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AFRIMA 2025: FG, Lagos State Declare Readiness to Host Africa In November at Patron’s Dinner with the Jury

L-R: AFRIMA Jury members, Anthony Joseph, (Eastern Africa), Victoria Nkong, Associate Producer, AFRIMA, Motolani Alake, (Nigeria, West Africa),Messie Mboukoud, (Central Africa), Kobele Keita, (Diaspora, North America), Neza Guy, (Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa), AFRIMA President/Executive Producer, Mike Dada, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, AFRIMA Chief Experience Officer, CXO, Aderenle Niyi, Lucy Ilado, (Eastern Africa), Delani Khalima , (Zimbabwe, Southern Africa) and Marwane Fachane, (Northern Africa), at the AFRIMA 2025 Patron’s Dinner with the Jury held on Thursday, August 14 at Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria

It was a dazzling evening of elegance, warmth, and celebration as the All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, hosted its 2025 Patron’s Dinner with the International Jury in Lagos, Nigeria.

The gathering brought together policymakers, stakeholders in Africa’s creative economy, music executives, artists, media representatives, and AFRIMA’s international jurors from 14 countries who are responsible for ensuring the credibility of Africa’s global music awards.

The event was hosted by AFRIMA Patron, Dr. Bisi Onasanya, Chairman of The Address Homes.

This year’s jury session has brought together jurors from across the five regions of Africa and the diaspora in Lagos, Nigeria. For over a week, they worked tirelessly to select nominees from a total of 10,717 entries received for AFRIMA 2025. The AFRIMA 2025 Nominees List will be announced to the public on August 24, following the conclusion of the adjudication process.

Barrister Hannatu Musawa, Nigeria’s Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, who led a strong cast of dignitaries to the event, praised AFRIMA’s global impact.

“AFRIMA is a testimony of how the creative sector in Nigeria has developed to a global standard, even without strong government backup. We are proud of what AFRIMA stands for and the impact it has made in Africa and on a global scale, projecting our identity, culture, language, and music. As a government, we will continue to support initiatives like this not just because it celebrates art but because it strengthens the economy and unites us,” she said.

Representing the Lagos State Government, Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, assured stakeholders, artistes, and fans across Africa that the State is fully prepared to welcome the continent and the rest of the world.

Benson-Awoyinka, who was joined at the event by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotosho, said, “I think we are in the right place at the right time. For us in Lagos, hosting AFRIMA 2025 is not just another event; it is a big honour. People say we are the culture and entertainment capital of Africa, and we are ready to welcome the whole continent and the world to our city for this great event. We thank the Federal Government, our partners, and all those supporting AFRIMA for trusting Lagos to host again.”

In collaboration with the African Union Commission, AFRIMA 2025 is being organised alongside the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Official Host City, Lagos State.

For the Patron, Dr. Onasanya, who was acxompanied to the event by his wife, Mrs Olufunke Onasanya, families and friends and business mogul,Chief Musa Danjuma and Dayo Adeola, the focus is on creating a sustainable legacy and delivering the best AFRIMA yet.

“Tonight, we proudly recognise the incredible work of our jury members and say a big thank you to them. This year, we are excited to welcome Africa to AFRIMA. Africa and the rest of the world will see an amazing show in Lagos because we are confident of organising a successful event. I sincerely thank the Federal Government of Nigeria and our Official Host City, Lagos State, for their tremendous support, as well as our sponsors and every stakeholder who believes in AFRIMA. The last edition was fantastic, but I assure you that AFRIMA 2025 will be the best”

One of the jury members, Guy Neza, an Ivorian who is representing West Africa on the panel, said, “It has been an amazing journey for me to be part of this journey. Africa is full of amazing talent, and it makes me happy to see our music and creativity receiving the recognition they deserve, as AFRIMA is the continent’s biggest music entity. Every artist who sends in their work is helping our creative industry grow stronger. With the quality of music we have screened, I can confidently say that the future of the industry is promising.”

