Visa Application Centers in Enugu and Port Harcourt Reopens

By

-

May 20, 2025

The UK government has reopened its visa application centers in Enugu and Port Harcourt for easier access to visa services for residents in the southern region of Nigeria.

The announcement was made by the Deputy British High Commissioner and Head of the UK Mission in Lagos, Jonny Baxter, through the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the UK in Nigeria.

Jonny Baxter said the visa centers will be located in their former venues Presidential Hotel in Port Harcourt and Omidal Luxury Hotel in Enugu.

“I’m delighted to announce the reopening of our visa application centres in Port Harcourt and Enugu. By reopening these centres, we’re helping those of you based in the south to access our services locally, without the need to travel long distances.

As before, the centers will be located in the Presidential Hotel, Port Harcourt, and Omidal Luxury Hotel, Enugu,”

I’m also delighted that applicants using these centres can benefit from additional services such as Keep My Passport while applying, so you can hold on to your passport until a decision is made, as well as others, the document upload support and status updates.”

This means applicants no longer have to surrender their passports while awaiting a visa decision, allowing more flexibility for domestic or regional travel in the interim.

He advised prospective applicants to plan their travel and applications early, especially ahead of peak periods.

“If you’re planning to travel to the UK in the coming months, whether for work, study, tourism, or to visit friends and family, please do start planning now. You can apply up to three months before your point of travel, and I really encourage you to do this, to avoid the peak period when we’re dealing with thousands of applications a day.”

Baxter also cautioned applicants to ensure they understand the documents they’ll need to provide and have them ready to submit a complete application.

TLScontact had operated UK visa application centers in Nigeria for several years. However, the UK visa application service began transitioning from TLScontact to VFS Global in September 2024, with the transition completed by January 2025. VFS Global now manages all UK visa applications in Nigeria as part of a broader shift involving 31 African countries and other regions globally.

Following the transition, UK Visa Application centers were located in Abuja at Mezzanine Floor, Tower C, Churchgate Plaza, Plot 473, Cadastral Zone AO, Constitution Avenue, Central Business District; in Lagos (Ikeja) at 2nd Floor, Ile Oja Opebi Mall, Opebi, Link Road; and in Lagos (Victoria Island) at 2nd Floor, Churchgate Plaza Tower 2, PC 31 Churchgate Street.

n late 2024 that the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, stated that Nigerians account for 10% of all new visas issued in the past two years.

Follow us for Breaking News and Market Intelligence.

by Taboola

Governor Francis Approves N500,000 Pay on New Doctors in Ebonyi State

By

Omabu Juliet

-

May 20, 2025

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi has announced that the monthly salaries and allowances of newly recruited medical doctors in the state will be increased from N150,000 to N500,000.

Nwifuru made the announcement on Monday in Abakaliki during the inauguration of the state’s health activation program, held as a preparatory step for the Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) scheme.

As part of the event, the governor also commissioned hospital equipment valued at billions of naira.

He stressed that doctors deserve better pay to enable them to perform optimally and take care of their families.

“I came across an analysis on social media about the inadequacy of the N150,000 salaries and allowances for doctors.

“After distributing questionnaires, I found the analysis to be valid and concluded that action needed to be taken,” Nwifuru explained.

A doctor working in Ivo, for example, needs about 20 liters of fuel daily. If you multiply that by 28 days, you’ll understand the real cost,” he explained.

He acknowledged the demanding nature of the medical profession, revealing that he once considered becoming a doctor but changed his mind after struggling with organic chemistry.

“Doctors deserve more. I have decided that their salaries and allowances should be a minimum of N500,000 monthly, and this applies only to newly recruited doctors, “Nwifuru stated.

Living at the various localities will help doctors save costs and avoid distractions from their families,” Nwifuru added.

The state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr Moses Ekuma, lauded the governor for procuring the new medical equipment, assuring that it would be used effectively.

“The procurement of this equipment will complement the availability of modern health facilities and a motivated workforce in the state,” he said.

The Executive Secretary of the State Drug Management Agency, Mrs Jioke Chinwendu, also pledged the agency’s commitment to ensure the consistent availability of drugs in health facilities across the state.

Anambra Security forces kill 2 gunmen

By

Omabu Juliet

-

May 16, 2025

The Joint Security Force in Anambra has repelled an attack on a security Check point at Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area of the State, and neutralised two gunmen.

The joint team also recorded one fatal injury during the operation, and the unknown gunmen burnt one operational vehicle belonging to the operatives.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Awka, said that the incident occurred in the late hours of Thursday.

He explained that during the ensuing gun battle, due to the superior fire power of the team, the criminals abandoned one of their operational vehicles, a Toyota Sienna and fled the scene.

