Citizen | Page 6 of 164

Pelumi Nubi: The 29-Year-Old Woman Driving From London to Lagos

A year and eight months after Nigerian adventurer, Kunle Adeyanju, successfully rode from London to Lagos on a motorcycle, UK-based Nigerian, Pelumi Nubi, has been inspired to make a similar trip — this time, by car.

She’s already visited 80 countries across six continents, so the seemingly impossible task is in capable hands. Here’s everything we know about the road trip.

Photo source: Instagram/@pelumi.nubi

Why is Pelumi embarking on this trip?

The trip is an important one to 29-year-old Pelumi for four reasons: She loves adventure, wants to inspire other female solo travellers, especially by driving representation among black female solo adventurers, and she simply wants to show people what’s possible.

“As a traveller, I wanted to do something quite adventurous. It was something that was in the books for me. We also don’t see a lot of solo black female travellers. It’s just like, representation matters. It’s important to see people do things and just open your minds to what’s possible. Some people don’t know it’s possible to go through London to Lagos by road,” she revealed during a podcast interview on Friday, January 19, 2024.

But that’s not all. She was also inspired by Kunle Adeyanju’s aforementioned 2022 solo trip.

“He did it by bike two years ago. I was on the phone with him and mentioned how it was so cool what he did.”

How long will the trip take?

Pelumi plans to traverse 17 countries in two months, and explore every city and country on her way.

Her transatlantic journey will pick up from England and take her through France, Spain, Morocco, West Sahara Desert, Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Mali, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and finally, to Lagos.

She’s expected to arrive in Lagos at the end of March.

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When does the journey begin?

No official announcement of a commencement date has been made, but tweets suggest the last week of January. On Wednesday, January 24, she shared a video of her car going through some modifications for the long journey ahead.

The next day, she shared a tweet indicating that the start date is just a few days away.

Her previous road trips

Photo source: Instagram/@pelumi.nubi

Prior to this trip, Pelumi has travelled by road from Lagos to Ghana twice. She’s explored Namibia for two weeks and gone on a road trip from London to Lake Como, Italy. These experiences have served as test runs for her latest and most ambitious adventure yet.

How is she funding the trip?

During her podcast interview, she revealed that the entire trip will cost $15,000 – $20,000, covering fuel, accommodation and other essential needs.

A year of planning and saving up personal funds have made Pelumi’s adventure a reality. However, she still seeks support from brands looking to partner.

Is she receiving any support?

Pelumi’s trip has received attention from fellow Nigerians, travel enthusiasts and the internet community through the hashtag, #London2LagosByRoad.

Interest is expected to pick up once she starts making stops in the different countries and cities.

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This is a developing story.

Read next: The Hilda Baci Roadmap to a 100-hour Cook-A-Thon

Adeyinka Odutuyo

January 26, 2024

Citizen

Lagos, london, Nigeria, Nigerians
How Canada’s New Immigration Restrictions Concern Nigerians

On Monday, January 23, 2024, the IRCC — Canada’s department responsible for immigration matters — announced that the Canadian Government is setting a cap on the intake of international students, among other immigration law changes.

According to a statement from the department, the decision became necessary as “the integrity of the international student system has been threatened”. The influx of international students has put pressure on housing, healthcare and other services in the country.

Canada remains one of the top destinations for Nigerians looking to relocate in search of greener pastures. So if you’re a Nigerian considering Canada for your studies or relocation plan, here’s what you should know about the latest development.

No more spousal work permits for undergraduates

The IRCC will stop granting work permits to spouses of international undergraduate students. Spouses of international graduate school students or students taking a professional programme (medicine or law) remain eligible for open work permits.

A cap on study permits

The IRCC plans to approve approximately 360,000 study permits in 2024, a 35% decrease from 2023. This intake cap will last for a period of two years. 2025’s limit will be announced later this year.

