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 U.S Finalizes $20,000 Visa Bond Policy Affecting Nigeria and 49 Other Nations The United States government has officially formalized its visa bond policy, making it a permanent measure that could require travelers from 50 designated countries, including Nigeria, to pay a refundable bond of up to $20,000 before receiving certain visas. First introduced as a pilot scheme in 2025, the policy targets applicants seeking B1 and B2 visas, which are designated for business and tourism. According to the U.S. Department of State, the initiative is designed to bolster compliance with local immigration laws and drastically reduce visa overstay rates. How the Visa Bond Policy Works Under the permanent guidelines, U.S. consular officers have the discretion to instruct eligible applicants to post a bond as a prerequisite for visa issuance. However, U.S. authorities have clarified that the financial requirement will not be applied automatically to every traveler from the listed nations. Data anal...

Primate Ayodele Claims Tinubu Under Spiritual Spell, Rejecting Good Advice The founder of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has issued a fresh prophecy concerning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Addressing his congregation on Sunday, Primate Ayodele alleged that the president is operating under a spiritual spell that causes him to reject sound advice and distance himself from well-meaning individuals. He claimed Tinubu’s eyes have been “spiritually covered,” impairing his ability to respond to genuine counsel. The cleric expressed concern about those in the president’s inner circle, warning that good advisers are being driven away by people he described as acting against Tinubu’s best interests. Ayodele stressed that the president’s failure to heed proper advice would come at a significant cost. “Tinubu if you like, they advise you on the right thing, don’t do it. Those advising you, when you lose, your eyes will open,” he said. “I said your eyes have been cov...

Leadership Crisis Rocks OK Movement as Rival Factions Trade Accusations Over Control Fresh cracks have emerged in the OK Movement, a political platform set up to mobilise support for the joint ticket of Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi and former Kano Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, following a bitter leadership tussle marked by accusations, counter-claims and competing assertions of authority. The crisis intensified after the movement announced the appointment of former Inter-Party Advisory Council Chairman Peter Ameh as its National Director-General. The statement, signed by Jackie Wayas, who described herself as the National Convener, said the decision followed a meeting of the steering committee. Wayas, a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, said Ameh’s appointment was unanimously approved on the strength of his political experience and commitment to the group’s ideals. The announcement quickly sparked controversy. Sev...

 Despite being completed several months ago, the new Rivers State House of Assembly complex on Moscow Road in Port Harcourt remains unoccupied, with lawmakers continuing to hold plenary sessions and other legislative business at their residential quarters along Aba Road. The reconstructed complex, fitted with modern facilities, enhanced security systems and upgraded interiors, has become a prominent landmark in the state capital. Governor Siminalayi Fubara, during an inspection of the project on November 24, 2025, after the lifting of the state of emergency in Rivers, announced that the complex would be ready for use by December 2025. Commending contractors Julius Berger and MCC, Fubara expressed optimism that with the political crisis resolved, lawmakers would return to the new chambers. He said he hoped to present the 2026 Appropriation Bill there to the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly. “We have worked diligently to ensure that their permanent chambers are ready. You know ...

 ‎NOCEN Approves Key Academic, Administrative Appointments for 2026/2027 Session ‎ ‎ ‎By Ngozi Okoli ‎ ‎ ‎The Management of Nwafor Orizu College of Education (NOCEN), Nsugbe, has approved appointments into key academic and administrative positions for the 2026/2027 Academic Session. ‎ ‎ ‎The appointments, approved on July 31, by the Provost, Prof. Victor I. O. Ndirika, will take effect from August 5, 2026, with the aim of strengthening institutional governance and enhancing academic excellence. The approvals followed the expiration of the tenures of the affected office holders, thereby ensuring continuity in effective administration and the smooth operation of the College. ‎ ‎ ‎The appointments cut across Quality Assurance, Part-Time Programme, Research and Publications, Centre for Continuing Education, Sports, Advancement and Linkages, and Entrepreneurial Studies. ‎ ‎ ‎Others include Examination Monitoring, Heads of Academic Departments, Centre Coordinators, Chairpersons, and memb...

 Agha Mba Flags Off APGA Novelty Games, Reaffirms Commitment to Unity and Sportsmanship By Chidinma Ajemba The Anambra State Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Mr. Patrick Agha Mba, has reaffirmed the importance of unity, sportsmanship and teamwork as he officially flagged off the Onitsha North and Onitsha South Federal Constituency APGA Novelty Friendly Games. The event brought together members of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), party leaders, stakeholders, supporters, and candidates for various elective positions in an atmosphere of camaraderie and healthy competition. Speaking at the event, Mr. Agha Mba described the novelty games as an avenue for strengthening relationships among party members while promoting peaceful coexistence, mutual understanding and teamwork through sports. He expressed satisfaction with the successful conduct of the event, commending participants for their discipline, unity and respect for one another throughout the competition. A...

