A rare opportunity for Nigerians in Germany to speak directly with their diplomats took place in Frankfurt on 1 August 2025. The town hall meeting, part of the Consulate’s Consular and Migration Sensitisation Programme, addressed urgent community concerns — from passport delays to legal challenges and child welfare cases. In this exclusive interview with The African Courier, Chuks Lewis Ehiwario, …

The Nigerian Consulate General in Frankfurt brought the diaspora together for a landmark town hall meeting on Friday, 1 August 2025, as part of its ongoing Consular and Migration Sensitisation Programme. Held in Frankfurt am Main, the gathering provided a rare platform for direct interaction between the Consul General, Ambassador Yakubu Dadu, and Nigerians living in Germany. Among the speakers …

Get ready to be dazzled — the third edition of Africa Fashion Week Cologne (AFWC) is on the horizon, returning in style on 13–14 September 2025 at the elegant Sartory-Saal in the heart of Cologne, Germany. This move to the iconic venue follows two sensational editions, including an unforgettable display at the Rautenstrauch–Joest–Museum in 2023. This year’s Africa Fashion Week …

Nollywood royalty is coming to Germany! Award-winning actress, producer and director Funke Akindele, revered as Nigeria’s queen of cinema, will be one of the celebrated guests at this year’s Nollywood Film Festival Germany (NFFG), taking place from 8–9 August in Frankfurt am Main. Joining Akindele are other Nollywood stars Charles Inojie, Rita Edochie and Rahama Sadau, promising a dazzling lineup …

A German court has ordered a couple to repay more than €33,000 in Bürgergeld after authorities found they had been living in Nigeria while claiming social benefits. The couple had failed to inform the Jobcenter of their long-term absence abroad — a violation of the conditions for receiving Bürgergeld. The new court decision has again confirmed the Jobcenter’s right to …

Nigeria has officially launched a programme designed to connect Nigerian professionals abroad with universities, polytechnics and other tertiary institutions in their homeland. The Diaspora BRIDGE is a cornerstone of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at harnessing global talent to elevate educational standards and drive institutional transformation in Nigeria. At the Abuja launch ceremony on Tuesday (29 July), …

A new study by the University of Siegen has uncovered stark evidence of discrimination against young people with migrant backgrounds applying for apprenticeships in Germany. The field experiment, based on over 50,000 fictitious email inquiries sent to 700 businesses with open training positions, revealed a troubling trend: the likelihood of receiving a positive response strongly correlates with the applicant’s name …

Animal Friends Academy is not just an app; it is the flowering of a deeply personal journey that began in a loving Nigerian home and now reaches into the hands of children and youths across the world. At the centre of this story is Emmanuel Fadipe, a man whose life has been molded by the quiet strength and relentless sacrifices …

Like in every month, a series of new laws and regulations enter into effect in August. These changes will impact many aspects of daily life. Staying informed about these updates is crucial to understanding how they may affect you. Below is an overview of the key legal changes starting from August. Digital Passport Photos Now Mandatory From 1 August, applicants …

The annual season of African music and culture in Germany is in full swing. Here are the Top Festivals you don’t want to miss before summer ends: Kenako-Festival Berlin 25 July – 3 August/ Berlin, Washingtonplatz (directly in front of Berlin Hauptbahnhof) The flair of the African cultures comes to Berlin! Visitors can buy handmade art, clothing, cosmetics and food …

Femi Awoniyi reflects on the legacy of Nigeria’s former president, Muhammadu Buhari, who died recently. The general-turned-politician is one of the most controversial figures in Nigeria’s post-independence history. Before his election in 2015, many, especially in the Muslim North, regarded him as a messiah who would rescue the nation from corruption and insecurity and uplift the poor. But after eight …

Before a record-breaking hometown crowd in Heidelberg, Emanuel Odiase delivered a powerful performance on Saturday, winning by knockout and claiming the title of German International Heavyweight Champion. The long-anticipated bout marked a significant milestone in the career of the 26-year-old German-Nigerian fighter, whose rising star is now shining even brighter on the national stage. Our contributing editor, Che C. Chukwumerije, …

The Nigerian Consulate General in Frankfurt will hold a town hall meeting with Nigerians on Friday, 1 August 2025, in Frankfurt am Main. The event, part of its Consular and Migration Sensitization Programme, is organised in collaboration with the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Germany. The programme aims to strengthen engagement between the Nigerian diplomatic mission and citizens across Germany …

At an online information session hosted by GAIDI gUG on 22 July 2025, the RESTART programme was introduced to members of the African community in Berlin. Presented by Ingo Müller of Social Impact gGmbH, the session offered a comprehensive overview of this initiative, which aims to empower people with refugee and migration backgrounds to pursue self-employment and economic independence in …

The sixth annual National Diaspora Day and the third National Diaspora Merit Awards will convene as a hybrid conference on 25–26 July 2025. Hosted by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the event expects over 1,200 in‑person delegates alongside thousands of virtual participants from around the world. Attendees include government officials, diaspora professionals, investors and youth representatives, all focused on …

The African community in Spandau gathered on Sunday, 6 July, for a town hall meeting with the mayor of the district, Frank Bewig. The event, organised by the African German Association (AGA), aimed to provide an opportunity for interaction with the authorities. The objective was to inform the mayor about the challenges faced by Africans living in the district and …

Ghanaian politician and commentator Ras Mubarak* turns a critical lens on the long-standing regimes of Togo and Uganda—two nations where autocratic leaders masquerade as democrats by manipulating constitutions to entrench themselves in power. In this compelling piece, he not only exposes the cynical tactics of rulers like Faure Gnassingbé and Yoweri Museveni but also issues a rousing call to action …

One year after its launch, Germany’s Opportunity Card (‘Chancenkarte’) visa scheme is gaining momentum as a pathway for non-EU skilled workers to enter the country and search for employment. Introduced under Section 20a of the German Residence Act, the visa allows qualified third-country nationals to stay in Germany for up to 12 months to seek work or have their foreign …

Berlin’s district of Mitte has won a protracted legal battle to rename Mohrenstraße, a 300‑year‑old street long criticised for its racist connotations. On 9 July 2025, the Oberverwaltungsgericht (Higher Administrative Court) in Berlin‑Brandenburg dismissed an appeal by local residents, affirming last year’s ruling by the Verwaltungsgericht (Administrative Court) and clearing the way for the name change to become irrevocable. The …

Frankfurt will play host to the first-ever ASA WA Day, a vibrant celebration of Yoruba heritage, on Saturday, 12 July 2025. Taking place at Saalbau Griesheim, the event promises an immersive journey into one of West Africa’s most influential and enduring cultures. Organised by the Yoruba Heritage Art and Cultural Group in collaboration with Souls of Africa e.V., ASA WA …