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The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, shared this information at the inauguration of XeJet’s Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility and flight support center in Abuja.
This facility represents a partnership between XeJet and local banks, with the goal of positioning Nigeria as a regional center for aviation services.
The Minister stated: “Since we came to office, we’ve been focused on attracting MRO facilities to our aviation ecosystem, just as they exist in other parts of the world.
“We’ve searched far and wide for investors, but now we see that what we were looking for elsewhere is right here at home. This collaboration between an indigenous operator and local banks is a dream come true.”
Emphasizing the project’s significance, the minister noted the inclusion of additional facilities, such as a training centre, which he described as “a huge achievement.”
Keyamo added: “This development will not only serve Nigeria but will attract users from across the West African sub-region. That’s the dream—to make this facility a regional center for excellence.”
Speaking on the broader vision, the Chief Executive Officer of XEJet, Emmanuel Iza, highlighted plans to position Nigeria on the global map of aircraft manufacturing, repairs and operations.
“The vision is ambitious. It is to contribute to aircraft manufacturing, even if it’s just components like wings, landing gears, or tires. Nigeria has the talent and ability; we just need the enabling environment and facilities to make it happen,” he said.
Iza highlighted the employment opportunities that the multi-million dollar project is anticipated to create for Nigerians, mentioning that XeJet currently employs approximately 300 individuals.
With the establishment of this new facility, he said the organization anticipate increasing that figure fourfold.
The initial phase encompasses site preparation, which includes grading the land and building a taxiway to link the runway with the facility, with an estimated cost of $5 million.
He also pointed out that the construction of the facility will necessitate a similar financial commitment.
[NaijaNews]
Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) shut down medical services on Wednesday over unpaid 7 months’ salaries to their colleagues employed in 2023.
Our reporter who visited Kubwa General Hospital, on Wednesday morning, witnessed how patients were told that they could not be attended to because doctors were on strike.
Insiders said the ongoing strike would last for three days as a warning, and might turn to an indefinite one if the government fails to accede to the doctors’ demand.
Recall that the Association of Resident Doctors in the territory had issued a 14-day day ultimatum strike warning to the FCT minister on 23 December last year, demanding him to act urgently.
The ultimatum elapsed on January 6, 2025.
Some of the demands of the doctors as listed by the president of the association in Ajuja, Dr. George Ebong, include, “For the minister to clear the Medical Residency Training Fund of 2024. Implementation of skipping and issuance of skipping letters to its members employed in 2023. Immediate payment of accouterments allowance for 2024, and payment of outgoing 13 months’ hazard allowance arrears, among others demands.
One Mrs. Ihiaka, who accompanied her daughter who was seen on a wheelchair, described the situation as sad, lamenting that she was now left with the option of look for a private hospital, no matter the cost.
She urged the FCT minister to look into the doctors’ demand, as well as focus on the health and education sectors the way he is doing with infrastructural development.
“If the citizens that are going to use the infrastructure have suffered negligence in the health sector, then truly the crucial purpose of the governance has been defeated,” she stated.
FCT permanent Secretary, Health Services and Environmental Secretariat, HSES, Dr. Babagana Adam, declined to speak on the development.
[DailyTrust]
COMMANDANT of the Amotekun Corps in Osun State, Mr Adekunle Omoyele, yesterday, said the corps would not jettison the potency of ‘African science’ in tackling banditry in the state.
Fielding questions from newsmen in Osogbo, Mr Omoyele said the founders of Amotekun deliberately embraced African science as part of the method with which the corps would combat crime and criminals.
He said the corps, under his command, retained the ideology but advocated that they should be allowed to carry sophisticated weapons which bandits and armed robbers wield as well.
He urged stakeholders in the security sector to pave the way for Amotekun personnel to carry sophisticated weapons to match that being carried by criminals to ensure a balance of force.
Omoyele said: “People that established Amotekun believed that we need some forces, especially African science that can withstand similar forces that would be wielded by the enemies, when you see most of these bandits or when you can arrest or conquer them, you will see a lot of charms on them. They even recite incantations. So, we are not abandoning the use of spiritual forces, it is part of our system and we are always combat-ready, weapon-wise and spiritually.
“When I came on board we had the challenges of personnel and logistics which kept us very far behind our colleagues in Osun, Ekiti, Ondo and Oyo states. But with the approval of Governor Adeleke, we will commence recruitment of 1000 personnel while our logistics will also be ready.
“Apart from these, we are also in possession of a world-class emergency centre which when refurbished would help us to monitor crime activities across major cities in the state. We are battle-ready and would not allow criminals to have any level of freedom in our state.”
Mrs Beatrice Ekweremadu, wife of former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu is back in Nigeria.
A competent source disclosed the development to DAILY POST on Wednesday.
According to the source, Mrs Ekweremadu returned to Nigeria on Tuesday.
DAILY POST recalls that Senator Ekweremadu, the wife and one Dr Obinna Obeta were sentenced to prison by a UK court for their involvement in organ harvesting.
The former deputy senate president was sentenced to 10 years, while his wife was sentenced to six years.
DAILY POST reports that the return of Mrs Ekweremadu is being celebrated across Enugu State, with many praying to have the Deputy Senate President back in the shortest possible time.
[DailyPost]
The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed five terrorism-related charges against a self-styled activist Muhammad Mahdi Shehu before a Federal High Court in Kaduna.
According to PRNigeria, the move followed Mahdi’s rearrest by security operatives last week at his clinic in Unguwar Dosa, Kaduna.
A Kaduna State High Court had granted Mahdi Shehu bail in the sum of N3 million two weeks ago, with the condition that he provides two reputable clerics as sureties.
Shehu’s initial arrest stemmed from allegations of disseminating misleading videos that went viral on social media. On January 2, 2025, a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kaduna had previously ordered his detention due to a social media post perceived as a threat to national security.
The latest case before the Federal High Court in Kaduna was filed after the DSS submitted an ex parte motion to detain Shehu for 60 days to facilitate its investigation. The motion was submitted in accordance with Section 66 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
In granting the order, Justice Rilwan Aikawa authorised the DSS to hold Mahdi for 60 days to allow for the completion of its investigative processes.
The charges against Shehu include: False Publication to Cause Public Alarm, contrary to Section 59(1) of the Criminal Code Act; Dissemination of Terrorism-Related False Information, against Section 26(2)(a) and (b) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022; Intentional Dissemination of False Information, contrary to Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition and Prevention, etc.) Act, 2024 (as amended); False Allegation of Treasonable Act, in violation of Section 41 of the Criminal Code Act, and Use of Social Media to Support False Allegations of National Security Threat, contrary to Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act.
According to PRNigeria, the DSS recently apprehended Mahdi after he shared doctored videos that falsely claimed that the Nigerian government had permitted France to establish a military base in Northern Nigeria. He now faces charges that include conspiracy, aiding and abetting terrorism, and inciting public disorder.
Students from the University of Ibadan (UI) on Wednesday staged a peaceful protest against the 82-day power outage at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.
UCH is the teaching hospital where medical students from UI are trained.
The Nation learnt UCH has been experiencing power outage for the past year due to debts owed to the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, IBEDC.
IBEDC cut off the power supply to the hospital in March 2024 due to unpaid electricity bills.
The electricity distribution company earlier disconnected the hospital’s power supply in November 2023 for the same reason.
The power supply has not been restored.
To express dissatisfaction with the situation at the hospital. The students were led by President of the Students’ Union, SU, Bolaji Aweda.
Speaking with newsmen, Aweda stated that students of the institution have been directly affected.
According to him: “We are protesting against what is happening. And, of course, our students are affected.
“For 82 days, there has been no light at UCH, and this is due to the inability of UCH to pay its electricity bill to IBEDC.
“IBEDC has demanded that UCH settle its debt before they will restore power.”
[TheNation]
A Nigerian nurse, Ugbede Ojo, who faced backlash after describing Lagos as a “smelly city” in a viral tweet, has secured a new job abroad.
This development follows reports that her position at a Lagos hospital was under threat due to her controversial post.
In November, Ugbede stirred controversy when she tweeted: “This Lagos is a smelly city. People smell, the streets smell, the gutters smell, the water smells, everything is smelly. I’m tired.”
The post sparked mixed reactions. While some defended her right to express her views, others criticised her for being “disrespectful” to Lagos and its residents.
One user, identified as Bayo, strongly condemned her tweet, describing it as “public ridicule.” He tagged Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and then-Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, urging them to take action.
“Dear Lagos government, you’re leaving the lives and economy of Lagos in the hands of people that hate their employers,” the user wrote.
“If #jidesanwoolu and #mudashiru_obasa will not start demanding respect from people that are taking jobs away from aboriginals, we will also not stop adding external LEGAL pressure until we get the desired respect.”
Ugbede, who was reportedly employed at the General Hospital in Gbagada, later claimed she had been facing “attacks” due to her tweet.
However, another X user, Cross˚, who identifies as #Elkrosmediahub, offered her a job abroad if she lost her current one due to the backlash.
“Hi #nurse_ugbede, trust you are having a beautiful morning. So one of my
Ogas asked me to reach out to you. Just in case anything happens to your job, and you are willing to work in another country, kindly notify me. Will share an email address you can forward your CV to too,” the user wrote.
On Tuesday, Ugbede announced her new job on X, writing, “I got the job, guys.”
Reflecting on her journey, she added: “Just remember that by this time last year, I was homeless in Lagos! Squatting with a friend and borrowing money to pay rent.
“One year later, I got my big girl job and big girl pay. I wondered when it would happen, but when it’s your turn, God will part the ocean!”
[Punch]
![[Full List] Covenant University ranked best in Nigeria for 2025](/media/k2/items/cache/3982a504b56131ab744dde20d87c99a0_S.jpg?t=20250122_130915)
Covenant University has been ranked as the best tertiary institution in Nigeria in the 2024 Times Higher Education (THE) World Universities Rankings.
The varsity secured a global position between 201-1000. At the time, the university accommodated 8,940 students with a gender ratio of 37:63.
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) is Nigeria’s second-highest-ranked university, placing between 1001-1200 globally. ABU achieved an international outlook score of 40.9, a research environment score of 12.4, and a research quality score of 55.7. The teaching score was 23.1, the industry score stood at 19.8, and its overall score ranged between 30.7-34.4.
Landmark University, a private institution in Kwara State, also ranked between 1001-1200 globally, making it the third-best university in Nigeria. The institution recorded an overall score of 30.7-34.4, with a teaching score of 17.3, a research environment score of 18.6, research quality at 60.5, industry at 20.7, and an international outlook score of 32.7.
The University of Ibadan (UI) placed fourth in Nigeria and 1001-1200 globally in the 2025 rankings, a step down from its second-best ranking in Nigeria in 2024. UI’s student population in 2024 was 41,269, with a staff-to-student ratio of 1:19.7 and interdisciplinary science research comprising 19 percent of its academic portfolio. In 2025, UI achieved an international outlook score of 42.5, research quality of 57.8, teaching at 30.1, and an industry score of 20.9.
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) ranks fifth in Nigeria and 1001-1200 globally, maintaining its global position from 2024 but dropping one spot domestically. It scored 42.4 for international outlook, 64.5 for research quality, 15.7 for teaching, and 21.5 for industry.
Top 5 Universities in Nigeria (THE 2025)
- Covenant University
- Ahmadu Bello University
- Landmark University
- University of Ibadan
- University of Lagos
Other notable institutions in the top 10 include Bayero University, Kano, and the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA).
Full Rankings: Top Nigerian Universities (THE 2025)
Below is the comprehensive list of universities that made the rankings:
- Covenant University
- Ahmadu Bello University
- Landmark University
- University of Ibadan
- University of Lagos
- Bayero University
- Federal University of Technology, Akure
- Federal University of Technology, Minna
- University of Benin
- University of Ilorin
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka
- Ekiti State University
- Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta
- Federal University of Technology, Owerri
- Federal University Oye-Ekiti
- Ladoke Akintola University of Technology
- Lagos State University
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University
- Obafemi Awolowo University
- University of Port Harcourt
- Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto
- Abia State University
- Akwa Ibom State University
- Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike
- Ambrose Alli University
- Baze University
- Bells University of Technology
- Benson Idahosa University
- Bowen University
- Delta State University, Abraka
- Evangel University, Akaeze
- Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun
- Godfrey Okoye University
- Lagos State University of Education
- Lagos State University of Science and Technology
- Nasarawa State University, Keffi
- Niger Delta University
- Nile University of Nigeria
- Osun State University
- Rivers State University
- Thomas Adewumi University
- University of Cross River State
- University of Maiduguri
- Veritas University, Abuja
Vanguard News
Mr Yisa Usman, the sacked deputy director of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has said that he was determined to expose corruption in the board irrespective of the threat and intimidation against him.
Usman told Justice Osatohanmwen Obaseki-Osaghae of the National Industrial Court, Abuja, while being cross-examined as the sole witness in the suit instituted against JAMB over his alleged unlawful dismissal.
While responding to questions put to him by counsel to JAMB, A. A. Owonikoko, the witness admitted writing petitions to various government agencies over alleged corruption in the board.
The aggrieved ex-worker, who admitted receiving queries from the board and an invitation letter to appear before a disciplinary committee before his job was terminated, said he answered the queries and wrote a protest letter against the composition of the committee.
When Owonikoko asked Usman about the email message attached to the invitation letter, dated May 17, 2023, in response to the disciplinary committee’s invitation, the witness admitted writing the reply.
The lawyer then asked Usman to read out the printout of the email message dated May 18, 2023, in open court.
The witness, while reading, said, “Dear Directors, this is a follow-up to the two queries issued to me. I received a letter of invitation on Tuesday, 16th May 2023, to appear before the Disciplinary Committee.
“The attached is my response to the invitation for your information.
“This new development only renews my determination to continue with my quest for justice and my fight against the corrupt practices that have characterised our organisation in the past six to seven years, which I stated in the letter, are perpetrated under the cover of the remittances made to the government.’
“It is of note that I am invited to appear before the Disciplinary Committee while my contemporaries are invited to promotional examination to substantive director.
“But I am not bothered because I do know for certain that God alone promotes.
“I am not deterred by this development, nor am I intimidated in any way.
“The fight against corruption and abuse of authority is the responsibility of every Nigerian. The law will take its course, no matter how long it takes. Thank you.”
He told the court that his reply to the query was submitted in hard copy to his immediate superior, and because he wanted all members of the management to be privy to what was going on, he also sent the message to the email addresses of the directors.
“My Lord, the email was to communicate to the directors the response to the query that was issued to me,” he said.
When Owonikoko told him that his email message was totally unrelated to the subject for which he was invited by the committee, Usman said, “My Lord, it is related.”
The ex-staff admitted writing several petitions against JAMB to different investigating agencies, including National Assembly, about the alleged financial infractions under the current JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede.
He admitted writing to the Attorney General for the Federation, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and Department of State Services.
He also admitted writing to the Minister of Education, Head of Service, National Human Rights Commission, and Bureau of Public Procurement about alleged corruption, harassment, victimisation, and procurement infractions.
When the lawyer asked him if all his petitions were directed at indicting the JAMB registrar as corrupt, Usman responded in the affirmative.
Owonikoko also asked Usman to read out the last two paragraphs in his response to the disciplinary committee, and he read thus:
“As a committed Nigerian citizen, my loyalty remains first to the nation before any individual. The fight against corruption is the responsibility of everyone.
“The threat of the registrar to cause me harm or have my appointment terminated will not deter me, nor will the continued attempt to malign me.
“I remain determined in the fight for justice and against the corrupt practices in the system. I will not back down for any reason until justice is done and seen to be done.
“And while I look up to God for complete respite, I wish to state here that my life has been under constant threat for the bold action I took to disclose the corrupt practices in JAMB and the abuse of authority by the Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede.
“I reported this to the DSS and the IGP previously. I am again stating here that if anything happens to me, the Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, and his DFA, Mr. Mufutau Bello, should be held responsible.
When the lawyer also asked him to read Paragraph 2 of the dismissal letter, Usman read thus:
“This is the sequel to the recommendation of the Directorate Staff Disciplinary Committee after due consideration of your written responses to the allegations of serious misconduct levelled against you.
“And also after taking cognisance of your letter of 17th May 2023, wherein you state never to appear before the Board staff disciplinary committee despite the formal letter of invitation requesting you to appear.’’
Usman, however, denied saying that he would never appear before the disciplinary committee.
Usman said his letter of May 17, 2023, in response to the disciplinary committee’s invitation, was to reject the constitution of the committee.
According to him, the reason stated, my lord, was that they were all complicit in the infractions I reported to the relevant government agencies, and for that reason, I was not certain of getting a fair hearing.
When asked if he was aware that the committee did not include the registrar of the board, he said, “My lord, I am not aware.”
When also asked if he was aware that the registrar and Director of Finance and Account (DFA) recused themselves from the committee, Usman said, “My Lord, I was never communicated to that effect. So, I was not aware.”
He admitted saying that the DFA “has overshot his retirement period and is occupying the office illegally.”
When the lawyer asked him if he named the DFA as a party in his suit, he said, “My Lord, my suit is against JAMB, and the DFA is a management member of JAMB.”
Usman denied that the criminal charge preferred against him at the Federal High Court in Abuja was a result of the investigation conducted into his allegations against the board after they were found to be unmeritorious.
Owonikoko to Usman: “Confirm to this honourable court that when the present registrar assumed office, he did an audit of the finances, and it was in the course of this that the investigating authorities came up with some of these infractions.”
“My lord, that is not true,” he responded.
When the lawyer asked him to confirm the date the five-count charge was filed, Usman said it was instituted on March 30, 2023.
When the lawyer then asked if there had never been any investigation into the activities of JAMB by investigating authorities since Oloyede assumed office, Usman said, “My lord, there had been investigations indeed, but the charge just read out was never part of that investigation.”
Earlier, Justice Obaseki-Osaghae admitted the list of the claimant’s documents and statements on oath in evidence as presented by his lawyer, Mohammed Shuaibu, and marked as Exhibits C1-C5, CE1-CE23, and C6-C15, respectively.
The judge said the admissibility was subject to the right of the defendant to object to any of them.
The judge adjourned the matter until Feb. 27 for the defendant to open its defence.
It would be recalled that Usman had filed a N150 million suit against the board over alleged unlawful dismissal.
Usman, in the suit marked NICN/ABJ/266/2023 and filed by his lawyer, Oseini Bamigbaye from the Chambers of Mohammed Shuaibu, sought nine reliefs.
While Usman is the claimant, JAMB is the sole defendant in the case dated and filed on Sept. 29, 2023.
The claimant prayed the court to declare that the constitution of the Board’s Directorate Staff Disciplinary Committee set up by the office was wholly irregular, illegal, null, and void for failure to comply with Article 3.5.4 of the Board’s Staff Manual and Conditions of Service.
He also prayed the court to declare that the composition of the committee, mostly consisting of the board’s registrar and other directors who were beneficiaries of infractions exposed by him “in Item No. 6, Page 5 of his response dated April 3, 2023, to the query issued on March 31, 2023, is unconstitutional, null, and void.”
He premised his argument because his right to fair hearing could not have been guaranteed before the committee.
Usman urged the court to declare that “the claimant’s purported dismissal by the defendant without the consideration of the committee’s report by the defendant’s board is unlawful, illegal, null, and void.”
The claimant, who sought an order setting aside his “purported dismissal” by the board, prayed the court for an order reinstating him “to his position with full entitlements, benefits, and perks due to him by virtue of his position.”
He sought an order granting to the claimant all the salaries, allowances, and perks due to him or that would have been due to him but for the purported dismissal, among others.
(NAN)
23-year-old Turkish model arrested for attempt to break record of sleeping with 100 men in 24 hours
AFOLABI
A 23-year-old Turkish OnlyFans model, Ezra Vandan, also known as Azranur AV, has been arrested in Istanbul for her controversial plan to sleep with 100 men in 24 hours.
Authorities deemed her actions as “obscene” and “damaging” to the country’s moral values, reports Daily Mail.
Vandan publicly announced her intentions on January 14, 2025, via social media, declaring her goal to break a Turkish and then a world record.
She shared a provocative photo of herself wearing red lingerie, captioned: “My goal is to break a Turkish record first, then a world record! I’m starting with 100 men in 24 hours.”
Her statement quickly caught the attention of the Istanbul Security Branch Directorate’s Morality Bureau. Following an investigation, Vandan was arrested at a hospital in Atasehir, where she was awaiting a cosmetic surgery procedure.
Footage of the arrest shows Vandan being escorted by two female officers with her wrists bound behind her back. She was taken into custody wearing a crop top and jeans.
Adding to the controversy, Vandan reportedly shared a half-naked image of herself, allegedly taken by a police officer during her arrest. She claimed, “I had the photo taken by one of the officers, he didn’t object much.”
Vandan was charged with obscenity, resisting an officer and slander. The Istanbul 6th Criminal Judgeship of Peace ruled that her actions were provocative and harmful to society’s moral values, justifying prison time.
Her husband, Pedram Vandan, 25, was also briefly detained but later released.
The model has defended her actions, claiming her posts do not harm anyone and that she should have the freedom to express herself. “I do not deserve to be judged,” she stated.
Vandan’s announcement followed recent reports of British adult performer Bonnie Blue claiming to have set a world record by engaging with over 1,000 men in 12 hours
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Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Olayemi Cardoso, has vowed to tackle the commoditisation ( buying and selling) of Naira notes, which has become widespread in the country.
CBN Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso made this vow in a keynote address at the inaugural Stakeholders’ Conference of the Committee of Heads of Banks Operations (CHBO) in Lagos, with the theme “Commoditization of Naira: The Way Forward.”
Represented by the Senior Special Adviser to the CBN Governor, Fatai Kareem, Cardoso stated that commoditization of the Naira poses a significant threat not only to the banking sector but also to the daily lives of Nigerians who rely on the currency for transactions.
He described Naira commoditization as a process by which the national currency is being treated as a tradable asset with its intrinsic national value being subjected to the principles of capitalism rather than being seen as a means of exchange for economic and items of value.
According to him, “The Naira is not merely a currency; it embodies our national identity. Its stability is vital for economic growth and development.” Recent trends, however, have seen the Naira treated as a commodity rather than fulfilling its primary function as a medium of exchange.
“The commoditization of the Naira, our national legal tender, has become a critical challenge for Nigeria’s financial ecosystem. It is a problem that not only affects the operations of the banking industry but also the lives of every Nigerian that relies on the currency for his day to day transactions.”
He said the apex bank’s strategies to tackle the commoditization of the Naira are: enhancing public engagement awareness on the responsible use of the Naira; strengthening cash management system to ensure fair distribution across the country; collaborating with law enforcement agencies to enforce existing regulations and bring perpetrators to book; promoting digital payment channels to reduce the use of cash transactions and the need to escalate digital errors to the banks and the CBN.
Chairman of the Executive Committee of CHBO, Abraham Aziegbe attributed the commoditization of the Naira to severe scarcity which led to its monetisation.
He noted that over the past two years, Nigerians have faced significant challenges due to cash shortages, leading to instances where citizens pay premiums for everyday transactions. This situation raises concerns about cash availability and potential hoarding practices among banks.
The Kenyan government has approved recommendations to enhance its electronic travel authorisation (eTA) system for African visitors.
The approval was granted during the federal government’s first cabinet meeting of the year chaired by President William Ruto.
A statement issued by the State House said the meeting was held to discuss ways of driving transformative change in Kenya.
Improving traveller experience and tourism were some of the priorities.
“As part of efforts to support open skies policies and tourism growth, a key proposal is to grant eTA exemptions to all African countries — except Somalia and Libya — due to security concerns,” the statement reads.
“This initiative aims to promote regional integration and ease travel across the continent.”
The statement said most African visitors will be allowed a two-month stay while East African Community (EAC) nationals will continue to enjoy a six-month stay under the bloc’s free movement protocols.
“To improve efficiency, an expedited eTA processing option will be introduced, allowing travelers to receive approval instantly, with processing time capped at 72 hours based on operational capacity,” the State House added.
“Additionally, the introduction of an Advanced Passenger Information/Passenger Name Record system will enhance pre-screening, strengthen security, and streamline passenger processing at entry points.”
The statement said the cabinet mandated the secretaries of national treasury, transport, interior, and tourism to review, report, and propose guidelines to improve travellers’ experience at all Kenyan airports within a week.
Last year, Kenya introduced a “visa-free” policy that required most visitors to apply online for authorisation before leaving their countries.However, the introduction of the eTA, which replaced the visa requirement for all visitors, was criticised as a “visa by another name”.
The eTA fee is $30 and valid for 90 days.
[TheCable]
Geneva, 21 January 2025 - The World Health Organization regrets the announcement that the United States of America intends to withdraw from the Organization.
WHO plays a crucial role in protecting the health and security of the world’s people, including Americans, by addressing the root causes of disease, building stronger health systems, and detecting, preventing and responding to health emergencies, including disease outbreaks, often in dangerous places where others cannot go.
The United States was a founding member of WHO in 1948 and has participated in shaping and governing WHO’s work ever since, alongside 193 other Member States, including through its active participation in the World Health Assembly and Executive Board. For over seven decades, WHO and the USA have saved countless lives and protected Americans and all people from health threats. Together, we ended smallpox, and together we have brought polio to the brink of eradication. American institutions have contributed to and benefited from membership in WHO.
With the participation of the United States and other Member States, WHO has over the past 7 years implemented the largest set of reforms in its history, to transform our accountability, cost-effectiveness, and impact in countries. This work continues.
We hope the United States will reconsider and we look forward to engaging in constructive dialogue to maintain the partnership between the USA and WHO, for the benefit of the health and well-being of millions of people around the globe.
The National Youth Service Corps has confirmed that the 2024 Batch C Stream 2 Orientation Camp will officially open today, Wednesday, January 22, 2025, across all states in the country.
This announcement was shared via messages on the NYSC’s official X handle, #officialnyscng, on Tuesday.
“Prospective corps members (PCMs) are to report to their various camps on the date slated on their call-up letters, with their required documents and survival packs,” the statement advised.
The NYSC also announced the release of deployment letters for the 2023 Batch ‘C’ Stream II. PCMs can now access their deployment details to prepare for the service year.
In a safety advisory, the scheme urged prospective corps members to exercise caution while traveling to their designated camps.
“PCMs are advised not to travel to Orientation Camps at night,” NYSC emphasised, reiterating its commitment to ensuring the safety of corps members.
Additionally, PCMs were reminded of an important requirement to complete their registration at the camps.
“Prospective corps members are advised to print and sign the addendum, which is to be submitted during registration in the orientation camp,” the update noted.
For logistical reasons, the NYSC disclosed that some prospective corps members initially deployed to Lagos State will undergo their orientation course in Ekiti, Ondo, or Osun camps.
Similarly, some PCMs deployed to the Federal Capital Territory may have their orientation courses in Nasarawa or Kaduna camps.
“Some PCMs deployed to Lagos State will have their orientation course in Ekiti, Ondo and Osun camps.
” Some PCMs deployed to FCT will have their orientation course in Nasarawa, and Kaduna camps,” it read.
The NYSC urged all prospective corps members to comply with these directives and prepare adequately for the mandatory three-week orientation program.
For further updates, PCMs are encouraged to follow the official NYSC social media platforms.
PUNCH Online reports that the orientation course takes place over the space of three weeks in all designated camps – one – in each states nationwide.
NYSC is a programme established by the Nigerian government in 1973 to promote national unity, integration, and development.
It is a one-year mandatory service for Nigerian graduates under the age of 30, which includes a three-week orientation camp, a primary assignment phase, and a community development service period.