 Kaduna's Anita Zugwai-Chukwu Emerges YPP Presidential Candidate For 2027 Mrs. Anita Zugwai-Chukwu has emerged as the presidential candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) for the 2027 general elections following her adoption as the party's sole candidate at its National Convention held in Abuja. Zugwai-Chukwu, who serves as the YPP National Women Leader, accepted the nomination and outlined her priorities, including economic reforms, security, justice, transparency, and increased opportunities for women and young people. A native of Southern Kaduna, her emergence places another contender in the race for Nigeria's presidency ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 Kaduna: Monarch Sues Keystone Bank Over Alleged N11m Unauthorized Loan, Seeks N100m Damages The Bugwam Kurmi and Paramount Ruler of Kurama, His Royal Highness Yakubu Iliya Sauri, has filed a suit against Keystone Bank Limited at the Kaduna State High Court sitting in Saminaka, alleging that the bank unlawfully created an overdraft and loan facility of N11,030,341.49 in his account without his knowledge, consent or authorization. In the suit, the monarch is seeking several declaratory and injunctive reliefs, as well as N100 million in damages, over what he described as fraudulent, unlawful and oppressive banking practices. According to the court documents, Sauri alleged that officials of Keystone Bank had on several occasions approached him with loan offers, all of which he declined. He claimed that he was later shocked to receive a debit alert reflecting a negative balance of over N11 million on his account. The claimant further stated that after writing to the bank's headquarters...

 Governor Uba Sani Meets Unsuccessful APC Aspirants, Calls For Unity Ahead of 2027 Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, on Monday met with All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirants from the 23 Local Government Areas who were unsuccessful in the party's recently concluded local government primary elections, in a move aimed at strengthening party unity and reconciliation. The meeting was held at the General Abba Kyari Banquet Hall, Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna, and brought together aspirants who did not secure the party's ticket during the primaries. Speaking to journalists after the meeting, former Senatorial aspirant, Engr. Michael Auta, said the gathering was productive and focused on fostering cohesion within the party.  According to him, the aspirants pledged to support the APC and work collectively towards the party's success in future elections. Auta said the meeting underscored the importance of reconciliation and encouraged all party members, including those ...

 TikTok Star Peller Flaunts Bundles of Cash Received at Wedding to Jarvis: 'Better Go and Marry' Popular TikTok streamer and content creator Peller has sparked a wave of reactions across social media after flaunting the staggering amount of cash gifts he and his newly wedded wife, Jarvis, received during their wedding ceremony. In a newly surfaced video that has quickly gone viral, several women can be seen meticulously sorting and counting thick bundles of cash presented to the newlyweds. The impressive haul of wedding gifts included both local Naira notes and foreign currencies, highlighting the massive support the couple received from friends, family, and colleagues in the content creation space. Amused and clearly thrilled by the sheer volume of wealth accumulated in a single day, Peller took to social media to jokingly advise his followers. Sharing the video of the cash-counting session, he wrote, "Better go and marry." Mixed Reactions Trail Peller's Wedding ...

 Donald Trump health concerns grow as president 'falls asleep in public 14 times' Concerns about Donald Trump’s health have resurfaced after reports that he has fallen asleep in public on 14 occasions over the past year. The 80‑year‑old president, who recently celebrated his birthday, has been observed nodding off at events ranging from Cabinet meetings to Lindsey Graham’s funeral.  Social media users have compiled footage of these incidents, describing them as signs of a “major age‑related crisis.” Speculation intensified following the release of Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump, a biography by Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan.  The book alleges that Trump keeps nocturnal hours, shows increasing fatigue, and has experienced hearing decline. It also claims he has lost “whatever thin verbal filter he had in the past.” These accounts, combined with visible bruising and swelling, have fueled questions about his fitness to serve. The White House ...

 Meghan Markle's strict rule for Prince Archie and Lilibet at Montecito home Meghan Markle’s MasterChef Australia appearance offered a rare glimpse into her family’s kitchen rules and food habits. During the episode, she proudly shared that both Archie and Lilibet enjoy eating Brussels sprouts a detail that impressed the judges.  She explained that her children are “great eaters” and that she and Prince Harry feel lucky in that regard. She also revealed a household policy about dessert: “If they say, ‘Mama, can I have dessert?’ We say, ‘If you can pick it, you can have it.’”  Meghan clarified that while chocolate doesn’t count, fruit does encourage her kids to choose healthy options. This philosophy reflects her emphasis on balance and natural foods, something she’s spoken about in past interviews. The duchess added a lighthearted moment when she joked about Harry’s taste preferences, noting that one contestant’s dish had “too much spice” for him. Harry even joined in via...

 WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK: FIRST LADY OLUREMI TINUBU URGES GLOBAL COMMUNITY TO BE COMMITTED TO  ADVANCING THE PRACTICE Nigeria's First Lady Oluremi Tinubu is committed to global community's efforts in advancing healthy breasfeeding practices for mothers. This is contained in her message marking this year’s World Breastfeeding week which runs from August 1-7, with the theme “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.” While noting that breastfeeding lays the foundation for a child’s healthy growth and lifelong development, making it a vital investment in families and the nation, the First Lady encourages mothers to embrace healthy lifestyles and eat nutritious foods for their well-being and that of their children.

 Zango Kataf, Jaba PDP Committees Hold Reconciliation Meeting Ahead Of 2027 Elections The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Working Committees in Zango Kataf and Jaba Local Government Areas have held a strategic reconciliation meeting aimed at strengthening party unity and positioning the party for success in the 2027 general elections. The meeting, held on Friday, July 31, 2026, in Jaba Local Government Area, was jointly chaired by the PDP Chairmen of Jaba and Zango Kataf LGAs, Sabastine David Bijiri and Martins Markus Koyah. It brought together party executives, stakeholders, ward officials, elders, youth and women leaders, as well as members from both local government areas. Speaking at the meeting, the Zango Kataf PDP Chairman commended party leaders and members for supporting the zoning of the party’s House of Representatives ticket to Zango Kataf Local Government Area. He described the decision as a reflection of the party’s commitment to fairness, equity, inclusion, and mutual ...