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No more extortion in passport offices, NIS boss vows
The comptroller-general of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Wura-Ola Adepoju, has announced that about 32,462 persons have successfully applied for passports since the inception of the full automation system of passport application.
On 8th January 2024, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) led by the honourable Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, launched the automated passport application process to expedite passport acquisition for Nigerians. The process included uploading passport photos and supporting documents.
Meanwhile, Wura-Ola Adepoju while inspecting facilities of the Nigeria Immigration Service in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Monday, announced that the Nigeria Immigration Service has successfully received 32, 462 applicants with the new automated system while 1,438 applications have been queried for various reasons.
“I have here the data of the passport applications that have been successfully processed since the introduction of the new process from 8th January 2024. About 32, 462 persons have successfully applied to upload their documents and make payments,” she said.
“Of this number, 16,113 applications have been approved for biometric capture and production, 11,505 applicants await approval, while 3,400 applicants have made payment but have yet to book an appointment, these particular people did not complete the process, they should go back and complete the process, while 1,438 applications have been queried for various reasons, possibly the applicants did not upload their documents properly which is one of the major problems at the moment.”
“We will help Nigerians achieve this process that has come to stay. We will send back the application, all they need to do is to complete it pay adequate attention to the instructions, and submit it again for approval.
Wura-Ola urged Nigerians to cooperate with the Nigeria Immigration Service to eradicate difficulties associated with passport processing in the country and the minister ensured every process was done perfectly.
She continued: “We are determined to ensure we eradicate difficulties associated with passport processing in Nigeria. This process is not entirely new, the only thing that we have introduced is uploading of supporting documents which we believe in due time, everything will be perfected. All we want Nigerians to do is to be patient and pay adequate attention to the instructions given online during the process.”
“We want to assure you that the process is simple once it is followed as specified. It will be discovered that it is a much easier process to save time and cost for applicants. We are working hard to perfect it so that the processing can be smooth and steady for every Nigerian. We are ensuring that we are going to surmount every challenge in the new passport automation process that has come to stay in Nigeria, it will enable Nigerian applicants at home and abroad to find passport processing easier and more seamless.
“I want to use this opportunity to plead with Nigerians to please bear with us. What we have discovered recently from our system is that applicants have not mastered the act of uploading valid documents at the appropriate channels as specified. There is a need to pay enough attention to the process. For example, we discovered that some applicants uploaded their birth certificate in the category of NIN number, in another category where applicants were supposed to upload passport photography, and some uploaded photography where their chin or head was not properly shown, so when applicants understand the basic things of the process, it will be seamless and that is the only hitch in the whole process for now. Still, we will continue to enlighten the public, we will also continue to ensure the best for every Nigerian by assisting at the appropriate time.”
Wura-Ola also announced that the immigration service is working tirelessly to end the era of storing applicant passports in store for collection, stressing that the immigration service is working with some service providers to ensure passports that are produced will be sent to applicants’ mailing addresses.
“The era of storing applicant passports in stores will soon become a thing of the past, the Nigerian Immigration Service is working with some service providers to ensure that passports that are produced are sent to the applicant’s mailing address. “
“What is needed now is politics that can turn our anxieties about life and the future into hope,” the 64-year-old told reporters.
Takaichi, a former internal affairs minister and close ally of slain ex-premier Shinzo Abe, revealed her bid during a meeting with former Prime Minister Taro Aso, now the LDP’s supreme adviser. Click link to continue reading.
Japanese conservative politician Sanae Takaichi on Thursday announced her intention to run for the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), a contest that could make her the country’s first female prime minister, Kyodo News reported.
Takaichi, a former internal affairs minister and close ally of slain ex-premier Shinzo Abe, revealed her bid during a meeting with former Prime Minister Taro Aso, now the LDP’s supreme adviser.
“What is needed now is politics that can turn our anxieties about life and the future into hope,” the 64-year-old told reporters. She is scheduled to outline her policies at a press conference on Friday.
Takaichi is considered one of the leading contenders in the Oct. 4 party election, alongside Farm Minister Shinjiro Koizumi. A Jiji Press poll of 2,000 respondents showed Koizumi ahead with 23.8% support, followed by Takaichi at 21%.
Other expected candidates include Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, former Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, and former Economic Security Minister Takayuki Kobayashi.
The LDP leadership vote was originally scheduled for 2027, the end of Shigeru Ishiba’s three-year term, but was moved up after Ishiba announced his resignation on Sept. 7 following his coalition’s defeat in July’s upper house election.
While stepping down as party president, Ishiba will remain prime minister until the LDP chooses a new leader – a role that in Japan’s political system is effectively equivalent to the premiership.
The atmosphere in River State has significantly stabilized following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to lift the six-month state of emergency that had been in place.
Although the immediate tension has eased, the challenges that Fubara will face from the state assembly and local government are looming large.