AFRIMA President and Founder, Mike Dada, thanked the jury, patrons, and creative stakeholders for their role in sustaining AFRIMA’s growth and success.

“I am truly grateful for the support from every corner of our creative industry; from the Federal Government of Nigeria, our Official Host City, Lagos State Government and Governor Babajide Sanwoolu, our Patron, to the media, to the artists, producers, and record executives. It is inspiring to see us working hand in hand with one shared goal to elevate Africa’s global music. We said at the beginning of this journey that we would not joke with the credibility of this awards; we insisted that any artist who will be nominated or win award must submit their work to qualify and this patron’s dinner is our way of honouring the AFRIMA jury, who dedicate their time to carefully select the finest talents from thousands of entries for nomination in their rightful categories,” he said.]

L-R: Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, founder, Africa International Film Festival, AFRIFF, Chioma Ude, Minister of Arts, Culture & Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, President/Executive Producer, All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, Mike Dada, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, AFRIMA’s Patron, Dr. Bisi Onasanya and former minister of Information and Culture, during the AFRIMA 2025 Patron’s Dinner with the Jury held on Thursday, August 14 at Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria

Guests were also treated to a soulful performance by fast-rising star Qing Madi. Adding to the sparkle of the night were appearances from music stars Ice Prince Zamani, Orezi, Praiz, and DJ Nana, among others.

The roll call of high-profile dignitaries included Lai Mohammed, former Minister of Information and Culture; media moguls Kenny Ogungbe, Dayo Adeneye and Id Ogungbe; respected journalists Mayor Akinpelu, Ayo Aminu, Mojeed Jamiu, Azu Arinze; Founder of AFFRIF, Chioma Ude, media and Entertainment personalities Olisa Adibua, Ali Baba, Sunday Are, Ehiz and Uti Nwachukwu, among others; alongside other notable figures from the arts, culture, and media space.

The AFRIMA 2025 celebration is set to take place from November 25 to 30 in Lagos. The week-long show will include a variety of events, such as the Welcome Soiree, the AFRIMA Music Village, the African Music Business Summit, a Host City Tour, the Nominees Party, and the main awards ceremony. This ceremony will be broadcast live to over 84 countries.

Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, former minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, Minister of Arts, Culture & Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, and President/Executive Producer, All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, Mike Dada during the AFRIMA 2025 Patron’s Dinner with the Jury held on Thursday, August 14 at Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria

Seyi Tinubu: Building Success Beyond the Family Name

General Colin Powell once said, “Success is the result of perfection, hard work, learning from failure, loyalty, and persistence.” Few modern Nigerian entrepreneurs embody this more than Oluseyi Afolabi Tinubu popularly known as Seyi Tinubu. While the son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu enjoys the encouragement of his parents, his career path proves that his achievements are built on personal ambition, resilience, and strategic innovation — not inheritance.

Contrary to popular belief, Seyi’s rise is not simply a product of political influence. Driven by a desire to earn his father’s respect, he charted his own course early, venturing into industries far from his father’s political sphere — especially marketing communication and digital enterprise.

After graduating from the Nigerian Law School and being called to the Bar, Seyi faced a choice: pursue law or carve a path in business. Choosing the boardroom, he partnered with his childhood friend Adenrele Olusoga to explore entrepreneurial opportunities. Their early venture — an online movie streaming platform — failed, but it sparked Seyi’s interest in the digital space.

That interest gave birth to Loatsad Promomedia, a leading Nigerian digital and out-of-home advertising company, co-founded with Olusoga and supported by his then-fiancée (now wife), Layal. Without financial backing from his father, they pooled resources from previous ventures, secured licensing, and quickly positioned Loatsad as a formidable player in the advertising industry.

