Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

Nigeria Launches Asfaar, First Visa Application Agency To Combat Fraud. The Federal Government of Nigeria has introduced Asfaar, the country’s inaugural visa application agency, designed to streamline travel requests and tackle document fraud. Unveiled on 19 August 2025 in Abuja, the initiative, led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aims to enhance the integrity of Nigeria’s visa processes and strengthen international travel protocols. Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, represented by his Special Assistant on Media, Alkasim Abdulkadir, described Asfaar as a pivotal step in safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty. Speaking at the launch, Tuggar highlighted longstanding concerns from foreign…

Arsenal’s Kai Havertz Sidelined With Knee Injury, Prompting Transfer Market Rethink. Arsenal forward Kai Havertz faces an uncertain period on the sidelines after sustaining a knee injury, the club confirmed on 20 August 2025, dealing a significant blow to Mikel Arteta’s attacking plans for the 2025/26 Premier League season. The 26-year-old German international, who has been a key figure for the Gunners since his 2023 move from Chelsea, missed an open training session at the Emirates Stadium, raising concerns among fans and prompting the club to explore forward options in the transfer market. The injury, reported by The Athletic’s David…

Amir Khan Brings World-Class Boxing To Nigeria With Historic Lagos Fight Night. Former world boxing champion Amir Khan is set to make history by staging Nigeria’s first major professional boxing event, titled *Chaos In The Ring*, in Lagos on 1 October 2025, coinciding with Nigerian Independence Day. Partnering with Dr Ezekiel Adamu’s Balmoral Group Promotions and backed by the National Sports Commission of Nigeria, the event will be broadcast globally on DAZN, showcasing a blend of international stars and local talent in a landmark moment for African boxing. Khan, who promoted a successful card in Ghana in June, aims to…

INEC Restricts PVC Collection To Commission Offices For 2025 Voter Registration. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Nigeria has announced that eligible voters participating in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which began on 18 August 2025, must collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) exclusively from INEC offices. This directive, aimed at streamlining the electoral process ahead of off-cycle elections in Anambra, Osun, and Ekiti States, as well as the 2027 general elections, has sparked widespread discussion among Nigerians preparing to exercise their democratic rights. The CVR, which allows new voters, those transferring their voter registration, or…

20-Year-Old Australian Declares Himself President Of New Micro-nation Between Croatia And Serbia. A 20-year-old Australian has captured global attention by declaring himself president of a self-proclaimed micronation, the Free Republic of Verdis, established on a disputed 125-acre patch of forest along the Danube River between Croatia and Serbia. Daniel Jackson, a digital designer who creates virtual worlds on the gaming platform Roblox, founded the fledgling nation in 2019, turning a teenage dream into a reality that now boasts nearly 400 citizens, a flag, a cabinet, and its own currency. The idea for Verdis began when Jackson was just…

Chinese Firm Set To Launch World’s First Pregnancy-Simulating Humanoid Robot By 2026. A Chinese technology company, Kaiwa Technology, based in Guangzhou, has announced plans to introduce a revolutionary humanoid robot capable of simulating human pregnancy through an artificial womb. The ambitious project, revealed at the 2025 World Robot Conference in Beijing, is expected to debut a working prototype in 2026, potentially transforming reproductive science and sparking global debate. The humanoid robot, priced at under 100,000 yuan (approximately £10,000), is designed to replicate the full gestation process, from conception to delivery. Unlike traditional neonatal incubators, the robot’s artificial womb…

Nigeria Pledges Reciprocal Visa Measures As US Tightens Rules For Applicants. The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to introduce reciprocal visa requirements for American citizens in response to new, stricter US visa policies targeting Nigerians. The US government now mandates that Nigerian visa applicants disclose their social media profiles and activities from the past five years, with failure to comply potentially leading to visa denial or future entry bans, according to a statement from the US Mission in Nigeria. The new US regulation, an expansion of rules previously applied to international student visa applicants, requires Nigerians…

President Tinubu Scraps 5% Telecoms Tax, Bringing Relief To Nigerian Subscribers. In a significant move to alleviate financial burdens on Nigerians, President Bola Tinubu has abolished the 5 per cent excise duty on telecommunications services as part of the country’s new tax laws. The announcement, confirmed by Dr Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), is set to ease cost pressures for millions of telecom subscribers across Nigeria. Dr Maida, speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, revealed that the tax, which was initially suspended in July 2023, has now been permanently removed. “The…

Barnsley FC Parts Ways With Super Eagles Star Kelechi Nwakali Over Pre-Season Delay. Barnsley Football Club, a League One side, has terminated the contract of Nigerian international midfielder Kelechi Nwakali due to his late return for pre-season training, the club confirmed on Tuesday. The decision marks the end of the 26-year-old’s brief stint with the Tykes, as manager Conor Hourihane announced that Nwakali would be allowed to leave before the summer transfer window closes. Nwakali, a former Super Eagles midfielder, returned to Barnsley late from holidays in Nigeria, a move that led to his exclusion from first-team training. Consequently,…

INEC Launches Nationwide Voter Registration For 2027 Elections. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has kicked off its Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, starting with an online pre-registration phase on Monday, 18 August 2025. This marks a significant step towards preparing for the 2027 general elections and the Anambra State governorship election scheduled for 8 November 2025. Eligible Nigerians are urged to begin their registration via the dedicated portal at www.cvr.inecnigeria.org, with physical registration set to commence on 25 August 2025. The online pre-registration allows prospective voters, particularly those aged 18 and above, to input personal details such as…

Federal High Court In Abuja Freezes Four Bank Accounts Linked To Former NNPCL Chief Mele Kyari Amid Fraud Probe. A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the temporary freezing of four Jaiz Bank accounts allegedly connected to Mele Kolo Kyari, the former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), following accusations of fraud. The ruling, delivered on Tuesday, 19 August 2025, came after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed an ex-parte motion seeking to preserve the funds pending further investigation. Justice Emeka Nwite, presiding over the case, granted the EFCC’s request,…

NSCIA Applauds Katsina Governor For Reintroducing Christian Religious Studies, Calls For Reciprocity Across Nigeria. The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has praised Katsina State Governor, Dr Dikko Umar Radda, for his decision to reintroduce Christian Religious Studies (CRS) in primary and secondary schools across the state. In a statement issued on 17 August 2025, signed by its Secretary-General, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, the NSCIA described the move as a commendable act of justice, fairness, and inclusivity, aligning with Islamic principles of equity and respect for minority rights. The council, led by its President-General, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji…