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Oyakhilome’s Rhapsody of Realities now in 8,123 languages

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The President of the Loveword Ministry, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, says  the organisation has printed its daily Bible devotional, Rhapsody of Realities, into 8,123 languages and 4,000 dialects.

Oyakhilome  said on Monday in Lagos that the aim was to enable more people to  have access to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

He made the disclosure at the Rhapsody of Realities Reachout World Day Conference held at the Loveword’s Waterfalls Centre Oregun, Ikeja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference  was to recognise  Dec. 2 as a day for the organisation to reach many people  simultaneously with the gospel.

He described the gospel as light to the world saying, “With the myriad of challenges in the world, the spread of the gospel can foster peace  and halt challenges.”

Read Also: 32 visa-free countries Nigerians can visit this Christmas

According to him, the organisation aims to reach out to eight billion people globally with the Word of God through the devotional.

The  Leader of the Reachout Global Committee, organisers of the campaign, Rev. Tom Amenkhienan, said that the organisation had mobilised Church workers, ministers, organisations and partners to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ through distribution of  the devotional.

“Nations’ economies are failing, there is too much anguish in the land but there is light at end of the tunnel, and that light is the gospel of Jesus Christ.

“With the historical event of reaching out to the world simultaneously today with the gospel through the prayer book, God will  begin to change those global anxieties to peace,” he said.

Amenkhienan said that people could download a copy of the book online on www.rhapsodyofrealities.org.

In his remarks, a member of the committee, Pastor Lanre Alade, said that the devotional  had been printed in braille and sign language to reach the visually and hearing impaired.

(NAN)

32 visa-free countries Nigerians can visit this Christmas

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Christmas is a time for celebration, and what better way to celebrate than to explore the world? As a Nigerian passport holder, you have the privilege of traveling to several stunning destinations without the hassle of obtaining a visa. To make your holiday planning seamless, we’ve compiled a list of 32 visa-free countries Nigerians can visit this Christmas.

Whether you’re dreaming of pristine beaches, bustling cities, or serene landscapes, there’s something for everyone. Let’s dive into your options!

Why Travel Visa-Free?

Traveling visa-free offers the flexibility to explore new destinations without the stress of lengthy visa processes. It saves time, reduces costs, and ensures a smoother travel experience. For Nigerians looking to make the most of their Christmas holidays, these visa-free destinations provide the perfect opportunity to unwind, reconnect, and create unforgettable memories.

Here are 20 Visa-Free Countries for Nigerians in Africa

Africa is brimming with rich cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant communities. Here are the visa-free countries on the continent:

1. Benin – Experience the historic sights and vibrant markets.

2. Burkina Faso – Perfect for cultural enthusiasts.

3. Cape Verde Islands – Relax on pristine beaches.

4. Chad – A haven for desert lovers.

5. Comoros – Discover exotic marine life.

6. Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) – Explore Abidjan’s bustling city life.

7. Djibouti – A paradise for adventure seekers.

8. Ghana – Enjoy the warm hospitality and vibrant festivals.

9. Guinea – A great choice for ecotourism.

10. Guinea-Bissau – Famous for its serene islands.

11. Liberia – Explore Liberia’s pristine beaches.

12. Madagascar – A biodiversity hotspot.

13. Mali – Ideal for history buffs.

14. Mauritania – Perfect for a desert getaway.

15. Niger – Discover the Sahara’s majestic dunes.

16. Rwanda – Known for its mountain gorillas and clean cities.

17. Senegal – A mix of culture, history, and beach vibes.

18. Seychelles – A tropical paradise.

19. Togo – Vibrant markets and natural beauty.

20. Uganda – Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts.

Read Also: Full guide to detecting sextortion scams

    12 Visa-Free Countries for Nigerians Outside Africa

    For those who wish to venture beyond Africa, these destinations welcome Nigerian travelers without a visa:

    1. Barbados – Enjoy a Caribbean Christmas in style.

    2. Dominican Republic – A mix of history, beaches, and nightlife.

    3. Fiji – Escape to this dreamy island nation.

    4. Haiti – Discover vibrant culture and history.

    5. Iran – Experience rich Persian heritage.

    6. Kiribati – A quiet retreat for peace seekers.

    7. Micronesia – Perfect for diving and island hopping.

    8. Niue – Known for its stunning coral reefs.

    9. Palau Islands – Explore its untouched beauty.

    10. Samoa – A peaceful Pacific destination.

    11. Tuvalu – Escape to this lesser-known paradise.

    12. Vanuatu – An idyllic island getaway.

      5 Travel Tips for Nigerians Visiting Visa-Free Destinations

      1. Check Entry Requirements
      While these countries are visa-free, some may require additional documents such as proof of accommodation, return tickets, or sufficient funds.

      2. Plan Your Itinerary
      To make the most of your trip, research the top attractions, local cuisine, and cultural experiences in advance.

      3. Stay Safe
      Ensure you have travel insurance and familiarize yourself with the local emergency numbers and safety guidelines.

      4. Respect Local Cultures: Adhere to the customs and traditions of the host country for a warm reception.

      5. Travel Light: Pack only essentials, and make sure to include clothing suitable for the local climate.

      Why Choose These Destinations for Christmas?

      These visa-free destinations offer diverse experiences to suit every traveler’s taste. From the golden beaches of Barbados to the wildlife reserves of Uganda, you can immerse yourself in new cultures, enjoy scenic views, and experience Christmas like never before.

      Plus, the absence of visa requirements means you can plan a spontaneous trip without bureaucratic hurdles, making your festive season even more magical.

      Conclusion

      Traveling visa-free as a Nigerian passport holder opens up a world of possibilities, especially during the festive season. Whether you’re looking for an adventurous safari, a cultural immersion, or a relaxing beach holiday, these 40 destinations offer something special for everyone.

      So, pack your bags, grab your passport, and make this Christmas one to remember by exploring the beauty of these visa-free countries.

      Hajia Zubaida Umar: A Visionary Transforming Emergency Management In Nigeria

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      Leadership in the realm of disaster management requires more than just administrative acumen; it demands empathy, vision, and a relentless drive for innovation. Hajia Zubaida Umar, the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has epitomized these qualities in her transformative leadership. Since assuming office, she has redefined disaster response and preparedness in Nigeria, leaving a legacy of resilience, innovation, and inclusion.

      Redefining Emergency Preparedness:

      Under Hajia Zubaida Umar’s leadership, NEMA has prioritized proactive disaster management. Recognizing the increasing frequency and severity of natural and man-made disasters in Nigeria, she spearheaded initiatives to enhance early warning systems. Through collaboration with meteorological agencies and research institutions, NEMA now provides timely alerts, helping communities prepare for potential disasters such as floods, droughts, and epidemics.

      Her focus on capacity building at the grassroots level has been particularly noteworthy. By organizing training programs and workshops for local disaster response teams, she has empowered communities to take charge of their safety, reducing their vulnerability to emergencies.

      Strengthening Collaboration and Partnerships

      One of Hajia Zubaida’s key strategies has been fostering collaboration between government agencies, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Through strategic partnerships with bodies like the United Nations and the African Union, NEMA has gained access to additional resources, expertise, and funding. These alliances have significantly bolstered Nigeria’s disaster management framework, ensuring a more coordinated and efficient response to emergencies.

      Domestically, she has worked tirelessly to bridge the gaps between federal, state, and local governments, creating a cohesive network for disaster management. This integrated approach has streamlined operations, reduced response times, and improved outcomes for affected communities.

      Read Also: JUST IN: Sanwo-Olu presents N3tr budget for 2025

      Innovation in Emergency Response

      Hajia Zubaida Umar has also embraced technology to modernize NEMA’s operations. The adoption of drone technology for disaster assessment and mapping, the use of geospatial tools for risk analysis, and the development of digital platforms for real-time communication during emergencies are hallmarks of her tenure. These innovations have improved the agency’s ability to predict, monitor, and respond to disasters with precision and efficiency.

      A People-Centric Approach:

      Perhaps the most striking aspect of Hajia Zubaida’s leadership is her unwavering commitment to inclusivity. She has prioritized the needs of vulnerable groups, including women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities, in disaster response plans. Initiatives such as gender-sensitive shelters and specialized training for women in disaster management have set a benchmark for inclusivity in emergency management.

      Her empathy extends to displaced persons, where she has championed policies to improve living conditions of internally displaced persons (IDP) By focusing on health care, education, and livelihood program.

      Challenges and Triumphs

      Hajia Zubaida’s tenure has not been without challenges. From budgetary constraints to the increasing complexity of disasters fueled by climate change, her leadership has been tested repeatedly. Yet, her ability to navigate these obstacles with pragmatism and determination has earned her widespread respect and admiration.

      Legacy of Resilience and Vision

      Hajia Zubaida Umar’s transformative leadership has redefined disaster management in Nigeria. Her emphasis on preparedness, innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity has strengthened the nation’s capacity to withstand and recover from emergencies. More importantly, she has inspired a new generation of leaders and responders

      Kidnappers abduct three in Anambra as police, JTF initiate operation to rescue victims

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      The Anambra Police Command and the security Joint Task Force (JTF) have launched a rescue operation for the three persons abducted on Tuesday at the Innoson showroom, Anambra.

      In a statement on Wednesday in Onitsha, the  command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who confirmed the incident,   said that the victims were kidnapped in the evening at the Innoson motorcycle showroom on Owerri Road in Nnewi.

      Read Also: 16 governors set up minimum wage committees

      He said that the command had initiated operation for their rescue and had visited the scene of the incident and obtained useful information to assist the investigation.

      He urged anyone with useful information that could aid the investigation to come forward to the command’s headquarters, Awka, or the nearest police station.

      The command’s spokesman also said that persons with information on the abduction could call the toll free emergency number 112 or 07039194332.

      (NAN) 

      Yahaya Bello in court as judge frowns at rowdy supporters

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      Former Governor of Kogi, Yahaya Bello, billed to be arraigned at the FCT High Court, on Wednesday, took over crowd control of the court room when Justice Maryann Anenih walked out.

      Justice Anenih, who came in to take the plea of the former governor and his co-defendants, rose abruptly and announced not to come back until there is sanity in the court room.

      Shortly after the judge left the court room, Bello who sat in the front of the court room stood up and moved to the surging crowd.

      Read Also: JUST IN: Sanwo-Olu presents N3tr budget for 2025

      He immediately directed his followers and sympathisers to vacate their seats and leave the court room.

      His actions doused the tension without resistance, as the followers left the court room one after the other.

      To ensure sanity in the court room, the former governor sat at the entrance to the court room and ensured that non of his followers disobeyed the order of the court,

      Meanwhile, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN is leading the Federal Government legal team for the arraignment while Joseph Dauda, SAN, leads the legal team of the former governor in the 16-count charges.

      (NAN)

      Singer Portable thrills participants at Abuja Int’l Carnival

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      Energetic Nigerian singer Habeeb  Badmus, popularly known as Portable, on Monday   night thrilled  participants  at the closing ceremony of the 2024 Abuja International  Carnival.

      Participants, including state delegates, government functionaries and music lovers, drawn from  different parts of the country, were held to series of electrifying performances by the “ZaZoo Zehh” crooner  at the Eagles Square.

      The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the carnival, which held from Nov.23 to 25, with the theme,” Carnival of Renewed Hope: a Pledge to My Country”, had  participating troupe  from across different  states in Nigeria .

      It featured a range of activities, including floats and street shows, musical concerts, traditional food competition, boat regatta, Durbar, children’s Fiesta and art exhibitions at different locations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

      The closing ceremony was a night of glitz and glamour in colourful and festive ambience, which characterises carnivals, as it featured indigenous fashion show  and parade  across the arena  by participating teams.

      Read Also: Wizkid sets new Spotify record

      The concert started after the results of the competitive events in the carnival were announced ,with River State emerging  ‘Overall Best State’ winner.

      Dance floor for the night was opened with series of performances  by upcoming artistes before portable came on stage.

      The “Brotherhood” crooner was then ushered on stage amidst ovation by participants, especially his fans, and then the ‘party just started.’

      He performed some of his hit tracks, including  ‘Pay Me My Money’, ‘Ema Joke Dada’, ‘Clear’, among others, amid cheers from  fans.(NAN) 

      Food prices rose in October – NBS

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      The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says prices of beans, eggs, bread, rice, and other food items witnessed significant price increases in October 2024.

      The NBS said this in its Selected Food Prices Watch report for October 2024 released in Abuja on Tuesday.

      The report said that the average price of 1kg of brown beans increased by 254.23  per cent from N790.01 recorded in October 2023 to N2,798.50  in October 2024.

      “On a month-on-month basis, 1kg of brown beans increased by 2.19  per cent in October  from the N2,738.59 recorded in September 2024.”

      It said that the average price of medium-sized Agric eggs (12 pieces) increased by 140.21 per cent on a year-on-year basis from  N1,112.22 in October 2023 to N2,671.60 in October 2024.

      “On a month-on-month basis, the eggs  increased by 7.42 per cent from the N2, 487.04 recorded  in September 2024.”

      The report said that the average price of sliced bread increased by 103.76  per cent on a year-on-year basis from N760.82 in October 2023 to N1,550.24 in October  2024.

      “On a month-on-month basis, the price increased by 1.44 per cent from the N1,528.19  recorded in September  2024.”

      In addition, the average price of 1kg of local rice rose by 137.32  per cent on a year-on-year basis from N819.42 recorded  in October 2023 to N1,944.64 in October 2024.

      “On a month-on-month basis, it increased by 1.56 per cent from N1,194.77 recorded in September  2024.”

      Also, the report said that the average price of 1kg of boneless beef increased by 98.73   per cent on a year-on-year basis from N2,948.03 in October 2023 to N5,858.58 in October  2024.

      Read Also: Covenant University emerges first in inter-disciplinary science research in West Africa

      “On a month-on-month basis, the price increased by 3.99 per cent from the N5,633.60 recorded  in September 2024.”

      On state profile analysis, the report showed that in oc  2024, the highest average price of 1kg of brown beans was recorded in Bauchi at N3,750.00,  while the lowest was recorded in Yobe at N1,749.52.

      It said that Niger recorded the highest average price of medium size Agric eggs (12 pieces) at N3, 450.00, while the lowest was in Adamawa at N2,050.00.

      The NBS said that the highest average price of sliced bread was recorded in Rivers at N1,867.14, while the lowest price was recorded in Yobe at N960.07.

      According to the report, Kogi recorded the highest average price of 1kg local rice (sold loose) at N2,693.41, while the lowest was reported in Benue at N1,267. 25.

      Analysis by zone showed that the average price of 1kg of brown beans was highest in the South-South at N3,274.39, followed by the North-Central at N2,990.02.

      “The lowest price was recorded in the North-East at N2,294.29.”

      The North-Central and South-East recorded the highest average price of medium size agric eggs(12 pieces) at N2,915.58 and N2,879.24, respectively, while the lowest price was in the South-West at N2,472.94.

      The report said that the South-South recorded the highest average price of sliced bread at N1,829.25, followed by the South-East at N1,665.56, while the North-East recorded the lowest price at N1,360.85.

      The NBS said also that the South-East and the South-West recorded the highest average price of 1kg of local rice(sold loose)  at  N2,146.08 and N2,011.05, respectively.

      “The North-West recorded the lowest price of 1kg of local rice (sold loose) at N1,763.62.”

      The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that in July, the federal government in a bid to address the incessant increase in food prices and ensure food security granted a 150-day duty-free import window for food commodities.

      The suspended duty tariffs and taxes will be on the importation of certain food items across the land and sea borders which include maize, cowpeas, wheat, and husked brown rice.

      However, experts have suggested more sustainable measures such as addressing the issue of insecurity, foreign exchange and transportation costs to address the soaring food prices and ensure  food security.

