By Mariela Angella OladiveAs the filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) concluded on October 8, nine mayoral and 13 vice mayoral candidates across Iloilo province are running unopposed in the 2025 local elections. These candidates are guaranteed to secure their positions, as the law only requires them to receive one valid vote to be declared the winner. According to data from the Iloilo Commission on Elections (COMELEC), the unopposed mayoral candidates in the province are:Alimodian – Ian Kenneth Alfeche (Partido Federal ng Pilipinas) Badiangan – Suzette Abunto Mamon (Partido Federal ng Pilipinas) Leganes – Vicente Jaen II (Nacionalista Party) Lemery – Oscar Jr. Villegas Carbon (Lakas Christian Muslim Democrats) Maasin – Francisco Amboy (Partido Federal ng Pilipinas) New Lucena – Carl Vincent Mondejar (Partido Federal ng Pilipinas) Oton – Sofronio Fusin Jr. (Nacionalista Party) Pavia – Laurence Anthony Gorriceta (Nacionalista Party) Santa Barbara – Dennis Superficial (Partido Federal ng Pilipinas)Additionally, 13 vice mayoral candidates will secure their posts without facing opposition:Alimodian – Gefree Alonsabe (Partido Federal ng Pilipinas) Anilao – Lyka Joy Debuque (Nacionalista Party) Badiangan – Cylas Jun Nobleza (Partido Federal ng Pilipinas) Cabatuan – Patrick Anthony Cabales Tobias (Independent) Dumangas – Ronaldo Bayot Golez (Nacionalista Party) Guimbal – Christine Serag Garin (Lakas Christian Muslim Democrats) Igbaras – Sherwin Paul Quidato (Lakas Christian Muslim Democrats) Lambunao – Arvin Losaria (Partido Federal ng Pilipinas) Leganes – Lyle Bartolome (Nacionalista Party) Maasin – Vicente Albacete (Partido Federal ng Pilipinas) Pavia – Edsel Gerochi (Nacionalista Party) Tigbauan – Lugen Ortilano (Lakas Christian Muslim Democrats) Tubungan – Leo Cezar Taypen (Lakas Christian Muslim Democrats)For provincial positions, the following candidates are running unopposed:2nd District Representative: Kathryn Joyce Gorriceta (Lakas-CMD)2nd District Board Members: Rolito Cajilig (PFP) June Mondejar (PFP)Overall, there are 1,000 aspirants vying for various posts at both the municipal and provincial levels across the province, including Passi City and Iloilo City.

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a club bouncer, Kingsley Otti, for allegedly stabbing a suspected hoodlum to death at a lounge on Ago Palace Way in the Okota area of the state. According to him, Otti attacked the deceased during an altercation between them in the club’s car park. He noted that the victim became unconscious and was rushed to the hospital, where he succumbed to the injuries he sustained during the attack. “The corpse has been removed and deposited at the Mainland General Hospital Morgue, Yaba, for autopsy,” he added. PUNCH Online reported that a sex worker, Joy Kelvin, on Monday allegedly stabbed a 48-year-old man identified simply as Okafor to death at Jakande Housing Estate in the Lekki area of the state.

A Nepali teenager has set a new world record as the youngest climber to summit the 14 highest peaks on Earth. At just 18 years old, Nima Rinji Sherpa reached the summit of Mount Shishapangma in Tibet around 06:05 local time on Wednesday. This achievement places him among the few individuals acknowledged by the International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation (UIAA) for scaling all of the world’s “eight-thousanders” — peaks exceeding 8,000 meters above sea level. Embarking on his high-altitude climbing journey at the age of 16, Sherpa completed all 14 peaks in an impressive 740 days. Coming from a family renowned for their mountaineering prowess, Sherpa’s achievements resonate deeply within Nepal’s mountaineering community.

This initiative, he said, seeks to provide a common basis for evaluating the implementation of criminal justice reforms, promote healthy competition among states, and attract more resources to the criminal justice sector. He explained that the Act promotes efficient management of criminal justice institutions, speedy dispensation of justice, and the protection of the rights and interests of suspects, defendants, and victims in Nigeria. Improved and uniform implementation of criminal justice reforms across the country will leave no escape route for criminals, contributing to socio-economic development in Nigeria,” he said. The RoLAC II Programme aims to enhance the performance, quality, and oversight of the criminal justice system and justice service delivery in Nigeria. Building on the achievements of the previous RoLAC I Programme, RoLAC II aligns with the objectives of the EU–Federal Republic of Nigeria Multi-Annual Indicative Programme (MIP) 2022-2027.

Transportation costs are set to skyrocket in the Federal Capital Territory following the hike in the price of petrol by some stations of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited in Abuja on Wednesday. The stations of the national oil company have raised the retail price of petrol to N1,030 from N897 per litre, our correspondent observed across multiple NNPCL stations in the FCT. The new price, the second increase in one month, represents a 14.8 per cent or N133 rise. At the NNPCL mega station located in Central Area, a customer, who spoke to PUNCH Online, said the product was sold at N1,030. However, checks by our correspondent at independent marketers’ stations, including Conoil and Total Energies, opposite the NNPCL headquarters, showed the product was sold at N926, but with long queues.

