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BREAKING: Japan denies special visa category for Nigerians in Kisarazu ‘Hometown’ tag

by Folarin Kehinde August 26, 2025

written by Folarin Kehinde

Japan has dismissed claims that it plans to introduce a special visa category for Nigerians seeking to relocate to Kisarazu, the city it recently designated as Nigeria’s official “hometown.”Japan trip

At the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama last week, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) unveiled the ‘JICA Africa Hometown’ initiative aimed at strengthening ties between African nations and Japanese local government.

Under the scheme, four Japanese cities were paired with four African countries: Kisarazu with Nigeria, Nagai with Tanzania, Sanjo with Ghana, and Imabari with Mozambique.

The Foreign Ministry said Monday that Tokyo has “no plans to take measures to promote the acceptance of immigrants or issue special visas for residents of African countries.”

“There have been reports and statements both domestically and internationally that contain information contrary to the facts,” the ministry said in a statement, stressing that the government-linked aid agency, known as JICA, only plans to promote exchanges through various activities.

More to follow…

August 26, 2025 0 comments

Headlines

2027: PDP zones presidential ticket to South

by Folarin Kehinde August 25, 2025

written by Folarin Kehinde

The Peoples Democratic Party’s 102nd National Executive Committee meeting has resolved to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South while retaining the existing National Working Committee zoning formula for the November elective convention.

Addressing journalists after the NEC meeting in Abuja on Monday, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, disclosed that the decision followed the presentation of a report by the Zoning Committee chaired by Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri.

He added that the NEC also expressed satisfaction with the level of preparations for the November convention.

Ologunagba stated, ” NEC recommended that the North and South should retain their current NWC positions.

“NEC also resolved that since the National Chairman of the party is zoned to the North, the PDP 2027 Presidential ticket is hereby zoned to the South.”

Details shortly….

August 25, 2025 0 comments

Headlines

FG shuts 22 illegal tertiary institutions

by Folarin Kehinde August 25, 2025

written by Folarin Kehinde

The Federal Government (FG) has intensified its clampdown on illegal tertiary institutions, shutting down 22 unapproved Colleges of Education across the country.

The National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), which carried out the exercise, said the closures were part of its ongoing campaign against unaccredited schools.

“The NCCE identified and shut down 22 illegal Colleges of Education operating across the country,” the Commission stated.

It added that the process also involved “personnel audit, financial monitoring in all the 21 federal colleges of education.”

Tribune Online reports that President Bola Tinubu’s recent directive to key regulatory agencies the National Universities Commission (NUC), the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and the NCCE to rid the country of unapproved and illegal tertiary institutions undermining the education system.

Speaking at the 14th convocation of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in Abuja, Tinubu ordered the agencies to act decisively against what he described as “certificate millers” eroding the credibility of Nigeria’s academic sector.

Tinubu, represented by the Director of University Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, Rakiya Ilyasu, stressed that the integrity of Nigeria’s academic system must not be compromised.

“At this juncture, it has become imperative to reiterate that this administration remains committed to strengthening the integration of all agencies involved in the administration of education to enhance efficiency and quality,” the President said.

He added, “The National Youth Service Corps, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, the National Universities Commission, the National Board for Technical Education and the National Commission for Colleges of Education are working in alignment to improve the quality of education and ensure that cases of forgery and unrecognised institutions both within and outside the country have no place in our education ecosystem.

August 25, 2025 0 comments

Headlines

Protesters Disrupt NBA Conference in Enugu Over Detained Lawmaker

by Nelson Ugwuagbo August 25, 2025

written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The second day of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) annual conference in Enugu was on Monday disrupted by protests demanding the release of Bright Ngene, a Labour Party lawmaker representing Enugu South Urban Constituency in the State House of Assembly.

Ngene is currently serving a seven-year prison sentence imposed by a magistrate’s court over a community dispute. His supporters, however, maintain that the conviction was politically motivated.

Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Release Bar. Bright Ngene Now, a Political Prisoner of Conscience” and “NBA, Please Save Our Democracy”, the protesters accused the state judiciary of deliberately stalling his appeal.

Addressing journalists, protest leader Benedict Kachukwu described Ngene’s incarceration since July 2024 as a miscarriage of justice.

“Due process was not followed in his trial. We appeal to the NBA and senior lawyers at this conference to intervene and ensure justice is done,” he said.

Security operatives prevented the demonstrators from entering the International Conference Centre, venue of the NBA conference. Nonetheless, the protesters staged a peaceful demonstration around the premises before dispersing.

August 25, 2025 0 comments

Headlines

FG Shuts Down 22 Illegal Colleges of Education

by Nelson Ugwuagbo August 25, 2025

written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) has uncovered and shut down 22 illegal Colleges of Education operating across the country.

The discovery was made during a recent nationwide crackdown on unaccredited institutions.

In a statement outlining its achievements, the commission confirmed the closure of the illegal colleges, stressing its commitment to sanitising the teacher education sector.

“The NCCE identified and shut down 22 illegal Colleges of Education operating across the country. The commission also conducted a personnel audit and financial monitoring exercise in all 21 federal colleges of education,” the statement read.

August 25, 2025 0 comments

Headlines

Nigeria not created by God – Pastor Adefarasin

by Folarin Kehinde August 25, 2025

written by Folarin Kehinde

Senior Pastor of House on the Rock Church, Paul Adefarasin, has sparked a heated debate after declaring that Nigeria was not divinely created but was instead a colonial construction designed for British economic gain.

Speaking during a Sunday sermon, the cleric dismissed the idea of Nigeria being founded on God’s will, insisting that historical and colonial interests shaped its existence.

“Nigeria, I do not believe it was created by God. I don’t believe it. I believe that Elizabeth the first got into a deal with the Ottoman Empire and they had a deal concerning the Sudan and those who care to buy the book, buy the book. It’s written by a fellow called, the name of the book is The Martyrdom of Man.

“As far as Africa was concerned, two empires got together and decided that this land will go to the sons of Ishmael. It is self-evident, but let’s not go there. This is not a political forum. This is a church and the church has responsibilities to get right what man got wrong. She’s the light of the world and the salt of the earth. That’s important.

Adefarasin further argued that Nigeria’s constitution lacks legitimacy since it was imposed by soldiers rather than by “we the people.”

Quoting Psalm 11:3, he likened the nation’s predicament to a building raised on faulty foundations.

“I have no problem with people of any faith being in charge, but they must adhere to the constitution of we the people. And when a constitution proposed to be of we the people and it is not, it’s some soldiers who wrote it, you have to question why we obey that constitution.

“Nigeria cannot be a solid nation that is properly grounded going towards her destiny. We started to go, but the Bible says, Psalm 11 verse 3, if the foundation is corrupted, if it is destroyed, what can the righteous do? To build a sustainable building, you have to build a solid foundation. You do a soil test, you do your engineering statics and you determine what will carry this building and make it last for a long time.”

He also took aim at governance and corruption, citing shoddy road projects as a metaphor for Nigeria’s flawed systems.

“There’s a difference between any road and the road that they build that takes you to the Lagos airport. That’s a proper road. Why they build roads and resurface them wrongly, I don’t know.

“Somebody suggested to me that it’s that kind of road because they want the same contract next year. That means that somebody sitting down somewhere making decisions has no sense of equity and justice. Do you understand? I hope you get me.

The pastor dismissed Nigeria’s celebrated nationalist leaders, Obafemi Awolowo, Tafawa Balewa, Ahmadu Bello, and Nnamdi Azikiwe, as “not the true founding fathers.” Instead, he attributed the nation’s creation to British officials in Whitehall and Lord Lugard, whose girlfriend allegedly coined the name “Nigeria.”

“There was a colonial conquest coming from the Maghreb, the Sahel, and it was interrupted by another colonial conquest of the British. And the British are not, let me say it another way, Awolowo, Tafawa Balewa, Ahmadu Bello, and Azikiwe, they are not the founding fathers of Nigeria in my opinion.

“The founding fathers of Nigeria are some men from Whitehall and a fellow called Tob Goldman, his girlfriend, she named the country, and also Lugard.

August 25, 2025 0 comments

Headlines

Benue Lawmaker Dajoh Loses Brother After Days Resignation As Speaker

by Folarin Kehinde August 25, 2025

written by Folarin Kehinde

The immediate-past Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Aondona Dajoh, on Monday, confirmed the passing of his elder brother, Gwamile Dajoh.

The former Speaker told our correspondent in his Makurdi residence on Monday that he had lost his brother, but gave thanks to God.

Many political associates, friends and allies of the former speaker thronged his residence to commiserate with him over the loss, which followed his resignation as speaker on Sunday, paving the way for the emergence of Alfred Berger as the new speaker of the state assembly.

News of the passing of the former speaker’s elder brother filtered into town on Monday, with sources claiming he died after collapsing a few hours after the news of his sibling’s resignation as speaker.

Details of the incident remained unclear as of press time, but family sources suggested he had been deeply worried about the political crisis rocking the state assembly in recent weeks.

The development has thrown the Dajoh family into mourning and heightened the political situation in the state.

August 25, 2025 0 comments

Headlines

I’m Getting Close to My Departure – Obasanjo

by Folarin Kehinde August 25, 2025

written by Folarin Kehinde

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says he is in a hurry to see Nigeria rise to greatness.

He said he is “getting close” to his departure lounge in life.

Obasanjo made the remark while speaking on his new book, Nigeria: Past and Future, where he assessed the country’s leadership journey and issued stern criticisms of successive governments.

