The South African Consul-General to Nigeria, Prof Bobby Moroe, has disclosed why famous Nigerian singer, Ayra Starr, was initially denied a visa, saying she submitted an inappropriate yellow fever certificate. Moroe, who disclosed this in an interview with Saturday PUNCH, said the visa rejection was not a recent development as portrayed, but occurred in February 2024. The envoy said the controversy resurfaced after reports alleged that Starr and her team were denied entry visas to South Africa, prompting the South African mission to meet with her team and clarify the requirements that needed to be fulfilled. According to him, the…
Author: Abimbola Ogunaike
Amirah Salihu, rescued victim of the February 3 terrorist attack on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, on Friday, 7 August , 2026 recounted she took delivery of 10 pregnant women with her bare hands while in captivity despite the harsh conditions she and other captives endured during their nearly six months in captivity, reports thegazellenews.com. The victims were among the 176 women and children abducted during the February 3 attack on Woro and neighbouring Nuku communities. The abductees regained their freedom on Wednesday, 5 August, 2026 after nearly six months in captivity. According to…
By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has unveiled new reforms in health insurance and digital health, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to ensuring that every resident enjoys quality healthcare, irrespective of location or income. The Governor made this known on Thursday, 6 August, 2026, while speaking at the opening of the Second Eko Health Convention in Victoria Island, Lagos, where he said his administration was shifting from delivering healthcare projects to building enduring systems that guarantee quality, accessible and affordable care. The two-day convention, organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Health, is themed “Building a Healthier Lagos:…
By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola President Bola Tinubu has congratulated former Kaduna State Governor and ex-National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ahmed Makarfi, on his 70th birthday, describing him as a statesman whose public service was defined by integrity and exemplary leadership. The President’s congratulatory message, contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday, 7 August, 2026 came as Makarfi clocked 70 on Saturday, 8 August, 2026, having previously served as Kaduna State Commissioner for Finance before becoming governor of the state, and later representing Kaduna North Senatorial District…
By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola The Federal Government has donated 100 vials of Panaf Premium anti-snake venom worth N25 million to the Benue State Government, as part of efforts to reduce illness and deaths associated with snakebites across the country. The consignment was formally presented on Friday, 7 August, 2026, at the headquarters of the Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services in Makurdi, coming amid growing concerns over rising snakebite cases in the state and the high cost of anti-snake venom, which often places a significant financial burden on affected families. The intervention followed the death of a 14-year-old…
By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola The All Progressives Congress (APC) has celebrated its National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, on the occasion of his 58th birthday anniversary, commending him for a year of purposeful leadership and remarkable accomplishments since assuming office. The party’s National Working Committee (NWC), in a statement issued on Friday, 8 August, 2026, in Abuja and signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, CON, described the milestone as an opportunity to thank God for His grace, protection and wisdom upon the life of the National Chairman, while celebrating his unwavering dedication to the growth of the party…
By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the August 15 Osun State election, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, AMBO, has vowed to block financial leakages, cut the cost of governance, and expand the state’s revenue base through technology if elected, saying he successfully executed a similar reform as Commissioner for Finance under former Governor Rauf Aregbesola. Oyebamiji made this disclosure in an interview where he spoke on his chances in the election, allegations of political violence in the state, his plans to stabilise Osun’s finances, implement local government autonomy, and deliver on his administration’s Prosperity Agenda.…
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has commenced a sensitisation programme to educate students on the importance of voter registration and active participation in the nation’s electoral process. Speaking during the sensitisation programme for students at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the NDDC Director, Social Services, Engr. Jeremiah Oritsejolone, stressed the need to strengthen democratic participation and encourage responsible citizenship. Oritsejolone, who represented the NDDC Director, Education, Health and Social Services, Dr Patience Ezugu, noted that informed and registered voters were essential to building a strong democracy. He stated: “Our goals and objectives are to empower youths with…
By Segun Adewale in Bauchi President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed profound sorrow at the news of the passing Prophet (Dr.) Emmanuel Abiodun Alogbo, Supreme Head (Olori) of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide, Ayo Ni O, and Supreme Head of the Cherubim and Seraphim Unification Church. President Tinubu joined millions of believers in Nigeria and across the world in mourning the departure of a distinguished man of God whose life was marked by humility, steadfast faith, and an unwavering commitment to the spiritual well-being of the faithful and the nation at large. According to a press release issued…
By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola The Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa has urged the High-Commissioner-designate to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, to prioritise the welfare and protection of Nigerians in the country. The apex body representing Nigerians in South Africa said Fani-Kayode’s appointment came at a critical time when proactive and compassionate leadership was needed to strengthen Nigeria-South Africa relations and address challenges confronting Nigerian nationals. The President of the association, Frank Onyekwelu, said in a statement obtained by Diaspora Tales on Friday,7 August, 2026 that the former minister’s political experience, diplomatic exposure and knowledge of international affairs would advance the interests…
