Author: Ayobami Ogungbemi

The government of Burkina Faso has announced a landmark decision to abolish visa fees for all African nationals, reinforcing its commitment to Pan-African solidarity and regional integration. The policy shift, revealed on Thursday by the country’s Minister of Security, Mahamadou Sana, after a cabinet meeting chaired by military leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré, is designed to encourage free movement, trade, and tourism across Africa. New Policy: Visa-Free Entry for Africans “From now on, any citizen from an African country wishing to travel to Burkina Faso will not pay any amount to cover visa fees,” Sana stated. While visa fees are scrapped,…

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved a bill seeking to criminalise same-sex marriage and other “immoral” acts in the state. The governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Dawakin-Tofa, confirmed the move on Friday. He said it followed the 31st Executive Council meeting at the Government House Annexe in Kwankwasiyya City. Sharia Law and Morality in Kano Kano, one of Nigeria’s largest northern states, runs a dual system where Sharia law coexists with the Nigerian Constitution. Sharia was introduced in the early 2000s, and since then, Kano governments have enforced strict rules on morality and culture. Nigeria already has the Same-Sex…

Filmmaker Tyler Perry, known for Acrimony and the Madea films, is facing a $260 million lawsuit. Actor Derek Dixon, who played Dale on BET’s The Oval, accused him of sexual assault and harassment. In a September 9, 2025, interview with ABC News, Dixon said Perry blurred professional lines and created a coercive work environment. Derek Dixon’s Allegations Dixon claimed Perry assaulted him at his Atlanta home. He alleged the producer pulled down his underwear and grabbed his buttocks. He said he feared losing his job if he refused Perry’s advances. Dixon also accused Perry of breaking a promise to produce…

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has openly criticised striker Cyriel Dessers and faulted captain William Troost-Ekong following the Super Eagles’ 1-1 draw with South Africa in Tuesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Bloemfontein. The Super Eagles, desperate for a win to revive their fading hopes of reaching the tournament in North America, suffered early setbacks that ultimately cost them valuable points. Early Setbacks Against South Africa Defender Ola Aina limped off in the 8th minute, disrupting Nigeria’s rhythm. Things worsened in the 25th minute when Troost-Ekong turned the ball into his own net, handing Bafana Bafana the lead. Just…

Childhood obesity has now overtaken underweight as the most common form of malnutrition among school-aged children and adolescents, according to a new UNICEF report. The study, Feeding Profit: How Food Environments Are Failing Children, reveals that 1 in 10 children — about 188 million worldwide — are living with obesity. This marks the first time obesity has become more widespread than underweight in this age group. Rising Obesity Rates Since 2000 Data from the report shows that obesity among children aged 5 to 19 has tripled, increasing from 3% in 2000 to 9.4% in 2024. Meanwhile, the global rate of…

Chief (Mrs.) Leila Fowler, the Yeye Mofin of Lagos and founder of the prestigious Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, has passed away at the age of 92. Her death was confirmed in a statement released by the school on Sunday, September 7, 2025. The management described her as “a true pioneer, erudite lawyer, and visionary educationist whose life was dedicated to empowering young women through education.” A Life Dedicated to Education and Service Born March 23, 1933, in Lagos, Leila Fowler (née Moore) began her early education at CMS Girls’ School, Lagos, and later at Queen of the Rosary…

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, is expected to resume legislative duties at the National Assembly later this month after completing her six-month suspension. Her lawyer, Victor Giwa, confirmed that the senator, who is currently in London, has finalized plans to return once plenary sessions resume on September 23, 2025. “Actually, she’s ready to resume her term. She’s in London. Everything is in place, and the six months have expired. The only thing left is her resumption,” Giwa said. Senate Leadership Expected to Welcome Her Back According to her counsel, there are no anticipated barriers to her reinstatement.“We have been…

Prophet Chukwuemeka Ohanaemere, popularly known as Odumeje, has sparked another wave of controversy after declaring that when he dies, no one will ever find his body. Odumeje’s Prophecy on His Death In a viral video from a recent church service, the Onitsha-based pastor told his congregation that his time on earth is almost over. However, unlike ordinary men, he claimed his body will never be seen when he passes on. Odumeje, also called “The Indaboski Bahose”, described himself as the “strongest spiritual man in the world after TB Joshua.” He emphasized that his divine mission is not about living long…

A group of discharged Nigerian soldiers on Thursday resumed protests in Abuja, demanding the immediate payment of their long-overdue entitlements. The ex-servicemen had earlier suspended their demonstrations on August 4, 2025, following assurances from the Ministries of Defence and Finance that all outstanding benefits would be settled by August 10. However, with no payments made, the retired soldiers say they feel betrayed by the government’s failure to honour its promises. Protest at Ministry of Finance Headquarters The aggrieved soldiers converged on the Ministry of Finance headquarters in the Federal Capital Territory, accusing the authorities of neglect. They argued that despite…

Lagos State will make history in October 2025 as the first African city to host the E1 Series Electric Boat Racing Championship. The event will run on October 4–5 and place Lagos on the global sports and tourism map. Lagos Secures the Bid At a press briefing, Rodi Basso, CEO of the E1 Series, confirmed Lagos beat top cities to win the bid. He called it a milestone for sport, commerce, and sustainability. Boost for Tourism and Economy Sam Egube, Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Sanwo-Olu, said the race shows Lagos’ strength as the “City of Aquatic Splendour.” He…