” One of the Anambra Joint Security Team in the late evening of May 15, 2025, resisted an attack by armed criminals at the security checkpoint in Isuofia. Two of the armed hoodlums were neutralised in the process.

” Unfortunately one of the security operatives was fatally wounded, while one of the security operational vehicles was burnt by the bandits.

” The Commissioner of Police (CP) in the state, CP Ikioye Orutugu condemned the act and viewed it as a test of the people’s collective resolve to work with the security forces to dislodge and eliminate criminal elements in the state.”

He said that Orutugu assured residents of the state that the command would apprehend the perpetrators behind the act.

The police spokesperson said that calm has returned to the area and more armed operatives are currently combing nearby bushes for possible arrest of the fleeing miscreants.

Lawyer Assassinated after Securing Murder Suspect Bail

By

Queen Madu

-

May 16, 2025

Tension gripped Egbebelu village in Nanka, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State on Thursday following the gruesome murder of a legal practitioner and another individual by gunmen suspected to be assassins.

The lawyer, whose identity was not immediately disclosed, had reportedly secured the bail of a suspect in a murder trial at High Court II, Ekwulobia, shortly before he was ambushed and killed.

According to the Anambra State Police Command, “the victims were returning from court when they were trailed and double-crossed by armed men operating on a motorcycle.

In a statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, “The assailants opened fire, killing the lawyer and his companion at the scene. A third occupant in the vehicle survived the attack and is currently receiving treatment in a hospital.”

Ikenga added that “the survivor has been debriefed and provided crucial information aiding an active investigation and manhunt.”

Commissioner of Police CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc, minps, PhD, visited the crime scene around 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, accompanied by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations and senior detectives from the Command. During the visit, a red Toyota Camry believed to belong to one of the deceased was recovered.

“The Commissioner has ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident and deployed tactical and intelligence units to track down the perpetrators,” said Ikenga.

The bodies of the deceased have been recovered and formally identified by their families.

(Journalist101)

House Representatives Dismiss Rotational Presidency Bill

By

Omabu Juliet

-

May 14, 2025

The House of Representatives has rejected a bill seeking to entrench the principle of rotational presidency among Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

The bill, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, proposed an amendment to the 1999 Constitution to mandate the rotation of the offices of President and Vice President among the North Central, North West, North East, South West, South East, and South South zones.

Titled “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Cap. C23, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2024, to Provide for the Principle of Rotation of the Offices of the President and Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Among the Six Geopolitical Zones of the Country—and for Related Matters (HB. 2291)”, the proposal was struck out during plenary on Tuesday after a heated debate presided over by Kalu.

Speaking against the bill, Aliyu Madaki (NNPP, Kano) argued that the federal character principle already ensures equitable representation, stressing that zoning should be left to political parties and the electorate, not enshrined in the Constitution.

Similarly, Sada Soli (APC, Katsina) warned that a constitutional provision for zoning could undermine meritocracy and national unity.

“It could elevate ethnic and regional considerations above competence, restrict the pool of qualified candidates, and deepen divisions,” he said.

Bello El-Rufai (APC, Kaduna) also, cautioned that the move could inflame ethnic and regional tensions in an already polarised nation.

However, Rep. Ali Isa (PDP, Gombe) supported the bill, arguing that it would promote inclusion and a sense of belonging among all regions.

Responding to the opposing views, Deputy Speaker Kalu defended the bill, stating that all zones have capable leaders. He said the proposal was aimed at fostering equitable access to leadership and enhancing national unity.

Despite his appeal, the bill was rejected through a voice vote by a majority of lawmakers.

Exchange Rate: Naira to Dollar Rate as at Today

By

Queen Madu

-

May 13, 2025

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

The naira recorded its highest appreciation against the dollar at the official foreign exchange market on Monday, the highest since April 30, 2025.

Central Bank of Nigeria’s exchange data showed that the strengthened to N1,600.44 on Monday from N1,606.15 traded on Friday last week.

This means that the naira gained N5.71 against the dollar on Monday when compared to N1,606.15 exchanged last week.

Meanwhile, at the black market, the naira remained flat at N1,630 per dollar on Monday, the same rate recorded at the end of work on Friday.

Recall that, in the past days, the naira recorded more depreciation than gains.

On April 30, 2025, the Naira gained N3.02 against dollar to close at N1,596.68

the naira has continued to experience fluctuations despite the apex bank’s monetary interventions.

(Daily post)

Wanted Kidnaper Suspect with Ties to the Death of Justice Azuka re-arrested

By

Omabu Juliet

-

May 13, 2025

Anambra State Police Command has announced the re-arrest of a kidnap suspect linked to the death of a lawmaker, Justice Azuka, who represented Onitsha South 1 state constituency.

