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UAE denies $10k bank balance, N640k fee for Nigerian visa applicants

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UAE denies $10k bank balance, N640k fee for Nigerian visa applicants

The United Arab Emirates has denied approving $10k bank balance, and N640k fee requirements for Nigerians applying for visas into the country, reports The Cable.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced on Monday, that the UAE authorities agreed to vacate travel restrictions imposed on Nigerians.

Idris further revealed that applicants must fulfill certain conditions part of which was obtaining a document verification number on documentverificationhub.ae

According to the website, the verification costs a non-refundable N640,000 excluding VAT for each application. This does not include the visa fee.

Additionally, applicants must provide a six-month bank statement showing a minimum balance of $10,000.

This development was condemned by air travellers who labelled the requirements as a “constructive ban,”

However, inquiries by TheCable to the UAE’s Department of Economy and Tourism revealed that the DV hub website is not affiliated with the UAE government.

The department noted that document verification inquiries should be directed to Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.

The GDRFAD meanwhile revealed that the visa application process requires a personal photo and a passport with at least six months validity. A tourist visa costs approximately 200-300 dirhams (N60,000 – 90,000), depending on the length of stay.

Applicants also need a travel ticket and valid medical insurance for the UAE.

When asked about the $10,000 bank balance requirement, GDRFAD responded, “We are not aware of such requirements. Make your visa applications through the GDRFAD.”

The spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Eche Abu-Obe, assured that further clarification on the matter would be sought from the ministry’s office in the Middle East.

It would be recalled that the UAE had imposed a visa ban on Nigeria barely two years ago due to various diplomatic disputes.

Additionally, Dubai’s Emirates Airline halted flights to Nigeria because the Central Bank of Nigeria couldn’t remit an estimated $85 million in revenue to the UAE.

In June, following several meetings with the UAE government, the Federal Government assured Nigerians that the visa ban would soon be lifted.

During the same month, the Nigerian government announced that it had paid 98 percent of $850 million.

Madrid captain Modric signs one-year contract extension

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Madrid captain Modric signs one-year contract extension

Captain Luka Modric has signed a one-year contract extension with Real Madrid after his contract had ended last month.
The 38-year-old has won 26 trophies, including six Champions League titles and four domestic titles since joining Real Madrid from Tottenham in 2012.
Modric has featured in 534 matches for Los Blancos, scoring 39 goals.
The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner played 46 times across all competitions in 2023-24 but started on just 23 occasions.
Read Also: Modric dedicates Ballon d’Or to Xavi, Iniesta, others
In the just-comcluded European Championship, Modric started in all three of Croatia’s matches as they crashed out after finishing third in their group.
Modric’s continuing presence at Real will ensure manager Carlo Ancelotti has experience to count on.
Real Madrid have already completed the high profile signing of Kylian Mbappe from Paris St-Germain, with the France striker officially unveiled on 16 July.
Teenager Endrick has also been drafted in from Brazilian side Palmeiras to bolster the 15-time European champions.
The post Madrid captain Modric signs one-year contract extension appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

‘My miracle soap has government approval’ – Prophet Jeremiah (VIDEO)

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‘My miracle soap has government approval’ – Prophet Jeremiah (VIDEO)

Popular Nigerian prophet, Jeremiah Fufeyin, has stated that his miracle soap has the approval of the Nigerian government.
TVN recalls that the founder of the Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministries, CMDM, had launched his miracle product which includes soap, perfume and water, among others.
Criticising the development, Abel Damina, the founder of Power City International in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, condemned the miracle products, tagging Jeremiah a business man.
Responding in a now controversial video on social media, Jeremiah noted that the miracle soap also works for him, stating that it has a registered number from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC.
In a now trending video, he said, “They said Jeremiah wants to use miracle soap. I wonder, are you not tired of suffering? Now listen to me carefully.
“This soap, NAFDAC has approved it. I’m not from the company that approved the NAFDAC number, but I am using it because my own is to say the word of God. I used it and succeeded with it. Something you don’t know quite.”
Watch him speak below:

“Our Miracle soap has Nafdac Number.”
– Prophet Jeremiah. pic.twitter.com/lkB6NQwaNY
— X-Daily (@X_Dailly) July 15, 2024

‘My miracle soap has government approval’ – Prophet Jeremiah (VIDEO)

SDP backs planned protest on economic hardship

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SDP backs planned protest on economic hardship

The leadership of the Social Democratic Party has thrown its weight behind the planned nationwide protest against the economic hardship in the country.

The National Chairman of the SDP, Shehu Gabam, announced this at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday.

Gabam, who lamented that so many Nigerians are undergoing hardship, said the demonstration was in the interest of the masses.

His concern comes one week after the Chairman of Progressive Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, exonerated President Bola Tinubu from the inflation and economic challenge ravaging the country.

Uzodimma insisted it would be unfair for anybody to blame the president, arguing that the biting hardship is a global phenomenon and not limited to Nigeria.

But speaking with newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday, Gabam disclosed that his party has endorsed the protest to show solidarity with the Nigerians.

This was even as he appealed for the protesters to conduct themselves peacefully to avoid having the planned demonstration hijacked.

According to him, the struggle for a better Nigeria should be the responsibility of all irrespective of political differences or ethnic background.

He said, “Being conscious that we have no other country except Nigeria, we in the Social Democratic Party support the protest. We also call on all security agencies to be civil in responding to the yearnings and concerns of millions of Nigerians.

“They must stay aware that the protesters are their brothers and sisters not enemies of the state. We believe in the welfare and the future of the country. They must also remember that we share the same markets, hospitals, burden of school fees, bills, and groceries by implication.

“The struggle for a better Nigeria is the responsibility of all irrespective of our political differences and dispositions.”

Continuing, the SDP chairman emphasised that the party would continue to call on the government to stand with the people and fight for a better country where everyone has access to opportunities, justice, and prosperity.

Meanwhile, a civil society organization has warned the groups and individuals behind the planned protest to shelve the move.

The group appealed that the organizers should instead seek a strategic engagement and collaboration with the government to mitigate the effects of the hardship.

The convener of the Door-to-Door Youth and Women Initiative for Good Governance, Khadija Yusuf, made the call while addressing newsmen in Abuja.

She said, “As the call for the #EndBadGovernance protest gains momentum, I urge you to channel your remarkable strength and wisdom towards dialogue, collaboration, and constructive engagement.

“While protest remains a fundamental right of every citizen as enshrined in our constitution, it is evident that beyond genuine complaints, these recent calls to protest have been highly sensationalized and carry glaring political undertones.

“We must be aware that some of the voices pushing for these protests are those who have lost in the political arena and are desperate to plunge our country into crisis for their gain. We must not allow our genuine desire for progress to be hijacked by those with ulterior motives as we saw in some protests in recent years.

“Our voices are valid, and our concerns are genuine. Our current reality and hunger level in the land stretch beyond social or economic strata. However, the narrative in our media spaces, mainly social media, has exposed a sinister plot to cause anarchy in the land, banking on our diversity.”

Local council chairman impeached for alleged N1.7bn budget padding in Edo

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Local council chairman impeached for alleged N1.7bn budget padding in Edo

Members of the legislative arm in Egor local government area in Edo State on Wednesday impeached the chairman, Ms. Eghe Ogbemudia, over alleged padding of the council’s supplementary budget.
Eghe Ogbemudia is the daughter of the former military governor of the state, the late Samuel Ogbemudia.
The impeachment followed a vote of no confidence against the chairman during the council’s legislative session presided over by the Leader of the House, Mr. Godwin Edigin.
The councillor representing Ward 2 in the area, Mrs. Stella Ogida, had during the sitting moved a motion for a no-confidence vote against the chairman over alleged gross misconduct.
She said: “This is the 10th month since our inauguration and we, the Councillors of Egor Legislative Arm do not have offices.
“We have also uncovered the padding of the council’s supplementary budget to the tune of N1.7 billion.
“The chairman did not involve the councilors in the preparation and approval of the council’s supplementary budget.
“After reviewing this and many other acts of gross misconduct, I want to pass a vote of no confidence on the chairman, Ms. Ogbemudia.”
The councillor from Ward 9 in the area, Mr. Elliot Inneh, seconded the motion, saying: “We have tried to reach out to the chairman to no avail.
“Before us today, we have a budget proposal amounting to N6.054 billion that was passed through this hallowed chamber.
“To our greatest surprise, we found out that the chairman in connivance with the erstwhile leader of the House went behind and padded the budget to the tune of N7.89 billion.”
The post Local council chairman impeached for alleged N1.7bn budget padding in Edo appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Confusion as mob blocks entrance of Port Harcourt Refinery [VIDEO]

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Confusion as mob blocks entrance of Port Harcourt Refinery [VIDEO]

There was confusion in Rivers State on Wednesday as group of individuals blocked the entrance of the Port Harcourt Refinery Complex in Alesa-Elema.
In the trending video, posted on X by a social media influencer, Imran Muhammed, the individuals were seen dancing to music in a makeshift tent and slaughtering a cow.
When contacted by TVN, the spokesperson of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, did not pick calls.
He also failed to reply a text message which sought clarification on the incident.
However, it was reported that the group of individuals are insisting on stopping the functional operation of the refinery.
The development comes barely 24 hours after the Group Executive Officer of NNPCL, Mele Kyari assured Nigerians that the Port Harcourt Refinery will commence operations in August 2024 after several missed deadlines.
Earlier, Kyari had said the refinery would commence operation in March. Subsequently, the date was shifted to July 2024, but none came to pass.
The refinery had announced that it completed mechanical rehabilitation in December 2023.
The commencement of Port Harcourt Refinery had lingered despite the NNPCL officially signing a $1.5 billion contract with Tecnimont SPA for its rehabilitation.
Phases one and two of Port Harcourt Refinery have 60,000 barrels per day and 150,000bpd capacity.

Currently, a group of individuals is obstructing the entrance to the Port Harcourt refinery. They are celebrating with makeshift shelters and have slaughtered a cow for the occasion. They have also made a commitment that the refineries will not be functional. pic.twitter.com/FvpNZyBM0w
— Imran Muhammad (@Imranmuhdz) July 17, 2024

Confusion as mob blocks entrance of Port Harcourt Refinery [VIDEO]

Livestock Ministry only benefit northerners, can’t solve any problem – Pastor Giwa

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Livestock Ministry only benefit northerners, can’t solve any problem – Pastor Giwa

The Senior Pastor of Awaiting The Second Coming Of Christ Ministry, Adewale Giwa, has said the Ministry of Livestock Development would only benefit northerners.
Pastor Giwa said President Bola Tinubu created a Ministry that would not solve any problem but worsen the situation in the country.
He argued that Tinubu should place a ban on open grazing rather than creating a Ministry.
Tinubu had established the Ministry of Livestock Development to resolve the crisis between farmers and herders in the country.
But, speaking with TVN, the clergyman said: “One expects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to proffer a lasting solution to cattle grazing in Nigeria, but he instead pacifies a certain region by establishing the Ministry of Livestock Development.
“To set the record straight, I don’t like using this phrase, “Farmers-Herders Conflict.” The truth is that Fulani herdsmen cherish their cattle more than human beings. They graze cows on people’s farms, destroy and, if possible, kill the owners of the farms if necessary.
“Today, we wonder why it is difficult for the APC-led government under President Tinubu to ban the open grazing of cattle in Nigeria. From my findings, 90 per cent of politicians are cattle owners. These political leaders are doing everything possible to ensure that the herdsmen move freely in Nigeria while grazing cows on people’s farms.
“The creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development will only benefit the northerners. It was established to put food on their tables. Why is President Tinubu afraid of the northerners? Does it mean that they are superior to the rest of Nigerians?
“The Ministry of Livestock Development won’t solve any problem than to further worsen the current situation. Act like a man, and put an end to open grazing of cows in Nigeria.”
Livestock Ministry only benefit northerners, can’t solve any problem – Pastor Giwa

Reps approve NDDC N1.91tn budget

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Reps approve NDDC N1.91tn budget

The House of Representatives on Wednesday, considered and adopted the Niger Delta Development Commission 2024 Appropriation Bill of N1.91tn.

The decision of the House followed the consideration of a report of the Committee on NDDC, chaired by Mrs Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu during Wednesday’s plenary.

While defending the commission’s 2024 budget before the House Committee on NDDC earlier in July, Managing Director of the NDDC, Samuel Ogbuku, stated that the commission would source funding of its proposed spending from loans to the tune of N1tn.

“We have strategically made provisions towards diversifying our sources of funding as we intend to source an aggregate sum of N1 trillion to fund ongoing legacy projects of the commission in 2024. The sum will be outsourced from development and commercial banks, “Ogboku said, stressing that “Investing in critical infrastructure is a key component of our fiscal strategy under the 2024 budget proposals”.

Justifying the need to pass the budget, Ibori-Suenu gave a breakdown of the financial expenditure and sources of funding, saying, “We urge the House to consider the report of the Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission on the issue from the Statutory Revenue Fund of the Niger Delta Development Commission the total sum of N1.911tn, out of which the sum of N38.55bn is for personnel expenditure, while the sum of N29.25bn only is for overhead expenditure.

According to the Peoples Democratic Party lawmaker, “N8.79 bn only is for internal capital expenditure, the sum N835.22bn only is for development projects, while the sum of N1tn only is for legacy projects funded by borrowing for the year ending April 30, 2025.”

A breakdown of the budget shows that the head office of the commission and the nine states of Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers will spend a total sum of N1.84tn on development projects.

Staff welfare gulps N531.78 bn, severance benefits N2.3bn, medical insurance N92 billion and staff housing scheme N800. 52bn.

Others include promotion arrears N1.7bn, voluntary retirement benefit scheme N1.8bn, pension N750m, and recruitment services N825.54m, among others.

President Bola Tinubu recently approved NDDC’s request to borrow additional N1tn to fund its developmental projects in the 2024 fiscal year.

