German authorities have launched an online visa application portal for Nigerians and other applicants worldwide. This was announced in a statement by Germany’s Federal Foreign Office on January 1. “The Consular Services Portal was launched worldwide on 1 January 2025, enabling people around the world to submit applications for German visas online,” the statement reads. …
Earthquakes force evacuations in Ethiopia
Ethiopia experienced a series of earthquakes on Saturday, including a 5.8-magnitude tremor, which has caused widespread alarm and evacuations in the country’s remote northern regions. The quakes affected the rural areas of Afar, Oromia, and Amhara, following months of heightened seismic activity, according to AFP. Ethiopia’s government Communication Service reports that approximately 2,000 people have …
NAF acquires 12 new fighter aircraft, 50 more expected
The Nigerian Air Force said it has acquired 12 additional fighter aircraft for the operational capabilities of the Force. The new additions to the NAF fleet include 2 King Air 360i light transport aircraft, 4 T-129 ATAK helicopters, 2 Agusta Westland 109 Trekker, and 4 DA-62 surveillance aircraft. The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal …
Eight killed, others injured in North China market fire outbreak
No fewer than 8 people have died and 15 injured in a fire outbreak at a vegetable market in north China on Saturday. The Qiaoxi District People’s Government said after the blaze in Zhangjiakou City, northwest of Beijing, the injured were taken to hospital for treatment and are currently not in life-threatening danger. The district …
Blessing CEO finally breaks silence on relationship with IVD, HIV status
Controversial, self-acclaimed relationship expert, Blessing Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, has confirmed dating Lagos celebrity auto dealer, Ikechukwu Ogbonna, also known as IVD. Blessing CEO described IVD as a gentleman who does not engage in domestic violence, contrary to media reports. While featuring in a Facebook Live session with Daddy Freeze on Saturday morning, …
President Tinubu commissions multiple project as he visits Enugu State
President Bola Tinubu on Saturday visited Enugu State where he commissioned multiple projects. This is his first official trip to the state since assuming office on May 29, 2023. He was accompanied by top dignitaries, including the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of …
Ondo SSG dies two weeks after car crash
The Secretary to Ondo State Government, SSG, Tayo Oluwatuyi, is dead. The SSG reportedly died on Saturday. His death followed injuries he sustained in a car crash which occurred while he was travelling from Akure, Ondo State capital, to Ibadan in Oyo State. It was gathered that the car crash occurred on December 16, 2024. …
Gov. Otti bans collection of all fees in Abia public schools
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti has stopped all forms of payments in public primary and secondary schools in the state, including Parents-Teachers Association, PTA, levies. The law that also mandates all children of school age to be in school every school day has come into effect from January 1, 2025. These were contained in a …
Nigerians to pay 40 per cent more for calls, data in 2025
There is anxiety over a possible 40 percent telecommunications service tariff hike in Nigeria this New Year. This comes as telecommunications subscribers in Nigeria, under the aegis of the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS), rejected the proposed telecoms tariff hike. The subscribers said it would be insensitive for the Nigerian government to approve a …
Abuja Police releases statement on VDM missing N180m NGO funds
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command says it is not aware of any reported disappearance of N180 million from the account of a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) run by social critic Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), neither is it investigating the case. Tribune reported that when contacted on Saturday, December 28, the FCT …