Author: Damilola Olufemi

Damilola is a media practitioner and journalist with years of experience in news reporting, health, education, politics, and entertainment.

US to launch visa bond scheme for high-risk countries

The United States has introduced a sweeping policy change for non-immigrant visa applicants, mandating that interviews must now be held at embassies or consulates in applicants’ country of nationality or legal residence. The new directive, published on the State Department’s official visa portal on September 6, 2025, overrides earlier guidelines on where visa interviews could be scheduled. According to the announcement, “Nationals of countries where the U.S. government is not conducting routine nonimmigrant visa operations must apply at the designated embassy or consulate, unless their residence is elsewhere.” This shift is particularly significant for applicants from conflict-hit or diplomatically restricted…

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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and federal government employees are calling for an immediate upward review of the national minimum wage, insisting that the ₦70,000 benchmark signed into law last year has been overtaken by economic realities. Their demand comes after several state governments announced wage increases above the federal threshold in response to rising inflation and soaring costs of living. President Bola Tinubu had signed the National Minimum Wage Act in July 2024, raising the figure from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000, applicable to workers across all levels of government and the private sector. But with food, rent, transportation, and utility…

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Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour says violence and voter suppression were key reasons for his loss in the 2023 Lagos governorship election.

By Ismaeel Aleem In a significant political shift, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party’s 2023 governorship candidate in Lagos State, has officially defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The announcement, made at a vibrant event in Alimosho Local Government Area yesterday, marks a pivotal moment in consolidating opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general elections. Rhodes-Vivour, widely seen as a frontrunner for Lagos’ governorship, is poised to reshape the state’s political landscape. Speaking at the declaration ceremony, Rhodes-Vivour emphasized the need for a united opposition to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). “This coalition is about rescuing Nigeria. Since…

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Ganduje

By Ismaeel Aleem Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has reaffirmed his commitment to the ruling party, quashing speculation of a planned defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). His spokesperson, Edwin Olofu, dismissed the rumors as “fake news,” emphasizing Ganduje’s loyalty to the APC and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The clarification comes amid weeks of speculation following the former Kano state governor’s unexpected resignation as APC National Chairman on June 27, 2025, after nearly two years in office. Citing health reasons, the former Kano State governor stepped down, surprising party members and…

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Ebola

The Federal Government has stepped up health checks at Nigeria’s entry points following the confirmation of a new Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Director of Port Health Services, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Akpan Nse, said that enhanced screening and monitoring systems are now in place across airports, seaports, and land borders. According to him, additional staff have been deployed to strengthen border surveillance amid fears of importation. “We have intensified surveillance at all points of entry across the country—airports, land borders, and seaports. Every inbound traveller coming from Congo to…

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