These potential conflicts could ignite a new wave of political turmoil, threatening to plunge the state back into chaos. Click link to continue reading.
The underlying issues remain unresolved, leaving many apprehensive about the future of governance in River State.
Tinubu, in a statement he signed yesterday, declared that the emergency rule would end at midnight, clearing the way for Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Nma Odu and members of the State House of Assembly led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule to resume duties today.
The president said he saw no reason for the state of emergency to continue a day longer.
A fresh prophecy from Prophet Julius Okonkwo, a cleric and the presiding pastor of Kingdom Seeker Ministries based in the United States, revealed that the storm is not yet over in Rivers State.
“This jubilation should wait; I am not seeing peace at the moment, no peace, no cohesion; everyone is in a mind game, the storm is not over, and there will be another brutal storm. For Fubara, the battle is not over; he’s not happy, and things won’t favour him. The governor would be in his office with folded arms, eating and refreshing, but he wouldn’t have governing power. He has not been forgiven; only time will tell,” said Okonkwo in his weekly message.
Michael Collins Ajereh, popularly known as Don Jazzy or Don Baba J, is a Nigerian record producer, singer, songwriter, entrepreneur and philanthropist.
Following the closure of Mo’ Hits record label, Don Jazzy set up Mavin Records. Here is everything you need to know about Don Jazzy’s bio and net worth.
Don Jazzy is the founder and CEO of Mavin Records, Nigeria’s largest music company that has generated hit songs for several of the country’s top singers.
Don Jazzy has produced several popular songs for a variety of musicians, including D’banj, Wande Coal, Tiwa Savage, and many more. He has received several accolades for his songs, including the Nigerian Entertainment Award for Song Producer of the Year.…click link for full details
President Bola Tinubu’s path to reelection is becoming increasingly challenging with each passing day.
The opposition is intensifying its efforts and developing comprehensive strategies aimed at unseating his government in the upcoming 2027 elections. With political tensions rising, the battle for power is shaping up to be fierce and closely contested. Click link to continue reading.
A civil society organisation, The Concerned Citizens of Nigeria (CCN), has petitioned US, UK to impose a travel ban and asset freeze on Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal
Group accused Lawal of complicity, citing his own admissions of knowing bandits’ identities yet failing to act
CCN urged global action, asking the US, UK, EU, and Commonwealth to deny him entry, freeze assets, and send a strong message against leaders linked to terror.…click link for full details
News
“Muslims Are Not Slaves” – Pastor Can’t Appoint Oyo Chief Imam, MURIC Sends Strong Warning To Alaafin
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has rejected the claim by the Alaafin of Oyo, Akeem Owoade, that he has the exclusive right to appoint the Chief Imam of Oyo town.
MURIC’s founder and executive director, Ishaq Akintola, said on Wednesday that no law gives the monarch such power.
His words: “The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade claimed yesterday that he had the exclusive right to appoint the chief imam of Oyo town.
“The claim was contained in a statement issued by the Alaafin’s director of media and publicity, Bode Durojaiye, on Monday, September 15, 2025.
“We reject this statement. It is false, baseless and without any legal backing. What the Alaafin called his exclusive right is a baseless privilege now being abused by traditional rulers in Yorubaland. Alaafin is being economical with the truth.”
Akintola challenged the monarch to produce a legal instrument backing his claim, describing it as “illogical, irrational and laughable”.
“If he has the power to appoint the chief imam, does he also have the power to appoint the bishop of Oyo?” he asked.
He further stated: “Now, if he has no power to appoint the bishop, he cannot claim the power to appoint the chief imam. If he is relying on tradition, there is a difference between tradition and what the law says.
“By the way, what kind of tradition enslaves Muslims but gives Christians freedom. We reject a tradition that puts Muslims in chains. Muslims are not slaves.”
The MURIC director said Nigeria is a democracy and not a monarchy, warning the Alaafin to “respect himself and know his limits so that he can be adequately respected”.
He added that past practices cannot serve as justification.
“The tradition in the past was to trek to Makkah on foot. That has been abandoned. The incumbent Alaafin should stop clinging to a comatose practice,” he said.
Akintola argued that Owoade, being a pastor, has “no moral right to dictate who should lead the Muslims in Oyo”.
He said the Muslim community of Oyo should consult the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) before presenting a candidate for the role, stressing that the Alaafin’s blessing is “not mandatory”.
“To the Alaafin, Kabiyesi, your imperial majesty, you are the king over the whole of Oyo. You are king over the Muslims, the Christians and the traditionalists.
“Each group chooses its own leader. No law gives you exclusive right to choose the chief imam. Otherwise, show us evidence that you picked the Bishop. If you cannot pick the Bishop, how can you pick the imam? Stop impugning our dignity. Respect begets respect,” MURIC said.
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“Muslims Are Not Slaves” – Pastor Can’t Appoint Oyo Chief Imam, MURIC Sends Strong Warning To Alaafin
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