The former military Head of State (1976–1979) and civilian President (1999–2007) explained that his interventions over the years, through books, letters, and public statements, were motivated by patriotism and not malice.

“All my writings have been aimed at making Nigeria better because I strongly believe in documentation and in the possibility of a better Nigeria,” Obasanjo said.

He said his works, such as My Command, Nzeogwu, Not My Will, My Watch (a three-volume autobiography), and several letters to leaders during moments of crisis, were intended to guide, not to condemn.

“Some have accused me of being guilty of the same failings I criticised. But I rely on my conscience and my records and have no need to defend myself,” he stated.

Obasanjo described the government of former President Muhammadu Buhari (2015–2023) as “the worst civil administration so far in Nigeria’s history.”

He accused Buhari of failing to confront corruption, mismanagement, and electoral malpractice — the same ills he had used to justify the 1983 coup against President Shehu Shagari. “Words are cheap, and what needed to be done was left undone,” Obasanjo wrote.

Turning to the present, he said the Bola Tinubu administration was “competing with Buhari’s in inefficiency.”

Obasanjo, however, maintained that his legacy would speak for him, citing his sacrifices in war, peacekeeping, imprisonment, and national service. “I have seen the best and the worst of Nigeria. Yes, mistakes were made, but great things were also done. My life has been a crucible of rural struggles, military service, humiliation and triumphs, all of which have taught me lasting lessons,” he said.

“I want to see Nigeria succeed soon. I may be close to my departure, but my desire is to witness the nation attain the greatness it deserves,” the elder statesman added.

August 25, 2025 0 comments

Headlines

JUST IN: Tinubu arrives Brazil for state visit

by Folarin Kehinde August 25, 2025

written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Brasilia, the capital of Brazil, on Sunday for a State visit.

Tinubu visited Brazil at the invitation of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, one of Nigeria’s biggest supporters and partners, Olusegun Dada, an aide to the President on social media said.

According to Dada, the president is on a two-day visit to Brazil to feature in bilateral meetings, a Nigeria–Brazil Business Forum with leading investors, and the signing of key agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen cooperation across agriculture, energy, technology, aviation, renewable energy and cultural exchange.

He stated that the main focus of the visit would be to activate multi-billion-dollar agricultural investments, advance joint initiatives like the $1.1 billion Green Imperative mechanisation project, and secure new flows of FDI into Nigeria’s agriculture and energy sectors.

This visit, Dada said will also focus on deepening political trust, expanding cultural exchange, and harnessing shared opportunities in renewable energy, climate resilience, and digital transformation.

August 25, 2025 0 comments

Headlines

BREAKING: I Will Run in 2027 – Atiku

by Folarin Kehinde August 25, 2025

written by Folarin Kehinde

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said he will contest the 2027 presidential election, dismissing speculations that he may withdraw from the race.

He also used the opportunity to defend the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition, stressing that although it could not influence the outcome of recent by-elections, it remains a formidable force capable of reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape.

Atiku’s position was made public through his long-time associate and spokesperson during the 2023 elections, Tunde Olusunle, who disclosed the remarks to Thisday Newspaper on Sunday night.

Olusunle explained that Atiku was determined to rescue Nigeria from what he described as “intensive care” under the current administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The former Vice President, who recently resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is aligned with the ADC, a party that has attracted several heavyweight politicians in recent months.

Atiku lamented what he described as the “mega-scale thievery, loss of values, and lack of accountability” under the present government, vowing that the ADC movement would “shock the world” by mobilising Nigerians to upstage the status quo in 2027.

“I will be offering myself to lead the reclamation and reconstruction of our traumatised homeland,” Olusunle quoted him as saying after a private engagement with the former Vice President.

He further clarified that the coalition, which was adopted only a few months ago, could not have been expected to perform spectacularly in the by-elections that were just held. Nonetheless, he insisted that the ADC-led movement was a potent force with the capacity to deliver an upset in the next general election.

Atiku’s renewed declaration also comes amid reports suggesting that he might step back from the race. Over the weekend, Prof. Ola Olateju of Achievers University, Owo, who represented Atiku at a defection event in Lagos, had suggested that the former Vice President was more focused on building a better Nigeria than on becoming president “at all costs.”

However, Atiku has since distanced himself from Olateju’s remarks. From his holiday home in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), he reportedly clarified that the statement was not authorised.

“When people stand in for me at events, we preview my thoughts on the instant subject. In this particular instance, there was no engagement with me to distill my thoughts. Prof. Olateju was not speaking for me,” Atiku was quoted as saying.

“I will run in 2027. Nigeria needs to be decisively rescued from the intensive care unit it has been consigned. The degeneration in our country, the level of poverty and pain, the anguish, is unacceptable.”

August 25, 2025 0 comments

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