Over the years, Seyi expanded operations with SDM Communications, pioneering several firsts in Nigeria’s digital advertising sector:

Exclusive partner for Truecaller after-call and in-app ads (2016–2018), selling over 85% of national ad inventory to top banks, FMCG brands, and real estate firms.
Among the first agencies to run Snapchat ad campaigns in Nigeria from 2015.
Exclusive reseller for Shazam Ads in Nigeria (2014–2018), facilitating high-impact campaigns for musicians and consumer brands until Apple’s acquisition ended the deal.
Strategic collaborations with WeTransfer, Admaxim, Rocketfuel, and Airpush to deliver innovative ad solutions nationwide.

Through calculated risk-taking, a willingness to learn from failure, and an unshakable determination to excel, Seyi has grown Loatsad/SDM into an industry leader with ambitions to dominate African advertising and compete globally.

His story underscores a universal business truth: success comes from vision, courage, disciplined financial planning, and a touch of divine favour — not merely from a famous name.

Nigeria’s Local Content Successes Shine at Namibian Conference

Nigeria’s local content successes in the oil and gas industry was a constant reference point in discussions at the opening day of the 2025 Namibia Oil and Gas Conference, which began on Tuesday at Windhoek, Namibia.

The event is being attended by policymakers, international oil and gas operating and service companies, Namibian indigenous players and other stakeholders. The goal is to enhance the local content ecosystem in the Southern African country’s evolving oil and gas industry.

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) are participating at the Namibian event in furtherance of their collaboration in the promotion of African local content, creation of opportunities and new markets for Nigerian oil and gas companies.

The Board’s delegation is led by the Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by the Director, Corporate Services, Dr. Abdulmalik Halilu, while the PETAN team is led by its Chairman and member of NCDMB Governing Council, Mr. Wole Ogunsanya.

Dr. Halilu delivered a presentation at the Local Content Masterclass at the opening, and outlined a number of strategies that African oil producing countries can adopt to grow their local content capabilities.

According to him, local content value proposition for Africa include research and technology development, local employment, strategic partnerships, ownership and control of assets, value chain optimisation, sustainable operations, increase production and utilization of locally made goods and contribution to gross domestic product (GDP).

He identified government’s role in supplier development as regulatory, developmental and promotional.

Using Nigeria as a case study, Halilu listed key achievements of NCDMB to include the establishment of world class fabrication and construction yards, human capital development, manufacturing initiative, service sector growth, financial support and establishment of integration capability for floating production and storage and offloading facility (FPSO).

On the new wave of local content development in Nigeria, the Director pointed to the promotion of equipment assembly and components manufacturing, development of small and medium enterprises, enforcement of research and development and technology transfer as well as prioritization of gas based industrialisation.

Dwelling on strategies that would support the growth of African local content, he urged oil-producing countries to specialise in different manufacturing and service areas of the oil and gas industry and develop their competencies to the right specifications. This will enable the countries to trade among themselves and contribute towards the manufacturing of complex oil and gas equipment.

He cited an example with the Boeing aircraft, which has critical components produced by different original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and assembled at a designated factory. Such a model, he noted, will ensure that each African country develops a competitive advantage and can contribute effectively to the African oil and gas industry.

The representative of the Executive Secretary concluded by offering local content nuggets, which include that local content implementation is not a sprint but a marathon and must be executed as a business and not as corporate social responsibility. Local content must also be cost effective and local peculiarities must be given key considerations, he noted.

Other recommendations include that local content regulations must apply to all players in the industry and not only foreign companies or expatriates and the implementation takes time, consistency, and coordination. He equally suggested that capacity building initiatives should include grassroots and underserved communities, adding that local content practice would not grow if new projects are not developed.

He ended by assuring the audience that Nigeria is ready to partner with Namibia and other African nations to build an energy sector that empower the African people and drive shared prosperity.

The opening day also featured a presentation by NCDMB’s General Manager Human Capacity Development, Esueme Dan Kikile, Esq. He further shared the Board’s success stories in human capital development.