Tinubu, who was represented by the Senate President, Godswil Akpabio, at a Niger Delta Stakeholders Summit last week in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, pledged the commitment of his administration to bring lasting development to the oil-rich region.

“Mr President is very committed to ensuring the development of the Niger Delta. The Bayelsa-Rivers-Akwa Ibom Road called East-West Road will be tackled.

“The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road started by the President will not only start from Lagos, Mr President has also agreed that it must also take root from Niger Delta simultaneously, then it will get up with the one in Lagos.

“The Niger Delta Development Commission has never had the kind of budget that they are having in 2024. The President has approved that they can go ahead and get a soft loan of N1tn to complete all the other projects that they have in mind to bring quick development to this region. So the MD of NDDC is no longer going to lack funds, it is going to be the issue of commitment.

“We will not have people from Abuja coming here to stay in the hotel and requesting to be in NDDC to collect money and take it back to other states of the federation. We are going to spend the money of NDDC right here in the Niger Delta region, ”Akpabio was quoted as saying on behalf of the Commander-in-Chief.”

Following the adoption of the committee’s recommendations, it is expected to be gazetted for Third Reading by the House Committee on Rules and Business ahead of the third reading and passage.

UNICEF decries high level of infrastructural deficiencies in northern Nigerian schools

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UNICEF decries high level of infrastructural deficiencies in northern Nigerian schools

The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, has raised concerns over the high level of infrastructural deficiencies, physical and psychological instability in northern schools.
The UN Agency citing a 2023 survey, revealed a significant underperformance in key areas such as infrastructure, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), and student nutrition.
The results from the survey indicated that Kaduna, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Adamawa performed poorly across 21 standards set for Safe Schools.
According to UNICEF, the ten states also include Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, Yobe, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna and Kebbi.
This was disclosed during a one-day State Level sensitisation meeting on the presentation of Bauchi State scorecard on the implementation of minimum standards for safe school organised by the Bauchi State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) in collaboration with UNICEF on Wednesday.
Speaking at the meeting, the the UNICEF Education Specialist, Bauchi Field Office, Abdulrahman Ibrahim revealed that UNICEF facilitated a survey in 2023 to find out the situation of safe schools in the state adding that the situation was worrisome and required urgent attention by all stakeholders.
The education consultant added that children in the schools witnessed different forms of insecurity in the school environment, including physical and psychological instability, thereby negating the provision of education.
According to him, “The most worrisome aspect of the situation is that the children do not know where and who to report to. That is what UNICEF wants to change so that there will be solutions to the problem.”
Abdulrahman Ibrahim explained further that every school must have a Safe School Focal Officer so that the children can have where and who to talk to in the case of any issues.
This is as he assured that UNICEF will continue to be supportive of the government in ensuring safe environments in all the schools across the state.
In his presentation on safe schools scorecard in Bauchi State, an Independent Education System Strengthening Consultant, Saleh Muhammad, stressed that “he fulfillment of children’s right to education in Nigeria remains plagued by protracted conflict, increasing hostilities, and growing climate-related hazards, perpetuating the out-of-school”.
UNICEF decries high level of infrastructural deficiencies in northern Nigerian schools

Kogi: Ododo swears in 10 newly appointed judges

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Kogi: Ododo swears in 10 newly appointed judges

Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has sworn in 10 newly appointed judges in Kogi State.
The swearing in ceremony was held at the Muhammadu Buhari Civic centre Lokoja on Wednesday.
The newly sworn in judicial officers consist of four High Court judges, five Sharia Court of Appeal judges and one Customary Court of Appeal judge.
The judges sworn in are Ajesola Joseph Sunday, Ojoma Rachael Haruna, Badama Kadiri, Ezema Beatrice Ada and Muhammed Bello Muhammed.
Others are Okino Isah Saidu, Yakubu Adevenge Abbas, Shaibu Ridwan Aliyu, Idris Alhaji Abdullahi and Maryan Oziohu Otaru.
Speaking at the event, Ododo charged the newly sworn in judges to uphold the tenets of their profession.
He said, “One of the cardinal pillars of every society is the administration of justice. We must not only be just and fair, but must be seen to be intentional in promoting justice for all.
“A just and fair society where everyone is treated equally is bound to be peaceful.
“As the last hope of the common man, the judiciary owes the society an obligation to be just and fair. A judiciary trusted by the people will promote peace and security. An unjust judiciary is a recipe for anarchy and crime.”
The Chief Judge of Kogi State, Justice Josiah Majebi, and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Muizudeen Abdullahi, commended Ododo for his support for judicial officers in the state.
TVN gathered that Governor Ododo, at the event, handed out brand new cars to the judges.
Kogi: Ododo swears in 10 newly appointed judges

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