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Provincial study permits based on population

The IRCC will apportion study permits to Canadian provinces based on their population. The provinces will be free to distribute the study permits across the available learning institutions authorised to admit international students. Henceforth, study permits submitted to the IRCC will require an attestation letter from the province or territory. A process for applying for an attestation letter will be announced before March 2024.

No postgraduate study permit for graduates of private career colleges

According to the IRCC, starting on September 1, 2024, international students who physically attend private career colleges that have been licensed to deliver the curriculum of a public college will no longer be eligible for a postgraduate work permit after graduation.

Want to know why many Nigerians are migrating? Read this: What Incidents Triggered Nigeria’s Japa Wave Since 2018?

Adeyinka Odutuyo

January 23, 2024

Citizen

Canada, Japa, Nigerian-Canadian, Nigerians
7 Ibadan Residents Talk About the Explosion in Their City

On Tuesday, January 16, 2024, an explosion in the Bodija area of Ibadan left residents in a state of panic and fellow Nigerians worried about what had happened.

During the early hours of the next day, Governor Seyi Makinde addressed citizens and revealed that the explosion was caused by explosive devices housed in some buildings by illegal miners. He confirmed 77 casualties and two deaths while urging residents to remain calm.

While the government is on top of the matter, we decided to ask some Ibadan residents about their experiences during and after the explosion.

Bisi*

I was preparing for an 8 p.m. virtual meeting but had to quickly use the restroom when I heard a faint sound. I thought it was from my neighbors in the flat above mine, so I just dismissed it. But my boyfriend was around, and he insisted that it sounded like an explosion or a quarry blast. We briefly argued about it before I got into my meeting. I finished at around 9 p.m. and returned to see so many missed calls on my phone. I went online and saw that there’d been an explosion in Bodija. Luckily, I stay in Akobo, quite a distance from Bodija. When I asked other people in Ibadan, they said they didn’t hear anything. I have a friend who just moved to Bodija. She told me her house was shaking, but that was about it.

Ibrahim*

I got a call from my friend in Lagos just as I was about to observe my night prayers. He bombarded me with questions about how I was doing and if everyone was fine, and it all felt confusing. When I asked what was going on, he mentioned the explosion in Bodija and that was the first I’d heard of it. I told him I’d call back because I realised at that moment that my wife wasn’t back home. Luckily, she walked in while I was calling her phone. I don’t think I’ve ever been so relieved to see anyone. She shared everything that had happened, and we just spent the night calling our friends and family to make sure everyone was alright.

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David*

My brother is a student in the University of Ibadan (UI). When I saw the incident trending on social media, I called him to ask how he was. He said the sound was deafening and the impact was massive despite it happening far from the school. He likened it to an earthquake. For someone who’s never experienced an earthquake to say that’s what it felt like, it must’ve truly moved the ground. On my end of Ibadan, around Palms Mall-Liberty road, we didn’t even hear a pin or feel any discomfort. The impact was mostly felt by the folks staying around UI, Agbowo, Bodija, Mokola and Sango.

Blessing*

I went to buy food around Bodija market. On my way back home, I heard this loud bang and trembling followed by a gust of wind and dust. There was instant pandemonium everywhere; people were screaming. For some minutes, I couldn’t open my eyes because sand and dust had covered my face. I just kept screaming, “Jesus, Jesus” until I could open my eyes slightly. I didn’t even bother to find out what had happened. I just joined other people to run. It took a while to realise that I wasn’t even on the road to our house. I got home and saw my mum, dad and siblings outside. Our neighbours had also come out of their houses to see what was going on. I cried when my dad asked what happened. It felt like my life flashed in front of my eyes.

Taiwo*

I was in Zik Hall — a hostel on the University of Ibadan (UI) campus — when I heard the sound. I first thought it was a gas explosion from one of the hostels around because the blast sounded like it came from somewhere close. Lots of students came outside immediately after to see what was going on. There was complete confusion and shouting. It was only after a few minutes we heard it was from the Bodija General Mosque area, and the entire Sango was covered in smoke and dust. I got calls from my mum in Lagos. She was really worried even after I told her the explosion wasn’t in UI.

Debisi*

I was at work when this loud sound shook the entire building. I wasn’t sure what it was, but people outside assumed it was a gunshot and started running to safety. Immediately after I’d figured what was going on, I called my sister because our house is close to Bodija. She confirmed that the house shook at some point and particles from the ceiling had littered the house. Until around midnight, I was up taking calls from so many people who wanted to know I was safe, including my parents who live in a different part of Ibadan.

Sogo*

I moved out of the area where the explosion occurred about five years ago. But I still live about ten minutes away from there. We were just wrapping up service in church when I heard the explosion. We were praying, then everywhere went quiet. Initially, I thought the roof of the church caved in or something fell on it. We continued praying but everyone was also wondering where the sound came from. In the morning, I discovered that one of the glass sliding doors in my house was broken.

In case you ever find yourself in a similar situation, this article has tips on how to keep safe: This Is What to Do When You Feel Tremors in Your City

Adeyinka Odutuyo

January 17, 2024

Citizen

ibadan, Nigerians, oyo state
Ibadan Explosion: The Damage and What’s Been Done About It

An explosion disrupted the peace in Ibadan, Oyo state, in the early evening of Tuesday, January 16, 2024. Residents of Iwajowa L.G.A (Apata), Ibadan North-West L.G.A (Jericho), Ibadan North L.G.A (Yemetu, Mokola, Agbowo) and Ido L.G.A (Elebu, Apete, Akufo) took to X to report about the loud bang they heard in their area. And the affected people shared photos and videos of their damaged homes and property.

Someone's Apartment After the Wierd Sound in Ibadan a while ago pic.twitter.com/wpsNh3g54y
— AbímbólÁdèdàpo 🎇 Triple Bim (@3plebim) January 16, 2024

The damage

According to news reports, the explosion happened at Dejo Oyelese Close, Off Adeyi Avenue, Old Bodija. The unfortunate event claimed two lives. 77 people were injured, over 20 houses and 15 cars were permanently destroyed, and about 10 houses and five cars can still be salvaged. According to X user, @dondekojo, the explosives — C4, Dynamite, ANFO and TNT — caused the blast whose impact was felt at about a 500-metre radius.

However, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal officials are reportedly still investigating the explosives that went off in Ibadan.

Journalist and digital content producer, Ayo Adams, went around the city last night to see the affected places. He reported in his tweets that it was too late at night to talk to residents about the incident, but passersby had felt the shock wave of the explosion. He visited businesses affected by the explosion, like Dominos and Ace Mall, Bodija, and the Housing Central Mosque.

Search and rescue operation

At 9:47 p.m., the Oyo State Police Department reported that the anti-bomb squad of the Nigerian Police, medical personnel, firefighters, road safety officers and the state security operative, Amotekun, had been deployed to the site of the explosion.

More than 20 people have been rescued from the explosion site. However, a local news media tweeted about a boy named Sotannde Kodir, who was found in Sango area. His mother, with whom he ran away from the explosion site, was missing. As of the time of publishing, there’s been no news of her whereabouts or if Sotannde has been reunited with his family.

As of this morning, security personnel, including the Nigerian Army, are still at the scene to prevent a second explosion.

X.com: @theayoadams

Mustapha Iskil Gbolahan of Fresh FM reported at 10:46 a.m. today that another 11 victims have been rushed to the UCH and are currently receiving medical treatment.

The state governor reacts

At 2:39 a.m., Seyi Makinde confirmed that the wounded were being treated at the University College Hospital (UCH) and some private hospitals. In Seyi Makinde’s press release on X, he stated that the medical bills of all victims will be covered by the government. They’ll also provide temporary accommodation for those whose houses were affected and support them to rebuild their lives. The state governor assured the public that an investigation to bring the illegal miners to book has been launched.

Blood donation

UCH has publicly requested blood donors to help the victims who were rushed there last night.

