The Federal Government has approved a 10-year validity period for Nigerian passports. The Comptroller-General of Nigerian Immigration Service, Muhammed Babandede, made this known during an interview with Channels TV on Thursday. He said the validity was extended with a view to reduce the stress Nigerians go through every five years to renew their passports. “One of the reforms President Buhari has approved is that …

For the first time, 100 persons were inducted into the Nigerian Diaspora Global Hall of Fame on Saturday, 28 July at a colourful ceremony in London. It was the final event of the 3-day Nigerian Diaspora Global Development Conference, the first of its kind. Among those inducted into the Hall of Fame were Dr John George, entrepreneur and founder of …

Zimbabweans vote on Monday in the first election since the removal of former President Robert Mugabe, a watershed moment they hope will spark a recovery in its failed economy. More than five million have registered to vote, in the first poll since 1980 without Mugabe on the ballot, to choose their next president and members of parliament. Twenty-three candidates, 19 …

In a high political drama on Tuesday, 14 Senators and 37 members of the Federal House of Representatives unexpectedly decamped from the ruling Alliance for Progressive Congress (APC) to two opposition parties. In the Senate, 13 of the decampees pitched their tent with the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and one moved to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). In …

Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Eritrea’s President Isaias Afwerki have been awarded the United Arab Emirates’ highest honour. The two leaders were on Tuesday presented with the Zayed Award, “for their vision, courage and statesmanship to end war and bring about peace between the two countries”. The two men are in the UAE after their dramatic steps towards reconciliation …

The leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa have a series of ambitious plans as South Africa hosts the 10th summit of the BRICS bloc in Johannesburg. Martina Schwikowski reports. South Africa’s government is hosting the tenth BRICS annual summit in Johannesburg on July 25-27, 2018. The Summit will be held under the theme: “BRICS in Africa: Collaboration for conclusive Growth …

Florence Kasumba has acted in blockbusters including “The Avengers” and “Black Panther.” She has now picked up a lead role as a detective in “Tatort,” Germany’s longest-running TV show. “Being here now is a dream come true,” said Florence Kasumba, referring to the filming which has just ended for the new Tatort show, in which she is the first black …

Mesut Ozil’s decision to immediately retire from the German national team has caused shockwaves not only in the German media but across European football after the Arsenal star accused the German Football Association (DFB) of racism and treating him as “a German when we win, and an immigrant when we lose”. Ozil, who is considered one of the greatest midfielder’s …

Rwandan President Paul Kagame has defended China’s relations with Africa stating that the global economic giant treats Africa as equals in dealings between the two parties. “I also want to say a few words from the heart. The growing relationship with China is based as much on mutual respect as on mutual interests. That is evident in your personal commitment …

A German government program aims to help migrants who choose to leave Germany voluntarily to find jobs and prospects in their home countries. But critics say the results of the program are little more than lip service. Daniel Pelz of Deutsche Welle (DW) reports. After four years, Derrick Adamson had had enough. He was living in Germany illegally, and without …