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US Visa-Free Entry for 90 Days: Nigeria Missing from Eligible Countries List

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US Visa-Free Entry for 90 Days: Nigeria Missing from Eligible Countries List

Through a unique agreement known as the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), citizens of 43 nations can now enter the United States for up to 90 days without a visa.
Before leaving on their trip, these individuals must, however, fulfill specific requirements and receive approval via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
The US Customs and Border Protection administers the ESTA online system, which establishes a traveler’s eligibility for visa-free travel under the VWP. Note that travelers must apply for ESTA in advance and that their stay cannot be longer than 90 days.
Nigeria is not on the list of nations, though.

Both business and tourism are permitted uses of the VWP.

The US government further said that residents of a VWP nation will not be eligible for ESTA if:

On or after March 1, 2011, you have traveled to or been in North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen.

Read Also: EPL Transfer: Cunha’s Move to Manchester United Almost Finalized

1. You traveled to or were in Cuba on or after January 12, 2021.

2. You are a dual national of Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, North Korea, or Cuba.

3. Instead of applying for the VWP, you must apply for a regular B-1/B-2 visitor visa if any of the aforementioned circumstances apply to you.

The list of nations eligible for the waiver program can be found below.

Andorra, first
2. Australia 3. Austria 4. Belgium 5. Brunei 6. Chile
7. Croatia,
8. Czech Republic 9. Denmark 10. Estonia
11. The Nordic nation
12. The French.
13. The Germans
14. Greece 15. Hungary
16. The island of Iceland
17. Ireland 18. Israel 19. Italy 20. Japan 21. Latvia 22. Liechtenstein 23. Lithuania 24. Luxembourg 25. Malta 26. Monaco
27. New Zealand 28. Netherlands
29. Norway 30. Poland
Republic of Korea (South Korea) 33. Portugal 32. Qatar 34. Romania 35. San Marino
36. Singapore; 37. Slovakia; 38. Slovenia; 39. Spain; 40. Sweden; 41. Switzerland
42. Taiwan 43. The United Kingdom

EPL Transfer: Cunha’s Move to Manchester United Almost Finalized

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EPL Transfer: Cunha’s Move to Manchester United Almost Finalized

Globo says that Matheus Cunha’s transfer from Wolves to Manchester United is reportedly nearing its “final stages.”

Despite being extensively linked to leaving the Molineux in January, Cunha ultimately agreed to a new deal with the team.

After having an incredible season in which he scored 14 goals and provided four assists in the Premier League, the Brazilian has been in high demand.

Cunha’s play has helped Wolves virtually maintain their top-flight position despite their dismal play this season.

Read Also: Peter Obi Will Lead Nigerians to Demand Change in 2027 – CUPP

Now, it appears that United will pay £62.5 million to sign Cunha as their first summer acquisition.

After making “significant” progress, the parties’ negotiations are now in their final phases.

His familiarity with Ruben Amorim’s favored 3-4-2-1 configuration is one of the main factors influencing United’s interest.

Amorim has never concealed his respect for Cunha, complimenting his versatility and goal-scoring ability.

Peter Obi Will Lead Nigerians to Demand Change in 2027 – CUPP

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Peter Obi Will Lead Nigerians to Demand Change in 2027 – CUPP

Nigerians will choose the outcome of the 2027 election, according to the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP).
According to reports, CUPP National Secretary Chief Peter Ameh observed that Peter Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate, received more votes in the 2023 election in spite of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) purportedly faulty figures.
In a statement released Friday, Chief Ameh denounced the mindset of Nigerian politicians, which is motivated by selfish interests.
“In less than six months of campaigning, Peter Obi, representing the Labour Party, achieved remarkable success, even though the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced flawed results.

Obi received over 50% of the vote in seven states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and over 25% in sixteen states, without the support of governors or the aid of electoral manipulation apparatus. His supremacy in important cities like the FCT, Rivers, and Lagos demonstrated the strength of a coalition of people who are all driven by the same goal of change, he said.

Read Also: N30m Bribe Attempt: Ighodalo Cries Foul, Heads to Supreme Court

The most recent election in 2023 demonstrated the ability of the people to bring about political change, the former National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) emphasized.

“This alliance of common Nigerians—youth, laborers, businesspeople, and professionals—showed that the people’s will can overthrow the established political elite.” The 2023 elections made clear the weaknesses of inept and heartless politicians who are incapable of governing for the common good and whose sole goal is to seize power.

“These politicians have used defection and manipulation to hold onto power, frequently protected by the so-called “federal might.” Under the guise of political strategy, governors and other elected officials routinely switch parties, undermining the confidence of their voters.

“Public trust in governance has been undermined by this lack of accountability and discipline, but the people are more committed than ever to ending this cycle of opportunism and poor performance,” he continued.

N30m Bribe Attempt: Ighodalo Cries Foul, Heads to Supreme Court

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N30m Bribe Attempt: Ighodalo Cries Foul, Heads to Supreme Court

Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) candidate for Edo State’s governorship election on September 21, 2024, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of trying to bribe his witnesses before the tribunal with ₦30 million.
Ighodalo disclosed the information during Thursday’s PDP stakeholders’ meeting in Benin. He did, however, thank his witnesses for their tenacity and commitment to the cause, promising to “claim his mandate” by taking the case to the Supreme Court.
Despite the tribunal’s decision, which he felt attempted to sabotage justice, the PDP chieftain declared that he, his running mate Osarodion Ogie, and other party members in the state will continue the battle.
“We will fight this battle to the end,” he declared. In order to be here, several of our supporters traveled from their homes. Despite being offered N30m to persuade them, all of our witnesses have remained unwavering. I want to thank all of them for sticking by the celebration.

Read Also: Second Term Unnecessary, 5-Year Single Tenure Enough – Obi

“The tribunal’s decision was unfair. We will carry the case all the way to the Supreme Court after filing an appeal. God is just, therefore we have faith that He will step in. In spite of everything going on around us, we must continue to be resilient and determined.

Ighodalo pledged that they would build on the framework established by former Governor Lucky Igbinedion once they regained the mandate.

“We will continue where leaders like Lucky Igbinedion left off once we receive our mandate.” Everyone will be at ease after our eight years in power, with the exception of those who refuse to work. God has been teaching us to be humble and to have good morals. We would have made a grave error by selecting the wrong individuals if we had been sworn in after the election. When we take office, the party members’ devotion will be rewarded,” he declared.

Second Term Unnecessary, 5-Year Single Tenure Enough – Obi

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Second Term Unnecessary, 5-Year Single Tenure Enough – Obi

Peter Obi, a former Labour Party presidential candidate, has criticized Nigeria’s present political system, which upholds an elected governor’s or president’s eight-year term.
Nigeria’s constitution permits a second tenure opportunity, which Obi reportedly claimed was a contributing factor in the country’s governance issues.
When he spoke on Thursday about “Politics and Change in Nigeria” at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, he made this claim.

For governors and presidents, the former governor of Anambra State favored a single five-year term.

Read Also: Tinubu’s Achievements Attracting Opposition Politicians to APC—Alile

“A second eight-year tenure is not necessary. Because it’s part of our problem, I believe. We require folks to only attend for one term. For me, five years. I think you can do anything. Indeed, after five years you might not be able to pursue your goals. There are many who argue that you can exhibit the correct path after five years. He answered, “If you mean well.”
Nigeria and Africa have gifted youth, but leaders have not been able to fully utilize their potential, the national leader of the Labour Party emphasized.

Nigeria continues to be a nation with enormous potential. Natural resources in Nigeria and Africa have enormous potential. I am aware that human capital requires training, but we have young individuals who are vibrant, talented, pushing the ball in the correct direction, and all that.

The government, he added, “just organizes corporate leadership based on doing the right things, as I mentioned.”

Tinubu’s Achievements Attracting Opposition Politicians to APC – Alile

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Tinubu’s Achievements Attracting Opposition Politicians to APC – Alile

The influx of opposition politicians into the All Progressives Congress (APC) is attributed to President Bola Tinubu’s good work, according to Mary Alile, the party’s national women leader.
Mrs. Alile was said to have praised former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for abandoning the opposition PDP-controlled party.
Opposition party members and chieftains from all over the country have been joining the APC, according to a statement released on Thursday by the party’s national women leader.
The widespread defection in Delta, according to her, signals a shift in the political climate of Delta State.

In Abia State, more than 500 members of the Labour Party (LP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Young People’s Party (YPP), and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) have defected to the APC in Bende Federal Constituency. Many other states have also had significant defections to the APC.

“The APC now has more members in the state legislature after four members of the Edo State House of Assembly who were previously with the PDP and LP defected to the party.

In a move that strengthened the party’s support at the grassroots level, former PDP governorship candidate Joseph Ameh Erico joined the APC in Olamaboro Local Government Area together with a large number of followers.

In Munya Local Government Area, Niger State, some 200 PDP members—including well-known individuals like Hon. Abdullahi Mohammed Ricco, a former member of the House of Representatives—have switched to the APC.

Prominent PDP leaders in Sokoto and Zamfara States, including as Alhaji Sahabi Bojo-Bodinga in Sokoto and Hajiya Madina Shehu in Zamfara, have led sizable numbers of supporters to the APC, bolstering the party’s presence in these areas.

Read Also: Uncertainty Surrounds Victor Osimhen’s Transfer to Manchester United

And hundreds of members of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and PDP had switched to the APC in Ondo State ahead of the election, she said, showing a change in political loyalty.
Alile went on to praise President Tinubu for his forward-thinking leadership and steadfast dedication to national progress, both of which have been crucial in drawing new party members.

She praised the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party and the women’s organizations that are spread throughout the country for their grassroots mobilization efforts.

The APC National Chairman and the whole National Working Committee deserve special recognition for their calculated attempts to promote inclusivity and unity within the party.

“As the National Woman Leader, I acknowledge and honor the crucial role that women have played throughout this time of transformation. APC’s growing power has been largely attributed to their commitment to grassroots campaigning and mobilization. For our party to continue to develop and succeed, we must keep empowering and assisting women,” she continued.

Uncertainty Surrounds Victor Osimhen’s Transfer to Manchester United

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Uncertainty Surrounds Victor Osimhen’s Transfer to Manchester United

According to reports, Manchester United of the English Premier League has not included Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen on their list of summer transfer targets because of the league’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), which place financial restrictions on players.
Implemented from the 2015–2016 season, the PSR attempts to limit clubs’ excessive expenditure by allowing them to lose no more than £105 million during a three-year financial cycle.
The impact of these rules was especially noticeable during the previous season when Everton was docked 10 points for exceeding expenditure caps; after an appeal, the penalty was lowered to six points.

In United’s case, Osimhen appears to be the best person to help with their continuous goal-scoring issues; nonetheless, Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Matheus Cunha is still the team’s top target.
Cunha has a £62.5 million release clause, which Manchester United seems eager to exercise in order to increase their offensive options.

According to United News, Osimhen might be a good addition to Cunha, but United would need to spend almost £51 million to acquire the striker, who is presently on loan at Galatasaray. His high salary demands might make a summer transfer impractical.

Read Also: ‘I Love Them To Death’ – Uzor Arukwe Addresses Gay Scandal Rumors

In order to hire a player of Osimhen’s caliber, the team would have to manage their current payroll properly and perhaps cut it.

There are rumors that 26-year-old Osimhen has already agreed to sign a contract with Manchester United for this summer. The striker reportedly received a lucrative offer of €20 million a year from the Red Devils.

Serie A powerhouse Juventus and Manchester United have each made a sizable offer worth £17.1 million net annually, or roughly £330,000 per week after taxes, according to sources, including Turkish writer Ali Naci Küçük. Osimhen would earn almost £660,000 a week before taxes if this deal were to be confirmed, making him United’s highest-paid player.

United is unlikely to pursue Osimhen any further; therefore, this value and financial structure may soon be reexamined.

Transfer specialist David Ornstein said on NBC Sports about the team’s recruitment strategy, stressing that Matheus Cunha is their top target for the midfield position, even if they will need to negotiate personal terms, which are not assured.

Ornstein went on to say that Liam Delap of Ipswich Town is Manchester United’s top priority in terms of striker signings. Delap has a £30 million release clause linked to the club’s relegation.
To make his possible transfer even more competitive, keep in mind that Delap is also being courted by Chelsea and other Premier League teams. Prior to the start of the European Under-21 Championship, Delap is anticipated to make a choice about his future.

On loan from Napoli to Galatasaray, Osimhen has been having an incredible season, scoring 30 goals and dishing out seven assists in just 35 games across all competitions.

