Author: Akintayo Adams

President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa has announced a new visa policy for Nigerians, allowing investors and tourists to apply for a visa without submitting their passports. This announcement was made during the opening of the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town, attended by President Bola Tinubu. Related || Tinubu arrives South Africa for bilateral talks The new policy aims to simplify the visa process for Nigerian business people and tourists, including measures such as five-year multiple entry visas. Ramaphosa emphasized that this initiative is designed to create a favorable environment for Nigerian business…

Pastor Bolaji Idowu, the Lead Pastor of Harvesters International Christian Center (HICC), has been arrested by the Nigerian Police Force’s Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Abuja. He is currently being questioned over allegations of real estate fraud and money laundering. Pastor Idowu, known for his “Next Level Prayer Conference,” founded HICC in December 2003. The church has since expanded to multiple locations across Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and the United States, attracting over 70,000 worshippers both online and in person. The arrest has sparked significant controversy, with Pastor Idowu undergoing rigorous interrogation as authorities investigate the extent of his alleged…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived in Cape Town, South Africa, for the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission. This session marks 25 years since the establishment of the commission, which aims to strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations. During his visit, President Tinubu will lead discussions with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on various key areas, including trade and investment, political consultations, consular and migration matters, defense and security cooperation, banking, energy, manufacturing, and the social sector. The deliberations will be conducted across eight working groups, each focusing on a specific area of mutual interest. President…

Human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi was arrested by the Nigeria Police Force at Zone 2 Command in Lagos following a defamation petition filed by Tony Elumelu, Chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group. Farotimi had previously raised concerns about alleged threats to his life by influential figures within Nigerian elite circles, purportedly in collaboration with security agencies and legal professionals. Farotimi received an invitation to report to Zone 2 Command on November 13, 2024, and complied with the directive. Upon his arrival, he was presented with the petition accusing him of making defamatory statements against Elumelu. Farotimi described…

Aero Contractors, Nigeria’s oldest airline, has announced a significant price reduction for local flights during the festive season. Starting from December 3, 2024, the airline has set a minimum ticket price of N80,000 for all its routes. This initiative, which will run through January 2025, aims to alleviate the financial burden on Nigerians during the Christmas and New Year celebrations. The airline’s Managing Director, Ado Sanusi, stated that this gesture is part of their commitment to giving back to customers and ensuring families can reunite without worrying about high travel costs. Despite the price reduction, Sanusi assured that Aero Contractors…

The House of Representatives has directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to suspend the retirement of 1,000 staff and the associated N50 billion payoff scheme until an investigation is completed. The House aims to evaluate the criteria, process, and legality of the mass retirement, as well as ensure transparency and accountability in the payoff scheme. An ad hoc committee will be established to engage with CBN leadership and assess the potential economic and institutional effects of the retirements on Nigeria’s financial sector. The motion, sponsored by Kama Nkemkama (LP, Ebonyi), also calls on the Federal Ministry of Labour and…

Amid the controversy surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills in the National Assembly, the 36 State Governors, former Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara, his Deputy, and other stakeholders in the tax industry have expressed their support for the bills, stating that the time for reform is now. Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, speaking on behalf of the 36 State Governors during a Town Hall conversation aired by Channels Television, indicated that the Governors’ initial reservations about the bills might have been avoided if the Town Hall had taken place earlier. He emphasized that the new…

A Delaware judge has ruled that Tesla CEO Elon Musk is still not entitled to receive his $56 billion compensation package, despite shareholders voting to reinstate it. Chancellor Kathaleen McCormick of Delaware’s Court of Chancery upheld her earlier decision that the package was excessive and unfair to Tesla investors. The judge also denied Tesla’s attempt to reset the situation through a subsequent shareholder vote. Tesla and Musk plan to appeal the decision, arguing that shareholders should have control over company votes. The judge’s ruling has cast uncertainty over Musk’s future at Tesla and the company’s financial strategies. Get instant and…

Belgium has recently enacted a groundbreaking law that provides sex workers with extensive labor rights and protections. This new legislation, which took effect on December 1, 2024, allows sex workers to sign formal employment contracts, granting them access to benefits such as health insurance, paid leave, maternity benefits, unemployment support, and pensions. The law also ensures that sex workers have the right to refuse clients, choose their practices, and stop an act at any moment without facing negative consequences from their employers. Employers must obtain state authorization, adhere to strict safety protocols, and meet background requirements, including no prior convictions…

Timaya recently shared an interesting incident involving Burna Boy and singers Omawumi and Waje. Timaya shared this story in a recent interview with Naija FM, Lagos, highlighting Burna Boy’s unwavering confidence and determination. During a studio session years ago, Burna Boy confidently predicted that he would one day be paid to travel by private jet. This bold statement was met with skepticism from Omawumi and Waje, which angered Burna Boy. Timaya recounted that Burna Boy’s frustration led him to ask Omawumi and Waje to leave the studio. He expressed that nothing Burna Boy is achieving now surprises him, as Burna…