penalty more than 70 years ago, and we continue to advocate globally for its complete eradication,’ she said.

Gnther urged Nigerian government to take further step towards the abolition of the practice.

Mr Neil Sanderson, Chargé d’Affaires of the Australian High Commission, also emphasised his government’s unwavering stance.

According to him, Australia’s position is clear, we oppose the death penalty in all circumstances and continue to call for its global abolition.

‘It is a cruel, inhumane and ineffective punishment that undermines human dignity and justice.

‘Encouragingly, global momentum is growing, and we welcome Nigeria’s consideration of abolition as part of its constitutional reform process,’ he said.

He observed that 144 countries are now abolitionist in law or practice, and across Africa, nations such as Ghana, Zambia, Sierra Leone, the Central African Republic and Zimbabwe had recently taken the historic step.

Angela Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, the Country Director, ASF France in Nigeria, said the World Day Against the Death Penalty serves as a reminder that justice must never come at the cost of human life.

‘It is a call to empathy, reflection and action.

‘ASF France reaffirms its commitment by providing legal assistance and support to people facing the death penalty through its network of pro bono lawyers,’ she said.

According to her, so far, we have supported over 800 individuals facing the death penalty across 10 states in Nigeria, ensuring they receive adequate legal representation, fair and humane treatment under the law.

Uzoma-Iwuchukwu said the recent statistics showed that 26 African countries had abolished the death penalty, 14 countries still retain the death penalty, and 15 are classified as de facto abolitionists.

‘This is a clear indication that the continent is progressively moving toward the global trend of ending this irreversible form of punishment,’ she said.

She said, ‘the 2025 report from the Nigerian Correctional Service, shows that there are still over 3,500 persons on death row in Nigeria accounting for one of the largest death row populations in Sub Saharan Africa.’

She said these figures highlighted the urgency of sustained advocacy and reform toward the abolition of the death penalty in Nigeria.

‘ASF France stands with all those around the world who believe that every life has value and that dignity, not death, should be at the heart of justice.

‘We call for a humane justice system for all.’

‘Together, we reaffirm our call for an official moratorium on executions as a crucial step toward abolition of the death penalty,’ the country director said.

Uzoma-Iwuchukwu described President Tinubu ‘s commutation of seven persons on death row to life imprisonment as ‘an encouraging step that reflects the growing recognition for a more humane justice system.’

Mr Anthony Ojukwu, the Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), said human right work is for everyone.

Represented by the Deputy Director, Legal, Pwadumdi Okoh, Ojukwu said the issue of abolition of death penalty ‘remains one of the most contentious human right issues of our time.

Palace announces reshufflein transport agencies

Malacañang yesterday announced a reshuffle of top officials in key transportation agencies, appointing Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Vigor Mendoza II as the new chairman of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.

He replaces Teofilo Guadiz III, who was reassigned as chairman of the Office of Transport Cooperatives, while former Special Envoy on Transnational Crime Markus Lacanilao was named the new LTO chief, according to Palace press officer Claire Castro.

Although Malacañang has yet to issue a formal statement on the reorganization, the changes come amid ongoing challenges in the government’s transport modernization efforts and previous controversies within the agencies.

Mendoza, who served as LTO chief since July 2023, is credited with implementing sweeping reforms and addressing long-standing issues within the agency.

Under his leadership, the LTO resolved the 11-year backlog of more than 13 million license plates for both motorcycles and four-wheel vehicles – a problem that had plagued the agency since 2014. Mendoza also oversaw the stabilization of plastic card and security paper supplies used in driver’s licenses and other vital documents.

‘I will leave the LTO with my head held high, knowing that I made a difference in ensuring the quality service that the Filipino people deserve,’ Mendoza added, thanking LTO employees for embracing institutional reforms within the agency.

Mendoza, Guadiz and Lacanilao are expected to formally assume their new posts following the release of official appointment papers from Malacañang.

Adamawa, Lagos, Akwa Ibom most impacted by flood – NEMA

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has revealed that Adamawa, Lagos and Akwa Ibom are the most impacted States by this year’s flood.

So far, 60,608 persons in Adamawa, 57,951 persons in Lagos and 46,233 in Akwa ibom States have been impacted by the flood.

The flood has also led to the death of 238 persons in Niger, Adamawa, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kebbi, Sokoto, Taraba and Yobe States.

No fewer than 409,714 persons across 117 Local Government Areas in 27 States have also been affected and 135,764 displaced between January and October this year.

The data by the Agency also indicates that 826 injuries were sustained and 115 persons have been reported missing.

The updated 2025 flood dashboard by NEMA released on Saturday indicates that children are the most affected. The data reads: ‘188,118 children 125,307 women, 77,423 men, 18,866 elderly, and 2,418 disabled persons have so far been affected by this year flood.

‘Also, 47,708 houses and 62,653 farmlands have been affected by the floods’.

The affected States are; Abia, FCT, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kogi, Katsina, Kebbi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ondo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba and Yobe.

AirAsia Philippines ramps up domestic flights for Undas

Low-cost carrier AirAsia Philippines has raised its weekly frequencies to high volume routes in the Philippines, scaling up its capacity ahead of the travel spike for Undas homecoming.

In an advisory, AirAsia Philippines said it is expecting a demand surge for domestic flights over the next few weeks with the All Saints’ Day, locally known as Undas, close by. Filipinos tend to spend their Undas break in the provinces, taking the holiday as an opportunity to visit the dead in their hometowns.

Given this, AirAsia Philippines raised its flight volume to Cebu to 56 times weekly from 47 and to Caticlan to 54 times a week from 46. The airline also ramped up weekly flights to Iloilo to 32 times per week and to Tacloban to 26 times weekly. AirAsia Philippines also added flight options to Tagbilaran, Puerto Princesa, Kalibo and Cagayan de Oro. AirAsia Philippines president and CEO Suresh Bangah said the additional flights would give Filipinos more sched ules when booking their trip. ‘As one of the country’s busiest travel periods approaches, AirAsia is fully pre pared to serve our kababayans who will be paying respect to departed loved ones or spending quality time with the family during the long weekend,’ Bangah said. ‘

These frequency upgrades are de signed to offer more seats and options for our guests, ensuring a smooth and convenient travel experience,’ he added. Last year AirAsia Philippines booked a load factor – measured as seats booked against available slots – of 83 percent, and this year the airline is expecting higher demand.

Given the expected increase in airport traffic, Bangah reminded travelers to plan trips ahead. He said the most affordable fares are offered the farther the booking is to the travel date.

Bangah also asked guests to weigh their bags before heading to the airport. This gives them time to purchase addi tional baggage allowance online to avoid higher fees at the counter.

Grief has no manual, Phyna replies critics over sister’s death

Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner Phyna has broken silence after facing criticism for partying with actress Regina Daniels shortly after her sister’s burial.

A video of Phyna dancing and laughing at a nightclub sparked backlash with some users accusing her of being insensitive and moving on too quickly.

In a message, Phyna emphasised that grief is a personal process and everyone handles it differently.

She noted that there’s no manual or timeline for grieving, and her choice to live, smile, or share moments doesn’t erase the pain she carries.

Phyna urged her followers to respect her process and extend compassion, even if they don’t understand it.

‘Grief has no manual, no fixed face, and no timetable. The fact that I choose to keep living, smiling, or sharing moments does not erase the pain I carry. Respect the process, even if you do not understand it. If you cannot extend compassion, then at least extend silence,’ she said.

Regina Daniels defended Phyna, saying people should stop judging others for how they choose to heal.