Azuka was on Christmas Eve last year abducted, and close to two months after, his remains was found around Second Nigeria Bridge.

His abductors were also arrested, but later two of them escaped after they were led to the home of another suspect.

The incident had caused an uproar, with many accusing the police of complicity over the escape of the suspects.

But on Tuesday, the state command announced the re-arrest of one of the suspects.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the suspect, Ikemefuna Ossai, was re-arrested after painstaking investigation and undercover job.

He said: “The Anambra State Police Command wishes to inform the public that its operatives have successfully rearrested one Ikemefuna Ossai, a suspect in the kidnapping and gruesome murder of the late Hon. Justice Azuka.

Anambra State Police Command has announced the re-arrest of a kidnap suspect linked to the death of a lawmaker, Justice Azuka, who represented Onitsha South 1 state constituency.

Azuka was on Christmas Eve last year abducted, and close to two months after, his remains was found around Second Nigeria Bridge.

His abductors were also arrested, but later two of them escaped after they were led to the home of another suspect.

The incident had caused an uproar, with many accusing the police of complicity over the escape of the suspects.

But on Tuesday, the state command announced the re-arrest of one of the suspects.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the suspect, Ikemefuna Ossai, was re-arrested after painstaking investigation and undercover job.

He said: “The Anambra State Police Command wishes to inform the public that its operatives have successfully rearrested one Ikemefuna Ossai, a suspect in the kidnapping and gruesome murder of the late Hon. Justice Azuka.

“This re-arrest followed a painstaking and intelligence-led operation. The suspect, who had previously escaped custody, was tracked across multiple states within Nigeria and even into a neighbouring West African country.

“He was eventually apprehended on 7th May 2025 in Asaba, Delta State. Upon sighting the operatives, the suspect attempted to escape arrest but was swiftly subdued and sustained a gunshot wound to the leg in the process.”

He said the Command has briefed relevant stakeholders including the family of the late lawmaker and the leadership of the Anambra State House of Assembly.

“During the engagement, the Commissioner of Police acknowledged and expressed regret over the operational lapses that led to the suspect’s earlier escape.

“Actionable intelligence obtained from the suspect is currently aiding ongoing operations. The command has intensified efforts to apprehend the remaining fugitive and dismantle the criminal network responsible for this heinous crime.

“The Anambra State Police Command reiterates its unwavering resolve to bring all perpetrators to justice and ensure the safety and security of Ndi Anambra,” parts of the statement read.

Anambra and Lagos with Highest Malpractice in Last UTME JAMB Examination

By

Omabu Juliet

-

May 13, 2025

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disclosed that Anambra and Lagos recorded the most incidents of malpractice during the recently concluded Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

AMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, revealed that 80 individuals have so far been apprehended for various exam-related offences across the country. Anambra led the list with 14 suspects, closely followed by Lagos with nine.

the offences ranged from impersonation and possession of prohibited devices to biometric fraud and collusion with Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers

“In Anambra alone, we recorded 13 cases of impersonation and one incident involving mismatched photographs,” he stated. Lagos was not far behind, with its suspects caught for impersonation, spying, and carrying mobile phones into the examination halls—violations JAMB has repeatedly warned against. Other states on the malpractice list include Delta, Kano, Kaduna, and Rivers, each reporting between six and eight cases. Delta recorded eight incidents, while Kano and Kaduna followed with seven and six, respectively.

We encountered biometric manipulation, the use of combined thumbprints between candidates and their impersonators, and cases of double registration,”

One of the strange cases According to JAMB, involved a blind candidate who allegedly recruited a fellow blind undergraduate to take the exam in his place—a move the board described as both desperate and disheartening.

JAMB has reiterated its commitment to upholding the integrity of the UTME, with Oloyede affirming that all suspects are currently undergoing investigation and will face appropriate legal actions. The board says it is working to close loopholes and strengthen its systems to prevent future occurrences of exam malpractice.

This year’s revelations have raised serious concerns about the integrity of the examination process in some regions, with education stakeholders calling for stricter oversight and more robust technological safeguards.

Exam WAEC Candidates Stranded as IPOB Monday sit-at-home in Southeast Continues

By

Omabu Juliet

-

May 12, 2025

There are strong signals that millions of candidates in the Southeast region may either miss or reschedule their ongoing WAEC examinations as the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have declared a total lockdown in the zone on May 30.

The lockdown, which is the first this year according to the IPOB, is in commemoration of Biafra heroes and heroines who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their present existence.