The conference continues till Friday and is expected to feature another presentation by the NCDMB boss on Wednesday, while one of the panel discussions would feature the Chairman of PETAN Mr. Wole Ogunsanya.

The Alternative Bank Targets Women, Men, and Farmers with National Financial Inclusion, Entrepreneurship Drive

The Alternative Bank, one of Nigeria’s leading non-interest banks, has ramped up its efforts to promote economic empowerment and financial inclusion for market traders and smallholder farmers across the country. With a focus on improving access to banking services, the Bank is providing critical financial support to some of Nigeria’s most underserved communities.

The initiative, undertaken through an agreement between Sterling Financial Holdings Company and the Association of Market Women/Men and Farmers of Nigeria (AMWMF), aims to address the challenges faced by millions of market women, men, and farmers who have long been excluded from formal banking systems. According to the Central Bank of Nigeria, approximately 26% of Nigerian adults, or about 28.8 million people, remain financially excluded, with rural communities and informal sector workers being particularly affected. is working to change this by making essential financial services accessible to these groups, particularly women.

Through this new initiative, The Alternative Bank is opening access to formal financial services for over 16 million members of the AMWMF. The collaboration is designed to provide members with access to a range of banking services, including zero-fee accounts, microloans, and SME funding, aimed at fostering business growth and financial independence.

Korede Demola-Adeniyi, Executive Director at The Alternative Bank, shared her thoughts on the role of banks in supporting grassroots financial inclusion, saying, “To adequately bridge the financial inclusion gap, financial institutions must continue to devote resources towards removing the barriers that have historically hindered large segments of our population. For the unbanked and underbanked, the challenges go beyond the lack of physical infrastructure and extend to deeper issues of trust, financial illiteracy, and systemic exclusion from mainstream financial services.

“At The Alternative Bank, we are committed to breaking these barriers by offering tailored solutions and championing programs that empower people to take control of their financial futures. We believe that by simplifying access to financial services and addressing these long-standing obstacles, we can unlock the potential of millions of grassroots entrepreneurs and contribute to broader economic growth.”

Recognising education as a key factor in the country’s financial literacy gap, The Alternative Bank is offering the Association’s members access to financial literacy training and personalised business support, aimed at empowering them with the knowledge and skills to manage and grow their finances effectively. In addition, the Bank is also supporting business growth by offering no initial fees for point-of-sale (POS) terminals to vendors, making it easier for them to accept electronic payments.

The drive, which began in Oyo State, will extend to 15 other states across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones throughout the course of the year and has since received strong support from AMWMF’s leadership. Erelu Dr. Becky Olubukola, the National President of the Association, praised the collaboration as a crucial step towards realising the association’s vision of creating an environment where every member has the opportunity to thrive. She emphasised that, by working with financial institutions like The Alternative Bank, the association could vastly expand opportunities for its members and help drive local economic development.

In addition to banking services, The Alternative Bank is also exploring innovative solutions to meet the diverse and evolving needs of grassroots entrepreneurs. This includes the deployment of electric-powered tricycles for market vendors to help with the transportation of goods and the introduction of health and medical kiosks in underserved areas to improve access to basic healthcare. Furthermore, the Bank is committed to creating wealth for the Association’s members through initiatives like its waste-to-wealth program, which enables participants to convert waste materials into viable income-generating ventures.

CODRA Case against Adron Homes Dismissed

In a legal victory for Adron Homes, the Federal High Court sitting in Abeokuta, Ogun State, has dismissed the suit brought by the Registered Trustees of the City of David Residents Association (CODRA) and five others, Elder Gbadebo Aromolaran, Mr. Adetokunbo Adeshile, Mr. Olaolu Ayinde, Olusegun Aba Yomi Esq, Oluwadamilare Awokoya Esq, against Adron Homes and Properties Limited.