This morning, X user, @presidentdebbie, tweeted that casualties can reach out to her sister’s blood bank organisation for blood.

Emergency number

In case of future emergencies, residents are advised to dial 615, Oyo State’s emergency number.

Rumours to dismiss

Based on the state governor’s press release, the fake news on X that the blast was a gas explosion at a plant beside Ventura in Samonda should be dismissed. It’s also untrue that there isn’t enough space for the victims at the University College Hospital. The public institution is still attending to and treating victims, according to @dondekojo, a well-known Ibadan local and close source to the Oyo State government.

At this time, we’ve heard no news about victims stuck under the rubble.

READ: Ibadan Explosion: Seyi Makinde Confirms Casualties and Other Details

Tomide Marv

January 17, 2024

Citizen

explosion, Ibadan bomb blast, Nigeria, oyo state
Ibadan Explosion: Seyi Makinde Confirms Casualties and Other Details

Around 7:44 p.m. on Tuesday, January 16, an explosion rocked Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, throwing residents into panic.

Early reports surfaced on social media giving different reasons for the explosion.

However, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, maintained that the state government was on top of the situation and had deployed necessary personnel to the affected areas.

What caused the explosion?

Speaking to pressmen early Wednesday morning, Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde, confirmed that the explosion was caused by explosive devices stored in some buildings around the Bodija area of Ibadan.

“Illegal miners occupying one of the houses in Bodija had stored explosive devices there which caused the blast”.

The governor added that an investigation is still ongoing to find the illegal miners and bring them to book.

Are there casualties?

Governor Makinde revealed that about 77 people were injured from the explosion while two others were confirmed dead.

“The wounded and injured are being treated and moved to public and private hospitals within Ibadan. Medical personnel are on standby at these hospitals to provide all needed assistance to the injured. We have visited UCH to see some of those injured during the incident.

“In total, we have 77 injured victims so far, most of whom were treated and discharged and 2 fatalities. May their souls rest in peace and may God give their loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”

The governor assured residents that the state government will handle the medical bills of the victims of the blast and provide temporary housing for those who have been rendered homeless by the explosion.

“We will also be providing temporary accommodation for those whose houses were affected and ensuring that they are supported to rebuild their lives.”

The governor called for calm among residents and urged people to stay away from the explosion sites.

“I urge all residents to please call 615 for any emergencies they may be experiencing at this time and to remain calm and stay away from the immediate scene of the incident to allow rescue operations to be carried out without interference.”

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How are Nigerians reacting?

Nigerians have since taken to social media, commiserating with Ibadan residents and calling for prayers.

What can you do to help?

While the state government is actively providing care for victims, you can lend a helping hand to support medical centres that have been overwhelmed.

There are calls for blood donors at the Accident and Emergency section of the University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan.

There’s also been a call for medical personnel to offer assistance in Adeyi, Bodija area of Ibadan.

This is a developing story.

Adeyinka Odutuyo

January 17, 2024

Citizen

explosion, ibadan, Nigeria, Nigerians, oyo state
8 Songs the Super Eagles Should Have on their Playlist

As the Super Eagles continue their 2024 African’s Cup of Nations campaign, we send them our best wishes.

What better way to do this than create a playlist that solidifies our mission in Côte d’Ivoire. These songs have all the motivation, ginger and fire our boys need to clinch the top prize.

Play:

Africa — Yemi Alade ft. Sauti Sol

It doesn’t matter if it’s the Super Eagles or Black Stars, we are Africans first. This song by Mama Africa, featuring Kenya’s Sauti Sol, tops this playlist for good reason. It constantly reminds us of our roots and how we’re better united as one.

Want It All — Burna Boy ft. Polo G

Burna opened this song with “Remember when dem no believe me no more?”

Well, that’s the case of the Super Eagles; last time we won the AFCON was 2013. A decade later, we’re back to take our chances at winning. As a serious team in this to win every goddamn prize, there’s no better motivating song.