‘I Love Them To Death’ – Uzor Arukwe Addresses Gay Scandal Rumors

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‘I Love Them To Death’ – Uzor Arukwe Addresses Gay Scandal Rumors

Actor Uzor Arukwe of Nollywood has recounted how astonished he was by the rumors about his sexual orientation.
In an interview on the “Unfiltered and Extra Spicy” podcast, the movie star reportedly stated that he was initially thrilled about the rumors because he thought they would help him get attention.
Uzor denied the allegation that he was gay, stating that he would own it and have no need to conceal it.

Along with expressing his love and support for his gay pals, the actor said he does not judge anyone based on their sexual orientation.

Read Also: FCT Workers, Teachers Protest Non-payment of Wages and Benefits

“The worst rumor I have heard about myself is that I am gay,” he stated. Even though I was completely astonished, I was also a little delighted since I had heard that you would blow up when others started saying stuff like that, so I reasoned that this must be it. I adore my many homosexual buddies. I am aware of their sexual orientation since they are my people.

I have nothing at all against them, and I adore them. But just because they are perceived by some as belonging to a particular group of individuals doesn’t mean that I will agree with them. Let God judge me.

“I would own it if it were my sexuality. I will be among the most attractive people in the area.

FCT Workers, Teachers Protest Non-payment of Wages and Benefits

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FCT Workers, Teachers Protest Non-payment of Wages and Benefits

On Thursday, primary school teachers and local government employees from the Federal Capital Territory’s (FCT) six Area Councils protested peacefully in Abuja, protesting the ongoing non-payment of their rights and the recently agreed minimum wage.
To voice their displeasure with the Area Council Chairmen’s failure to implement the ₦70,000 minimum salary and other related perks, the protesters, who were united under the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), marched through the streets.
Education and council personnel from all six area councils participated widely in the long-awaited demonstration, which was first scheduled for Wednesday.

Read Also: Nigeria’s D’Tigress Set for Group D Clash at 2025 Women’s AfroBasket

The unions complained about what they called unfair treatment in comparison to their direct FCT Administration coworkers, who are already enjoying the benefits of the new wage structure.
Comrade Sa’ad Abdulmumin, the FCT Secretary of NULGE, told reporters in Gwagwalada on Monday that the nonviolent demonstration was an intentional attempt to draw national attention to the ongoing disregard for their rights.

The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has authorized and disbursed ₦4.1 billion expressly for the implementation of the new minimum wage, but the six council chairmen have not complied, Abdulmumin emphasized.

He also noted that the council leaders had not implemented the ₦30,000 wage award, the 25–35% salary adjustments, the 40% unique allowance, or the 35% adjustment under the CONHESS/CONMESS salary structures, in addition to the minimum wage.

In addition, no pension deductions have been sent to the employees’ Pension Fund Administrators (PFA).

Abdulmumin expressed regret that the area council chairmen have not been willing to resolve the issues despite multiple industrial actions by the impacted personnel, calling their position “adamant, unmoved, and insensitive” to the well-being of the teachers and staff.

Nigeria’s D’Tigress Set for Group D Clash at 2025 Women’s AfroBasket

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Nigeria’s D’Tigress Set for Group D Clash at 2025 Women’s AfroBasket

For the eagerly awaited 2025 Women’s AfroBasket Championship, Nigeria’s D’Tigress, the current African champions, have been assigned to Group D.
For the event, which will begin in Côte d’Ivoire from July 26 to August 3, D’Tigress is grouped with Mozambique and Rwanda.
The Nigerian women’s basketball team, led by head coach Rena Wakama, is keen to win the competition a record-tying seventh championship.

Read Also: “Sex Can’t Replace Talent” – Kunle Afod Speaks on Nollywood Casting Scandals

There are high hopes for the squad to expand on their previous achievements after D’Tigress put on an incredible performance at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, where they advanced to the quarterfinals.
In the forthcoming AfroBasket Championship, they hope to further establish their supremacy in African women’s basketball, and their expertise and tenacity will be essential.

It should be noted that the D’Tigress are the competition’s most dominant squad. They have won the competition four times in a row, therefore if they win this year, it will be their fifth consecutive victory and their seventh overall.

Famous teams Angola and Egypt will compete against the host country, Côte d’Ivoire, in Group A of this year’s tournament. South Sudan, Cameroon, and Mali make up Group B’s competitive composition. Senegal, Uganda, and Guinea will face each other in Group C.

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