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• September 2, 2025
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FG mum over US Embassy Nigeria visa cancelations

Nothing has been heard from the Nigerian government following the widely reported cancellation of visas granted the country’s citizens by the United States Embassy. The former spokesperson for the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Olufemi Soneye, in a recent article released on Premium Times, raised an alarm over what he described as ‘quiet revocations of
FG mum over US Embassy Nigeria visa cancelations

Nothing has been heard from the Nigerian government following the widely reported cancellation of visas granted the country’s citizens by the United States Embassy.

The former spokesperson for the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Olufemi Soneye, in a recent article released on Premium Times, raised an alarm over what he described as ‘quiet revocations of visas for Nigerians by the US Embassy’.

In his publication titled, ‘The quiet revocation: Why is the US embassy silently canceling Nigerians’ visas?, Soneye alleged that Nigerian citizens, including professionals, entrepreneurs, frequent travellers, and families, are stranded in the US Embassy, which revoked their valid visas.

Soneye said several affected individuals had confirmed receiving official letters from the embassy in recent weeks, instructing them to submit their passports at the consulate in Lagos or Abuja. Unfortunately for them, upon submission of their passports, their visas were cancelled without explanation.

He said in the cancellation notices the embassy cited Title 22, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 41.122, which stated that “new information became available after the visa was issued,” but provided no details, evidence, or avenues for appeal.

He noted that among those impacted are a prominent journalist, the head of a federal government agency scheduled to deliver an international address, and an Abuja-based entrepreneur with a spotless travel record.

Others include professionals and frequent travellers, who rely on visas for education, family reunions, medical treatment, and critical business engagements.

“Beyond that, nothing is explained. No evidence is shared. No avenue for appeal is offered. Recipients are merely advised to reapply if they wish – an instruction that provides no comfort to those suddenly stripped of their mobility,” he stated.

However, Nigeria’s foreign affairs ministry has yet to respond to the situation as of the time of filing the report.

FG mum over US Embassy Nigeria visa cancelations

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• September 2, 2025
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Lagos govt to resume Ogudu–Ifako Bridge repairs September 3

The Lagos State Government has announced that the second phase of rehabilitation works on the Ogudu–Ifako Bridge, inward Island, will begin on Wednesday, September 3. The Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday, assuring motorists that a comprehensive traffic management plan has been adopted to ease movement and
Lagos govt to resume Ogudu–Ifako Bridge repairs September 3

The Lagos State Government has announced that the second phase of rehabilitation works on the Ogudu–Ifako Bridge, inward Island, will begin on Wednesday, September 3.

The Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday, assuring motorists that a comprehensive traffic management plan has been adopted to ease movement and reduce congestion during the repairs.

According to him, lessons from the earlier phase of the project prompted a thorough review of diversion strategies to ensure that the current phase is executed with minimal disruption and completed within the shortest possible time.

Providing details of the new traffic advisory, Osiyemi said vehicles coming from the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway and Lagos Toll Gate heading toward Oshodi or Victoria Island will experience smooth flow along most parts of the route.

However, around the construction zone on the Ogudu–Ifako Bridge, traffic will be diverted into one lane of the three-lane carriageway approximately 50 metres before the site and returned to full access 50 metres after.

He advised motorists heading to Oshodi to use the Ojota Slip Road to connect Ikorodu Road, inward Anthony (by Taxi Park), and continue their journey to Oshodi.

For those travelling to Victoria Island, Osiyemi recommended two alternatives: using the Ojota Slip Road through Ikorodu Road (inward Anthony by Town Planning Way), then proceeding via Gbagada to the Third Mainland Bridge, or continuing on Ikorodu Road toward Funsho Williams Avenue to connect Eko Bridge.

”Motorists coming from Ikeja and adjoining areas en route to Oshodi or Victoria Island are advised to connect Maryland to link Ikorodu Road/Funsho Williams Avenue before proceeding through Eko Bridge to Outer Marina. They may also access Ikorodu Road via Anthony (by Taxi Park) to reach Oshodi directly,” he said.

The Commissioner emphasised that the reviewed plan was developed to improve coordination along the corridor and urged road users to cooperate with traffic officers, maintain lane discipline, and take advantage of the designated alternative routes.

Lagos govt to resume Ogudu–Ifako Bridge repairs September 3

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• September 2, 2025
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Benue govt bans graduation ceremonies in basic schools

The Benue State Government has placed an immediate ban on graduation parties for pupils in kindergarten, nursery, and primary schools across the state. Mrs Helen Nambativ, the Acting Commissioner of the Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management, disclosed this on Tuesday in Makurdi while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN. She warned that
Benue govt bans graduation ceremonies in basic schools

The Benue State Government has placed an immediate ban on graduation parties for pupils in kindergarten, nursery, and primary schools across the state.

Mrs Helen Nambativ, the Acting Commissioner of the Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management, disclosed this on Tuesday in Makurdi while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN.

She warned that any school that disregards the directive risks sanctions, including temporary closure.

According to her, the state government has introduced the measure as part of a new education policy designed to bring discipline and sanity to the basic education sector.

She stressed that the directive, which took effect immediately, was meant to reduce unnecessary expenses on parents and re-focus schools on academic excellence rather than social events.

Nambativ, who also serves as the ministry’s permanent secretary, added that schools which flout the policy in the upcoming 2025/2026 academic session might lose their license to operate. She further revealed that a task force will be set up to ensure compliance.

NAN recalls that a memo issued on August 21 by the ministry had already communicated the government’s decision to schools.

The memo explained that the policy was aimed at easing financial pressure on parents while redirecting resources towards meaningful learning outcomes.

It stated: “The unpopular use of restricted, customised education materials, such as text/exercise books in Benue State schools, making them non-transferrable to subsequent learners, is hereby abolished.

“All schools are by this notice directed to revert automatically to the traditional practice of senior students/pupils using and passing books down to pupils and students in lower classes.

“Compulsory and extended lessons after regular school hours cease, except where parental rights are sought and granted.

“All compulsory school graduation ceremonies in Benue State are hereby abolished, especially for kindergarten, nursery and basic schools.”

Meanwhile, a school proprietor in Makurdi, who preferred anonymity, faulted the timing of the policy. He argued that schools should have been given at least a year to phase out already purchased books and properly adjust to the new directive.

On the other hand, Mr James Bemgba, a parent, welcomed the move. He applauded the government for relieving parents of what he described as an unnecessary financial load.

According to him, “most schools force parents to pay for the graduation of kids who are less than three years old and also buy books unnecessarily.”

Benue govt bans graduation ceremonies in basic schools