23 — Burna Boy

Though 23 is a reference to basketballer Michael Jordan, this song can makes you feel like Messi or Ronaldo. This song doesn’t only pump confidence, it makes you feel invincible.The Super Eagles need this.

Oya Come Make We Go — 2Baba ft. Sauti Sol

Watch the room luminate when our boys play ‘Oya Come Make We Go’ as they leave the dressing room for the pitch. This is essentially saying “let’s go there and have a blast.”

Overkilling — Djinee

Fifteen years later, Djinee’s Overkilling is still the anthem for the people chasing excellence, AKA overkilling, in their fields. This isn’t to exaggerate Super Eagles’ capability, but we can fake it till everyone believes it.

Champion — General Pype

“This is the sound of the champion,” like General Pype said in this song. In fact, it must blast in the stadium when we finally win the 2024 AFCON IJN.

Undisputed Champion — M.I Abaga

M.I’s Undisputed Champion emphasizes the need to build a winning mentality. It’s the anthem that rouses you from sleep.

Stand Strong — Davido ft. Sunday Service Choir

After our draw against Equatorial Guinea on January 14, 2024, our boys clearly need to hold onto this confidence-boost song. Whether the Super Eagles “minus” before the 2024 AFCON final or not, it should keep playing. Recommended it in the morning, afternoon and night.

Yo, Take This Quiz to Prove How Well You Know Nigeria’s National Football Team

Tomide Marv

January 16, 2024

Citizen, Music, Pop

2024, afcon, afrobeats, Football, music, Nigeria, Nigerians, Super eagles
Armed Forces Remembrance Day: 7 Nigerians Share Their Best Experiences with Uniformed Officers

On January 15 every year, Nigerians celebrate the Armed Forces Remembrance Day (AFRD) in memory of the men and women who’ve lost their lives and those who continue to risk their lives in service to protect the nation.

To commemorate this year’s celebration, I asked Nigerians to share their most memorable experiences with military officers. These are their stories.

Beatrice* 24

I once boarded a bus to work, and when it was time to pay, this conductor suddenly hiked the price to ₦500. He said that was what he told me before entering the bus, even though he clearly said ₦300. I got into a heated argument with him, and I was hoping someone in the bus would join me, but everyone just kept to themselves. We got to a bus stop and picked up a soldier, and I got the ginger to continue my fight with the conductor. It took only a “You no go give am her change?” comment from the soldier to get him to fall in line. That was how I got my money back.

Ibrahim* 31

When I was in NYSC camp, the soldiers didn’t hesitate to mention how they won’t tolerate indiscipline. But I’d heard some of my mates mention how they often stayed back in the hostel to miss morning drills, so I decided to try it one day. Unfortunately, it was the day I chose to stay back that the soldiers carried out a morning raid. I hid under a bunk and didn’t answer the repeated calls to “Come out of your hiding place”. I just started begging after one soldier’s torchlight fell on me. When another colleague called out to him and asked if there was anyone in the room, he looked me in the eyes, said no and left the room. I was so happy. I found him later that week and treated him to lunch.

Hadiza* 28

I befriended a soldier during NYSC, and he made the entire experience fun for me. I had my first plane flight because of him. We visited restaurants, museums and the zoo. There were times we attended parties and clubbed together. Everything just felt so romantic because we played and gisted a lot, but I knew it was short lived. He still reaches out to me even though it’s been over five years since we last saw each other.

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Debola* 35

Area boys used to disturb us in my house. They were constantly fighting, harassing residents for money and just constituting a nuisance. I had enough one day when they threatened to deflate my tyres if I didn’t pay them for parking on the street. I was so livid that I threatened to bring soldiers to discipline them. It wasn’t like I knew any military person; I just boarded a bus and went to the barracks before Ojuelegba. The guys at the gate didn’t let me in, but I broke down in tears and just narrated what happened. To my surprise, they informed a superior and that was how about four of them followed me back in a military vehicle. They didn’t even need to do much, their presence threatened the area boys and they left me.