      (NAN)

      Covenant University emerges first in inter-disciplinary science research in West Africa

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      Covenant University at Ota in Ogun says it emerged the best West African University in Inter-disciplinary Science Research Ranking for 2025 in Times Higher Education.

      The institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abiodun Adebayo, made the announcement in a statement on Friday in Ota.

      He said the university has with this continued to retain an eminent status as an institution in a class of its own.

      “The university emerged as first in Nigeria and West Africa, third in Africa, and 73rd globally by the recent ranking of Times Higher Education,” Adebayo said.

      He explained that 749 universities from 92 countries, out of 1023 entries received, were ranked.

      “In Nigeria, 19 out of 27 universities made submissions and were ranked. Landmark University were ranked second with a global ranking of 251 to 300.

      “This is indeed a validation of our visionary base as a university, as it is the hand of God at work in Covenant University,” the vice-chancellor said.

      Adebayo then lauded the quality of leadership and unending support of the institution’s Chancellor and Chairman Board of Regents, Dr David Oyedepo.

      “This has brought huge transformation to the university.”

      Read Also: FULL LIST: Top 10 best universities worldwide 2025

      He attributed the achievements recorded by the institution in the past years “not to power or might, but by the faithfulness of God over the institution.”

      The vice-chancellor also pointed out that Covenant University was an institution with a unique mandate to raise a new generation of leaders in all spheres of human endeavour.

      He added that this accounted for the extraordinary happenings being recorded in the University over such a short time.

      The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that “Inter-disciplinary Science” refers to the integration of the knowledge, traditions and processes from multiple scientific disciplines.

      “It can involve multiple academics who collaborate with one another across different disciplines.

      “In addition, it may also be a single academic, approaching a scientific question across multiple disciplines,” Adebayo said.

      He explained that the Inter-disciplinary Science Research (ISR) is a measure of the university’s contributions towards inter-disciplinary science.

      The vice-chancellor noted that ISR methodology consists of three pillars, each representing a stage in the life cycle of research projects: inputs, process and outputs.

      (NAN)

      Wizkid sets new Spotify record

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      Ace Nigerian Artist, Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, has set a new Spotify record for the biggest streams by any song.

      The superstar’s recently released album titled “Morayo” has claimed the number 1 spot on the Apple Music Nigeria Chart, with all his tracks dominating the charts to positions.

      One of his singles from the album titled “Kese (Dance)” set the record for the highest opening day stream on Spotify Nigeria with 1.5 million streams.

      Read Also: Wizkid drops new album ‘Morayo’ in tribute to late mother

      Another single “Piece of My Heart” also surpass 1 million opening day streams on Spotify.

      The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Wizkid’s album, Morayo, which translates to “I see joy” in Yoruba, is a heart felt tribute to his late mother, Juliana Balogun, who passed away in August 2023.

      The album, which was launched on the Nov. 22, features tasteful selection of artistes across genres.

      (NAN)

      US embassy in London reopens after suspicious ‘hoax’ package found

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      British police on Friday said a suspicious package left outside the US embassy in London, which was blown up in a controlled explosion, was a hoax device, according to its initial indications.

      Police had earlier carried out a controlled explosion near the embassy building, a 12-storey purpose-built glass cube in Nine Elms, south London, and cordoned off some areas.

      The embassy later returned to normal operations.

      “Initial indications are that the item was a hoax device,” London’s Metropolitan Police said. “An investigation will now follow.”

      “Some cordons will remain in place for the time being but the majority of the police response will now be stood down.”

      Read Also: Mali PM Kokalla Maïga dismissed after criticising military rule

      The embassy said it was back to normal business operations but that all public appointments for Friday had been cancelled.

      “Local authorities investigated and cleared a suspicious package outside the Embassy,” it added.

      The United States moved its embassy from Mayfair, central London, to Nine Elms in 2018, partly for safety and security reasons.

      The formerly industrial area now houses dozens of upmarket apartment buildings alongside Battersea Power Station, a 1930s-era building recognisable for its red brick and white chimneys, which has been redeveloped as a shopping and tourist centre.

      Newsnow