The case, Suit No. FHC/AB/FHR/58/2023, was presided over by Hon. Justice Abiodun J. Adeyemi, who, after an exhaustive review of the claims and evidence presented, found the Applicants’ allegations to be unsubstantiated, speculative, and without merit.

The Applicants had alleged that Adron Homes infringed on their right to personal liberty. However, the court held that they failed to present any credible evidence showing that Adron Homes posed any threat or committed any act constituting a breach of their fundamental human rights.

Hon. Justice Adeyemi noted that there was no record or proof of any invitation, arrest, or action traceable to Adron Homes that could justify such a claim. He concluded that the allegations were merely speculative and unsupported by evidence.

On the claim of proscription and infringement of the Applicants’ right to freedom of association, the court ruled emphatically that Adron Homes has no power to proscribe CODRA or prevent residents from associating. However, in a critical clarification, the court affirmed that while residents are free to associate among themselves, the legal right to own, manage, and make administrative decisions concerning the estate remains vested in Adron Homes, as the rightful developer and manager.

Justice Adeyemi stressed that the court’s decision was guided strictly by evidence and the law, not by conjecture or subjective interpretation. Consequently, the Applicants’ case was dismissed in its entirety.

Despite Adron Homes’ victory in the lawsuit, the organisation’s true victory is in ensuring the well-being and satisfaction of all its subscribers and residents, and they will not relent in guaranteeing this.

This landmark judgement not only vindicates Adron Homes but also reaffirms its position as a law-abiding, customer-focused developer dedicated to delivering value and protecting the interests of its clients.

NIESV Lagos Chairman Leads Delegation to Adron Homes, Seeks Strategic Collaboration

Left to Right- Managing Director, Adron Group, Adenike Ajobo, NIESV Honorary Secretary, Lagos Branch, ESV Olaseni Lojede, Chairman, Adron Group, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuelking KOF, NIESV Chairman, Lagos Branch, ESV Tosin Kadiri, Honorary Treasurer, NIESV Lagos State Branch, ESV Talat Yusuf-Abdulkadri

In a significant move toward fostering synergy between key players in the real estate sector, the Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Lagos State Branch, ESV Tosin Kadiri, led a high-powered delegation on a courtesy visit to the Chairman of Adron Group, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuelking KOF. The visit, which took place at the Adron Homes Head Office, demonstrated the growing need for strategic partnerships to accelerate housing delivery and professional integration within Nigeria’s real estate ecosystem.

Welcoming the NIESV delegation, the Group Chairman, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, a proud member of the Institute, shared an inspiring insight into the journey that birthed Adron Homes. He recalled his early professional experiences in estate management, which shaped his vision to transition into property development, not merely to build houses, but to create cities, communities, and homes that endure.

“Adron Homes was not born out of convenience, but of a calling,” he stated. “The industry is rife with challenges, but if you are truly called and driven by vision, you will stand out. We’ve seen many fall by the wayside, but with determination, resilience, and strategic thinking, we have continued to build and grow.”

He highlighted Adron’s innovative application of the labelling theory in estate development, thematically branding each estate to reflect cultural or geographic inspiration. This, he noted, along with Adron’s heavy investment in infrastructure, has set the company apart as a responsible, visionary, and futuristic developer.

Speaking on behalf of the visiting team, the Chairman of NIESV Lagos Branch, ESV Kadiri Tosin, lauded Adron Homes as a formidable pillar in the Nigerian real estate landscape. He admired the scale and consistency of Adron’s developments and emphasized the need for a more structured relationship between the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), and Adron Homes.

“We are here to seek collaboration. We believe that our members can tap into the vast structures and opportunities that Adron Homes has already created,” he stated. Adding to the discourse, the Chairman of the NIESV Cooperative Society echoed the call for a deeper partnership. He proposed a collaborative housing scheme wherein Adron Homes could allocate a zone within its existing estates for NIESV members to create bespoke properties, aligned with their professional dreams and financial capabilities. According to him, “This collaboration could bring our collective dream into the larger Adron vision.”