Hence, the extant discourse of Nigeria’s strategic options for nuclear power development. So, what’s nuclear technology development? What, if any, is Nigeria’s strategy for nuclear development? Second, Nigeria’s aspirations for peaceful nuclear technology development accord with the TPNW so, there’s a strategic logic there. Plainly, Nigeria should keep its nuclear development stratagem under review against the backdrop of emerging geosecurity risks and threatsas a deterrent.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, has refuted claims that he instructed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to halt the operation of its refineries. Kamoru Busari, Director of Upstream in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, who represented him at an event in Lagos. In a statement, Lokpobiri said: “My attention has been drawn to statements made by Engr. He clarified that the Ministry of Petroleum Resources does not control or run the company directly, adding that the oil and gas sector in Nigeria is fully deregulated. He stated, “The Nigerian government remains committed to promoting in-country refining, and we encourage companies, including NNPCL, to operate independently, following global best practices.

Reducing methane gas emissions is essential for a happier and healthier planet. The Sensors Guardian NG offers quick, efficient and precise gas detection, with accurate methane gas readings even for the smallest changes in environment. Roughly one third of methane gas emissions occur naturally through sources such as wetlands. Monitor emissionsThe first step to reducing methane emissions is to measure current gas emissions, that will make well-informed decisions, and to work towards monitoring and reducing emissions. Edinburgh Sensor’s Gas Monitor range offers high accuracy for the detection and measurement of gasesImportance of methane gas detectionThis vital research relies on monitoring methane gas production by cows accurately.

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) has faulted the alleged leadership claims Princess Aderonke Adedoja, Ademola Adebayo and others describing it as breach of the constitution. Apesin Abiodun Adegoke, the Southwest Secretary of NANTS.faulted their alleged leadership claims, thereby warned them to stop parading themselves in that capacities. The association condemned the actions of Princess Adedoja and her associates for falsely presenting themselves as the Southwest Coordinator and Secretary of NANTS. “Any claims by these individuals to represent NANTS are baseless and fraudulent,” Adegoke emphasized. The association urged the public and authorities to disregard any communications from Princess Aderonke Adedoja and Ademola Adebayo regarding NANTS.

For many, the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (CFT) laws are alien concepts that have no effect on their lives. And while this might be a valid question but the AML/CFT laws have a real impact on every individual’s daily life. Without AML/CFT laws, Nigeria’s financial system would be a playground for fraudsters and criminals. While AML/CFT laws can seem like undue stress to the average citizen, it is an important aspect of creating a safe and transparent financial system. International organizations like FATF keep countries like Nigeria on their toes, ensuring that the global financial system remains secure.

An 18-year-old Nepali mountaineer on Wednesday broke the record for the youngest person to summit all 14 of the world’s 8,000-metre peaks, his team said. Nima Rinji Sherpa reached the summit of Tibet’s 8,027-metre-high (26,335 feet) Shisha Pangma on Wednesday morning, completing his mission to stand on the world’s highest peaks. He had trained well and I was confident he would do it,” his father Tashi Sherpa told AFP. The record was previously held by another Nepali climber, Mingma Gyabu ‘David’ Sherpa. In 2021, a team of Nepali climbers made the first winter ascent of K2, the world’s second-highest peak — the notoriously challenging 8,611-metre (28,251-feet) “savage mountain” of Pakistan.

Harris might highlight how instability in the Middle East could affect oil prices and the US economy, positioning military support for Israel as crucial for national and economic security. Harris’ need to appease progressive factions demanding a ceasefire could create tensions within her campaign. Harris will need to respond to coverage highlighting civilian casualties, balancing her support for Israel with calls for humanitarian assistance. Trump is likely to align himself with pro-Israel groups, using their endorsements to reinforce his commitment to strong US-Israel relations. Security and Military Spending: In terms of security and military spending, Harris may face scrutiny from progressives regarding US military aid to Israel.

Libya coach Nasser Al-Hadhiri has complained that his team is not fully prepared for their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Nigeria next week, Soccernet.ng reports. Nigeria’s Super Eagles lock horns with the Mediterranean Knights of Libya in a crucial doubleheader in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers next week. On the other hand, Libya do not have the kind of quality that Nigeria have. Ahead of the fixture, coach Al-Hadhiri has stated complained about the state of his team and admits that they are not ready for the fixture. “We have not yet reached the required readiness to face a strong opponent the size of Nigeria,” Al-Hadhiri said, per Libya Akhbar.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is reportedly set to hold off on calling up Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo to the Super Eagles squad, for the time being, Soccernet.ng reports. Despite the defender’s recent transfer to the Premier League side and his eligibility to represent Nigeria, the NFF appears to be biding its time before extending an invitation to the highly-rated centre-back. However, it seems the NFF is adopting a cautious approach regarding his immediate inclusion in the squad after a previous snub by the former Fulham defender when Jose Peseiro was in charge of the Super Eagles squad. Reports circulating in the Nigerian media reports that Peseiro travelled to speak to the defender in England but the former Manchester City youth player ignored the request. While Adarabioyo’s future with the Nigerian national team remains a possibility, for now, the focus will remain on the players who are ready to don the colours of the Super Eagles.

The Federal Government has approved Dangote Refinery as the exclusive supplier of jet fuel for Nigeria’s airline operators. With my blessing, it’s a decision from the airline operators in Nigeria that they should only buy from Dangote refinery Jet A1. I’m sure we are going to have access to cheaper Jet A1 fuel,” Keyamo said. In April, the Dangote refinery commenced operations, starting with the production of jet fuel and diesel, with the diesel reaching the local market by the following month. So far, Dangote has exported six cargoes of jet fuel and kerosene, all of which were delivered to Senegal, Togo, or Ghana.