Hariff* 34

I grew up in Bonny Camp, and I think that experience made my childhood a lot of fun. We were one of the few civilians living there at the time; most of my friends had military parents. I remember watching the soldiers during their training and how I’d tell my parents I wanted to be a soldier when I grow up. Back then, I couldn’t understand why people feared military men. They were my neighbours, the traders were military people as well. They were just everywhere. It was such a cool flex at the time. I’d tease my friends at school when anyone tried to act funny. We left Bonny Camp while I was in secondary school, but I’m still in touch with some of my friends who had military parents.

Deji* 27

We were on our way to a family friend’s wedding in Osogbo state when our car broke down somewhere around Ikire. We weren’t familiar with the town, so we were worried and just wanted to get a mechanic ASAP. We’d barely been there for 20 minutes when these guys came out of nowhere and started harassing us. Luckily, a military patrol vehicle passed, and my aunty just screamed, “Officers, help us. Officers, help us!” Surprisingly, they stopped and the area guys dispersed before the officers alighted from their vehicle. They asked what happened, and we narrated our ordeal. These guys actually stayed with us for about three hours till we got a mechanic who fixed our car. It felt like we were a VVIP political family. We tried to settle them before we left, but they refused. They just waved us goodbye and that was it.

Kachi* 41

I had to do corporate bambiala once after I lost my wallet on my way home. We didn’t have Bolt or Uber at the time so I couldn’t just order a ride on my phone. I approached random people, but some of them didn’t even let me explain before they gave excuses. I couldn’t blame them because I’d have done the same if I were in their shoes. After two rejections, I saw this female naval officer and approached her. She was apprehensive at first, but unlike the others, she listened to my story. I was happy and thought she’d give me money, but she didn’t. Instead, she put me on a bus and told the driver not to collect money. She was a lifesaver. I tried looking out for her the next few times I was at that bus stop, but I never saw her again.

If you enjoyed this, you should read about this soldier who’s looking forward to a civilian life: A Day in the Life: The Soldier Eagerly Looking Forward to Civilian Life

Adeyinka Odutuyo

January 15, 2024

Citizen

Armed forces, Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Nigerians
NabeehaAndHerSisters: An Abduction in the Federal Capital

How did this happen?

On the evening of January 2, 2024, a group of kidnappers attacked the Al-Kadiriyah family in their home at Bwari Area Council. In an effort to thwart the operation, the sisters’ father reportedly made a frantic call to his brother — the girls’ uncle — to alert the police. The police arrived at the scene before the kidnappers fled, but they couldn’t stop them. Unfortunately, the kidnappers took their first casualty that same evening. The uncle, who was with the police, was shot dead by the kidnappers.

With nothing in their way, the kidnappers took the girls and their dad. This event first broke on social media the morning after, when a family member announced what happened on her X account and prayed for their safe return.

On January 5, Mr Al-Kadiriyah returned home. The kidnappers let him go with one demand: a ₦60m ransom for the six girls. The deadline was Friday, January 12. Subsequently, a crowdfunding campaign kicked off on X with the hashtag #Najeebahandhersisters

Unfortunately, the full ransom couldn’t be realised before the deadline passed, and all efforts to negotiate with the kidnappers were unsuccessful.

What’s happening now?

On Saturday, the girls’ family member, Asiya Adamu, who has been at the forefront of the campaign to get them back home had heartbreaking news: Nabeeha had been murdered by her abductors. Nabeeha was buried later on Saturday.

The kidnappers have increased the ransom to ₦65m and have given the family a new deadline of Wednesday, January 17, 2024.

What is the police doing about this?

Before Nabeeha’s murder, it wasn’t entirely clear how much the police were involved in the plan to save the girls. The Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, however, claimed the police have been working on the case and urged the family to reach out to him.

The PRO released another statement, promising that the force is still on top of the situation and “diligently coordinating efforts to address this and prevent any further occurrence.”