In addition, the NIESV Lagos Chairman proposed a strategic partnership where experienced members of the institute, particularly those with expertise in estate and facility management, can be integrated into Adron Homes’ operations to create added value across its estates.

In his response, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking welcomed the proposals with open arms, expressing optimism about the future of a deepened collaboration between both parties.

“We’ve enjoyed a cordial and mutually beneficial relationship with NIESV Lagos Branch in the past,” he said. “This administration brings renewed energy, and we are eager to deepen that relationship in meaningful and strategic ways. We are always open to working with professionals whose values align with our mission and vision.”

Members of the NIESV Lagos Branch delegation took turns to commend the impressive footprint of Adron Homes across the nation. One of the executives remarked, “This visit has been an eye-opener. As practitioners in the industry, we often underestimate the breadth and depth of being a real estate developer. Today, we’ve gained a new perspective, and more importantly, renewed inspiration.”

In attendance at the high-level meeting were several NIESV executives; the Vice-Chairman, ESV Ayodeji Odeleye, the Honorary Secretary, ESV Olaseni Lojede, among others, as well as Adron Group’s management team, including the Managing Director, Adenike Ajobo; the Group Company Secretary, Shola Orunmuyiwa; the Deputy Managing Director, Business Investment, Chitola Roberts; the Chief Press Secretary, Maureen Echefu; and the Personal Assistant to the Chairman, Faruq Salisu, among other company executives.

The meeting ended on a promising note, with both institutions expressing strong commitment to building a collaborative future. The engagement marks a pivotal step toward the professionalization of housing development and delivery, opening doors to mutually rewarding collaborations between developers and estate professionals.

With visionaries like Aare Adetola Emmanuelking at the helm, championing sustainable development and collaboration, the future of Nigeria’s real estate industry continues to look exceptionally bright.

Tinubu hails former VP Sambo’s integrity on 71st birthday

President Bola Tinubu on Saturday congratulated a former Vice President and elder statesman, Namadi Sambo, on his 71st birthday.

Sambo, who was born on August 2nd, 1954 served as the Vice President of Nigeria from May 19, 2010 to 29 May 29, 2015.

He was the Governor of Kaduna State from 2007 to 2010.

Tinubu, in a press statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, titled, “President Tinubu felicitates former Vice President Sambo on his birthday,” described Sambo as a renowned architect.

According to Tinubu, Sambo is a man of integrity and loyalty who is deeply committed to Nigeria’s unity and stability.

“As a prominent leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, Sambo worked closely with President Jonathan, serving with dedication and maintaining a relationship of mutual respect in and out of office.

“President Tinubu appreciates Sambo’s continued leadership and statesmanship in Nigeria and the West African subregion, including his support for Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani in advancing religious tolerance, peace, and stability statewide.

“Sambo led the ECOWAS Observation Mission to Ghana’s December 2024 Presidential Elections. Before this, he headed a similar mission in the Republic of Niger in December 2020 and the run-off poll in that country in February 2021,” the statement noted.

The President also wished Sambo many more years in good health and continued service to the nation.

Floods: 165 dead, 119,791 affected in 2025– NEMA

The National Emergency Management Agency said no fewer than 165 persons have died, 82 missing and 119,791 persons have been affected by this year’s flooding.

NEMA revealed this in its data dashboard on Friday.

The agency also stated that 138 persons sustained various degrees of injuries, 43,936 displaced, 8,594 houses affected and 8,278 farmlands destroyed across 43 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in 19 States.

According to the agency, children and women were mostly affected.

It said, “53,314 children , 36,573 women, 24,600 men, 5,304 elderly, 1,863 disabled persons have so far been affected by this year flood.”

The states with the highest number of affected persons are Imo, Rivers, Abia, Borno and Kaduna States.

