Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has urged the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, to upgrade facilities at the state’s airport ahead of the African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network, AfSNET, Investment Conference scheduled for November 2026.

The governor’s request is part of preparations for the international investment conference, which will bring government officials, investors and other stakeholders to Calabar.

Otu wants the airport facilities improved to ensure more efficient flight operations and a better experience for passengers arriving for the event.

Cross River has been announced as the host of the 2026 AfSNET conference, with Calabar expected to welcome delegates from Nigeria and other parts of Africa.

The governor’s call places emphasis on the airport as an important gateway for the state as it prepares to host the high-profile gathering.

Improved passenger handling and airport facilities are expected to support the smooth arrival and departure of delegates while strengthening Calabar’s readiness to host international visitors.

The AfSNET conference is expected to provide Cross River with an opportunity to showcase its investment potential and attract fresh business opportunities to the state.

Otu has previously highlighted the significance of the conference to the state’s ambition to position itself as a destination for investment and international engagement.

The International Atomic Energy Agency’s Board of Governors has voted to refer Iran to the United Nations Security Council over its failure to comply with nuclear safeguards obligations, marking the first such referral in two decades.

The resolution was approved on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, with 23 of the IAEA’s 35 board members voting in favour. China, Russia and Niger opposed the measure, while eight countries abstained and one did not vote.

The move follows prolonged concerns over Iran’s nuclear activities and its failure to provide the IAEA with sufficient access and information needed to verify its nuclear materials and facilities.

The agency has particularly raised concerns over uranium traces discovered at previously undeclared sites and the lack of access to some nuclear facilities following attacks on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.

The referral represents a significant escalation in international pressure on Tehran. The last time the IAEA Board took a similar step involving Iran was two decades ago, leading to years of United Nations Security Council action over the country’s nuclear programme.

Iran has rejected the resolution, describing it as politically motivated and arguing that circumstances surrounding recent military attacks on its nuclear facilities have made inspections difficult. Tehran maintains that its nuclear programme is peaceful.

The IAEA has estimated that Iran had about 440.9 kilogrammes of uranium enriched to 60 per cent before the recent attacks. While that material is below the roughly 90 per cent enrichment level generally associated with weapons-grade uranium, the quantity has intensified international concerns over the potential proliferation risks.

The referral now places Iran’s nuclear dispute back before the UN Security Council, although any further action could face resistance from Russia and China, which have opposed the latest IAEA measure.

FC Barcelona opened their 2026/27 Champions League campaign with a commanding 5-1 victory over Feyenoord on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, extending their perfect start to the season.

Barcelona captain Raphinha was the star of the night, scoring twice as Hansi Flick’s side produced an impressive attacking display.

The Brazilian opened the scoring in the third minute after cutting inside before finishing with his left foot. Karim Adeyemi then doubled Barcelona’s advantage in the 22nd minute with a curling effort.

Raphinha struck again in the 57th minute, converting a defence-splitting pass from Pedri to put Barcelona firmly in control.

Lamine Yamal added a fourth in the 77th minute with a direct free-kick, further underlining Barcelona’s dominance.

Feyenoord pulled one back through Sem Steijn in the 82nd minute, but the visitors’ brief hope of a comeback was quickly extinguished.

New signing Gabriel Jesus completed the rout three minutes later, scoring with a backward header shortly after coming off the bench. It was his first goal for Barcelona.

The victory continues Barcelona’s outstanding beginning to the campaign. The Catalan giants have won all four of their La Liga matches and now have a victory from their opening Champions League fixture.

Raphinha’s brace also underlined his importance to Flick’s attack, with the Brazilian operating centrally and proving a constant threat to the Feyenoord defence.

Barcelona will now turn their attention back to domestic action before returning to Champions League duty, with their emphatic opening victory giving them an early boost in their European campaign.