WE ARE COMMITTED TO TACKLING KIDNAPPING, RESCUING VICTIMS UNHURT… FPRO

As IGP Upscales Tactical Intelligence Teams

In the wake of the abduction of six young girls in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, it is vital to state that the Police Force has… pic.twitter.com/BRqLW5OLOp
— Prince Olumuyiwa Adejobi (@Princemoye1) January 14, 2024

What can you do to help?

You can lend a voice to the efforts to bring the girls back safely. The hashtag to use is #Najeebahandhersisters. While at it, call on the FCT senator, Ireti Kingibe, and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to get involved. The crowdfunding campaign to raise the ₦65m ransom is still ongoing. Please, consider making a donation. Find the details below:

Toheeb Lanlehin

January 14, 2024

Citizen

abuja, Kidnapping
Obi Asika, Ali Nuhu Among New Directors of the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy

On January 12, 2023, Ajuri Ngalale, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, announced the appointment of 11 new directors for the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy (FMACCE). These are their names and new roles.

Tola Akerele — Director-General, National Theatre

Tola Akerele has built successful businesses that have contributed to contemporary African art. She founded Bogobiri House, an Afrocentric and artistic hotel with an art gallery, restaurant and bar. Alongside being the curator at Soto Gallery, Tola also owns an interior design studio called iDesign by Tola Akelere. With a solid resume in arts, culture and creativity, it’s not hard to see why the direction of the national theatre has been entrusted with her.

Image source: Businessday NG

Husseini Shaibu — Director-General, National Films and Censors Board

The new director of the National Films and Censors Board is Husseini Shaibu, the deputy national director of the National Troupe of Nigeria, an editor at The Guardian newspaper and a film critic. He’s also been a member of the jury board of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) and the Nigerian Oscar Selection Committee.

Image source: Starconnect Media

Obi Asika — Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture

Anyone who’s familiar with the Nigerian music industry must know Obi Asika is a major contributor to the sector. Not only did his Storm Records platform OG Afrobeats artists like Sasha P, Naeto C, Jazzman Olofin and Yung 6ix, becoming one of Nigeria’s biggest labels to date, but Obi’s ten-episode Afrobeats documentary, Journey of the Beats (2022) on Showmax, also visualised the genre’s history and global movement. He served as a Senior Special Assistant to former President Goodluck Jonathan and was once part of the African Advisory Committee of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art in the U.S.

Image source: TheWill Downtown

Aisha Adamu Augie — Director-General, Centre for Black and African Arts and Culture

Aisha Adamu Augie is an Abuja-based award-winning photographer, filmmaker and mixed media artist. She won the Sisterhood Award for Photographer of the Year and the British Council’s “Through My Eyes” competition in 2014. The same year, Aisha hosted “Alternative Evil”, her first solo photography exhibition. When she’s not hosting the podcast, “I Love Your Work with Aisha Augie”, she’s performing governmental roles. She was a Special Adviser to Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed, the former Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, from 2019 to 2023.

Instagram: @aishaak49

Ekpolador-Ebi Koinyan — Chief Conservator, National War Museum

The National War Museum is the only museum that showcases military history in West Africa, and Ekpolador-Ebi Koinyan is its new chief conservator. Before his appointment, he headed the Bayelsa State Government’s e-Governance Project, and he’s a senior partner at Smart Alliance Consulting, examining the operations of professional service firms in emerging markets.

X.com: @ekpolador_ebi

Ahmed Sodangi — Director-General, National Gallery of Art

Ahmed Sodangi is an experienced expert in the import and export industry, and a project officer at the Bank of Industry Ltd. Although he’s an unfamiliar name, we’re investing a little faith in this president’s appointee.

Image source: LinkedIn

Chaliya Shagaya — Director-General, National Institute of Archeology and Museum Studies

Chaliya Shagaya is an entrepreneur, fashion consultant and ex-mode who’s consulted for respected designers like Deola Sagoe and Korto Momolu. Ms Shayaga served as the former head of new media at Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and head of government relations at the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. (NGX). We look forward to her contribution to preserving our artefacts and museums — and possibly, giving us our Afrobeats Museum?