Meanwhile, the 19 states affected are; Abia, FCT, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Borno, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Ondo, Rivers and Sokoto States.

NIS warns Nigerians against misusing US visas

The Nigeria Immigration Service has issued an advisory urging Nigerians to use their U.S. visas responsibly and in strict compliance with the stated purpose of their application.

This follows concerns raised by the U.S. Government over the misuse of visas by some Nigerian citizens.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, the Service Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi, said Nigerians holding U.S. visas must adhere to the terms and conditions under which the visas were granted.

“The Nigeria Immigration Service wishes to inform the general public of concerns raised by the United States Government regarding the misuse of U.S. visas by Nigerians.

“All visa holders are advised to strictly adhere to the purpose stated in their visa applications

“U.S. authorities conduct security screening beyond the initial point of entry into the country. Any breach of immigration or other laws can lead to visa revocation or deportation.

“Breach of visa conditions, including overstaying, may attract severe penalties, including removal from the U.S. and permanent ineligibility for future travel,” he said.

According to him, the U.S. remains committed to maintaining a secure and transparent visa process and expects all visa holders to comply fully with its immigration regulations.

He also advised Nigerian students in the U.S. to remain in active study programmes and refrain from unauthorised withdrawal or absenteeism.

He noted that such actions could result in visa cancellation and the loss of future eligibility for U.S. travel.

The NIS warned that the U.S. consular officers reserve the right to deny tourist visas to applicants suspected of intending to travel to give birth, in a bid to secure U.S. citizenship for their children.

“The NIS will continue to collaborate with the U.S. Mission in Abuja to ensure Nigeria is not included in any expanded visa restrictions,” he said.

“We are calling on all Nigerian citizens to comply with U.S. visa rules as such conduct is essential to safeguarding legitimate travel opportunities.

Amnesty International condemns closure of Niger radio station

Amnesty International has condemned the order issued by the Governor of Niger State, Umar Bago, directing the closure of Badeggi 90.1 FM Radio in Minna.

The human rights organisation said the allegation that the radio station was “inciting violence” and the subsequent directive to revoke its licence represent an abuse of power.

In a statement on Saturday by the Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, the organisation said the order for the closure of the radio station is misguided and unjustifiable.

Sanusi criticised the state government’s focus on media clampdown amid worsening insecurity in the region, including killings and mass displacement by armed groups.

He said, “Amnesty International strongly condemns the lawless and repressive order issued yesterday by Governor Umar Bago of Niger State for the closure of Badeggi 90.1 FM Radio Minna – which is an independent sources of news for the people of Niger state.

“The governor’s allegation against the radio station of ‘inciting violence’ and his order that ‘the licence of the dadio station be revoked’ clearly show abuse of power and unacceptable intolerance of critical voices. The order for the closure of the radio station is misguided and unjustifiable.”

He called on Bago to immediately withdraw the order, stating that under Nigerian law, state governors lack the authority to shut down broadcast stations.

Sanusi said, “While bandits and insurgents are ravaging the Niger state through killings and massive displacements of rural communities, with both the Federal Government and Niger State failing to protect lives, pointing accusing fingers at a radio station clearly shows a failure of leadership.

“Attacking Badeggi 90.1 FM is part of a wider pattern of attempts to create climate of fear across newsrooms in Nigeria and to make it harder for journalists to do their job.

“Governor Bago must immediately withdraw his unlawful order. “Under Nigerian laws, the governor has no power to order the closure of a radio station. Choosing to bizarrely blame a radio station for the inexcusable security failures of the government is an open attack on media freedom.

“Targeting independent media is solely aimed at depriving the people of the opportunity to receive fair and objective reporting of issues affecting their lives.”

Recall that on Thursday, the governor ordered the closure of Badeggi FM Radio Station for inciting violence.

The governor gave the directive during the expanded Niger State APC Caucus meeting held at the Government House, Minna.

According to him, the decision was taken because the daily activities of the Radio station have been unethical.