Author: Ugochukwu Oha-Ema

Nigeria has been ranked 92nd in the Henley Passport Index, highlighting the challenges its citizens face when traveling internationally. The index, which ranks countries based on visa-free travel destinations, shows Nigeria lagging behind many other nations. The Henley Passport Index, recognized as the authoritative ranking of global passports, is based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association and enhanced by Henley & Partners’ research team. The index includes 199 different passports and 227 travel destinations, making it the standard reference tool for global citizens and sovereign states. Singapore tops the list, boasting the world’s most powerful passport, followed…

The spokesperson for the House of Representatives, Rotimi Akin, has set the record straight on the monthly salary of lawmakers, debunking speculation that they earn N900,000. In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, Akin revealed that the actual monthly salary for members is N600,000, after deductions for advances such as housing. Akin explained that the discrepancy arose from a member who displayed his salary on a television program, which was an exceptional case due to his late assumption of office. He reaffirmed the House’s commitment to reducing their salaries by 50% for six months, as resolved on July 18,…

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has praised the outstanding performances of four players in their 2-1 pre-season friendly win over Chelsea. Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, Dani Ceballos, and Luka Modric were the standout players for Ancelotti, with Modric earning the Man of the Match award. “Militão played very well. Modrić, Rüdiger, Ceballos also played very well,” Ancelotti said, impressed with their contributions to the team’s victory. The win, courtesy of goals from Lucas Vazquez and Brahim Diaz, showcased the strength and depth of Real Madrid’s squad, with Ancelotti looking forward to seeing how the returning players will fit into the…

In a thrilling turn of events, the Mbadiwe twins, Ocee and Ozee, have emerged victorious in the second week’s immunity challenge, saving themselves from possible eviction. Alongside Team Streeze, consisting of Mayor Frosh and Toby Forge, who won the week two Custodian games, they are now safe from nominations and eviction this week. However, 22 other housemates are not so lucky, as they face possible eviction from the Big Brother Naija ‘No loose guard’ house. The nominated pairs up for eviction are: Aces, Doublekay, Chekas, Nelita, Floruish, Radicals, Beta, Shatoria, Ndi Nne, Zinwe, and Wanni X Handi. In a surprise…

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has warned that those benefiting from fuel importation will frustrate the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, describing it as a project that should encourage investment in Nigeria. Obasanjo stated that the refinery’s success would threaten the lucrative fuel importation business, prompting efforts to frustrate it. He criticized Nigeria’s reliance on oil, ignoring gas and agriculture, and recalled his failed attempt to partner with Shell to run the country’s refineries due to corruption concerns. The former President also condemned the removal of fuel subsidies, citing the need for measures to alleviate the resulting hardship. He emphasized the importance of…

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has fired a warning shot at governors who are unable to meet the new N70,000 minimum wage, urging them to step down from office. This comes after Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya, stated that his administration cannot afford to pay the newly established national minimum wage. Reacting to Governor Yahaya’s statement, Benson Upah, NLC’s Head of Public Relations, said, “He should quit if he cannot pay. He took an oath of office to uphold the law and not to break it.” The NLC’s stance follows President Bola Tinubu’s signing of the new Minimum Wage Act…

The European Union has refused to recognize Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s contested re-election, citing the lack of official voting records from the country’s electoral authority. In a statement, the EU Council said, “The results published by Venezuela’s National Electoral Council on August 2 cannot be recognised… Any attempt to delay the full publication of the official voting records will only cast further doubt on their credibility.” The EU has stopped short of recognizing opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia as president-elect, unlike the US and other countries. However, it noted that independent reviews of opposition-published records suggest Gonzalez Urrutia won by…

Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Osun State, has called on the organizers of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest to end the demonstration and embrace dialogue as suggested by President Bola Tinubu. Oyintiloye, speaking to newsmen in Osogbo, condemned the violence and destruction that has marred the protest, resulting in the loss of lives and property. He noted that the reported killing of about 10 persons in Niger, Borno, Kano, and Kaduna was disheartening. The APC chieftain acknowledged the constitutional right to protest but stressed that it should be properly managed to avoid escalating into riots. He expressed…

Manchester City’s Erling Haaland stole the show with a stunning hat-trick as they defeated Chelsea 4-2 in a thrilling pre-season friendly on Saturday night. The Norwegian striker’s impressive performance saw him score two goals within five minutes, capitalizing on defensive errors from Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca’s men. Haaland’s opener came from the penalty spot, followed by a beautifully curled second goal with his right foot. Oscar Bobb further extended Manchester City’s lead, making it 3-0 before Raheem Sterling pulled one back for Chelsea with a fine volley. Haaland completed his hat-trick, solidifying his team’s dominance, while Noni Madueke scored a late…

The Nigeria Police Force has released an update on the nationwide protests against economic hardship, dismissing a report by Amnesty International that 13 individuals have lost their lives. According to a statement by Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, the total number of deaths recorded so far is seven. The Police also confirmed that nine officers sustained injuries during attacks by protesters. Adejobi gave a breakdown of incidents from the first two days of the protests, including a terrorist attack in Borno State that killed four individuals and injured 34 others. He also mentioned an incident in Kebbi State where…