Media and Publicity Secretary of the IPOB, Emma Powerful, in a statement on Monday, stated that May 30th, 2025, is now designated a public holiday and a lockdown throughout Biafra Land.

He stated that the public holiday and lockdown are an annual Memorial and Remembrance Day for Biafra heroes and heroines among Biafrans.

He added, “Anticipation has begun as of May 1, 2025, with broadcasts from Radio Biafra and media awareness efforts by the IPOB media team.

This month, IPOB will involve our audience in memorial lectures honoring Biafran heroes, both at home and abroad, just like in earlier years. The peak of the yearly memorial and remembrance event will occur on May 30th, 2025, known as the Biafra Heroes Memorial Day.

“It is a day designated by IPOB for Biafrans to commemorate and pay tribute to our heroes, heroines, and those who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for Biafra’s liberation and independence. The IPOB leadership has announced that May 30, 2025, will be a free day, marking a total lockdown for Biafrans residing in Biafra Land.”

Powerful stated that Biafrans residing in Biafra Land should observe a lockdown to pay tribute to those who battled and perished in the Nigerian genocidal war against Biafra while Biafrans fought for her independence.

“We need to commemorate them by spending one day indoors. We urge all Biafrans and every advocate of freedom in Biafra Land to comply with this one-day lockdown directive on May 30, 2025. All IPOB family members in their various countries must organize and obtain permits to demonstrate against the unlawful imprisonment of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and the illegal detention of Nnamdi Kanu in Nigeria. No protests will take place in Biafra or anywhere in Nigeria to prevent being harmed by the lethal Nigerian Security Forces.

“Biafrans abroad will gather in the streets of their host countries or organize town hall meetings to express their support in honoring our fallen heroes and advocating for the restoration of Biafra. IPOB and Ndigbo across the globe will pay tribute to all our fallen heroes and heroines, including our everlasting leader the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Gen. Phillip Efiong, Chief Dr. Frank Opigo, Commander Ikonso, and numerous others who significantly contributed and fought to avert the genocide and destruction of Biafrans by the Nigerian and British governments along with their allied forces. Every year on May 30th is a significant day for all Biafrans. It is a public holiday for every citizen and non-citizen of Biafra living in Biafra territory,”

“All transportation by road, air, and sea is prohibited from 6 to 6 on May 30, 2025, which includes no human movement within our territory. There will be no school, no community meetings, no religious services, no opening of markets and stores, and no public assemblies of any kind. Simply stay inside and enjoy television and videos with your family while contemplating the memories and the genocide inflicted upon Biafrans from 1967 to the present day. It is a day for families to recount their experiences of the Biafran genocidal war from 1967 to 1970 and the ongoing victimization, destruction, and marginalization of the Ndigbo within Nigeria,”

On WAEC examinations scheduled to hold on that day, Powerful stated that the group had already contacted the Examination Council to inform them of the lockdown directive in Biafran Land “so they can modify the May/June SSCE exams schedule to serve all students.”

“Messages have also been dispatched to the governors in the Southeast and South South regions to notify them that we will remember and pay tribute to our heroes and heroines who sacrificed everything for us with a lockdown mandate on May 30, 2025.

“IPOB implemented the lockdown directive due to the Nigerian violent government attacking and killing numerous Biafrans who assembled to honor our heroes in Biafra Land in previous years. We recommend that everyone refrain from going outside and remain indoors in your homes on May 30th to steer clear of gunfire from the ethnic prejudice of the Nigerian Police and Military, who will be present on the streets of Biafra seeking any chance to unjustly shed the blood of innocent Biafrans. If you decide to ignore this lockdown order, whatever occurs to you, please hold no one responsible,” he added.

In National Rail Master Plan Anambra Will Be Included Tinubu Promise Gov Soludo

By

Omabu Juliet

-

May 9, 2025

President Bola Tinubu has said that Anambra State will be included in the National Rail Master Plan, following its initial exclusion from the country’s rail development blueprint.

Speaking in Awka during a civic reception held at Alex Ekwueme Square on Thursday, the President addressed the state’s omission, assuring residents that the Federal Ministry of Transportation would correct it.

The disclosure was contained in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

President Tinubu addressed the state’s exclusion from the National Rail Master Plan, assuring residents that the Federal Ministry of Transportation would rectify the omission,” the statement read in part.

It further quoted the President as saying: “I am standing before you to say that the Ministry of Transportation is aware and will include the connection in the Master Plan and give it attention.”

Reaffirming his commitment to unity and inclusive development, President Tinubu said, “We are one family, a single family, diverse, living in the same house called Nigeria. Our diversity must lead to prosperity. We must work together to be a united Nigeria.”