Image source: THISDAYLIVE

Khaltume Bulama Gana — Artistic Director, National Troupe of Nigeria

Kaltume Bulama Gana is the curator of the National Gallery of Art, an artist who’s showcased her work at more than 45 group and solo exhibitions. She was an assistant director in the History and Culture Bureau in 1987, and before that, she was a TV presenter at Kano State Television from 1985 to 1986. She runs Herwa Heart of Art Initiative, an NGO focused on educating children, including young girls and women affected by Boko Haram’s insurgency. We hope she excels in her new role.

Image source: OpenBU

Biodun Ajiboye — Director-General, National Institute for Cultural Orientation

Biodun Ajiboye has worked in media, publicity and campaigns for the All Progressive Congress (APC) political party and in the Nigerian telecommunication industry. He owned the now defunct Nigerian Telecoms News and the Nigerian Telecoms Awards.

Image source: The Guardian Nigeria

Ali Nuhu — Managing Director, Nigerian Film Corporation

Ali Nuhu is among the most decorated actors in the Hausa film industry. With over 22 years in the film industry, he’s not a new face to lovers of Kannywood and Nollywood. If you want a problem solved, call on those with firsthand experience in it. We guess that’s what President Tinubu did with this appointment.

Image source: Daily Trust

Ramatu Abonbo Mohammed — Director-General, National Commission for Museums and Monuments

Ramatu Mohammed Abonbo was Niger State’s former commissioner of commerce, industry and investment. Before her involvement in politics, Ramatu was Chief Marketing Executive at MicroAccess Ltd., a pioneer information and communication firm through which Nigeria’s first national website and the National Hospital’s first website were built. She was also the director of Hamble Group, London. Although her CV isn’t related, we look forward to see how her past successes in executive leadership transfers to her new role.

Facebook: Haj. Rahmatu Mohammed Yar’adua

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Tomide Marv

January 13, 2024

Citizen, General, Inside Life, Pop

afrobeats, art, creativity, Culture, economy, Federal ministry, muisc
A Quick Guide on How to Apply for Your Nigerian Passport Online
The Nigerian government, via the Ministry of Interior, officially launched an online passport application portal on Monday, January 8, 2024. Applicants can now complete 99% of the process online, and they only have to show up at the immigration office for biometric capture. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for your Nigerian passport online.

Step 1

Visit the online application portal on your mobile device or computer.

Step 2

Step 3

Input your National Identification Number (NIN) and date of birth. This automatically pulls your data from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

Step 4

Select a processing state from the list of states, and a processing office in your chosen state. The selected location is where you’ll go for your biometric capture.

Step 5

Select a booklet type. You can choose between a 32 or 64-page passport booklet.

Step 6

Upload a passport photograph that meets the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards.

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Step 7

Fill in personal details such as address, occupation, mobile number, next of kin, marital status, etc. Note that data such as name, gender, place and country of birth, which have been pulled from your NIN, cannot be changed. If you need to, you’ll have to visit the NIMC office.

Step 8

Upload the following required supporting documents:
- Local government letter of identification
- Birth certificate/age declaration
- Guarantor’s form sworn to before a commissioner of oaths/magistrate/high court judge
- Parents’ letter of consent for minors under 16 years
- Marriage certificate where applicable
- Police report, in case of lost passport
Verification of documents can take up to seven days.

Step 9

Confirm your details and make payment for your passport. A 32-page passport with a five-year validity costs ₦35,000, while a 64-page passport with a 10-year validity costs ₦70,000.

Step 10

Go for your biometric capture at the NIS office, and your passport should be ready for collection within two weeks.

Passport renewal

The renewal process is similar. It’s important to have the following:
- NIN number
- Old passport booklet number
- A passport photograph that meets ICAO standards
- The supporting documents outlined in Step 8 above
Adeyinka Odutuyo

January 10, 2024

Citizen

International passport, Nigeria, Nigerian passport, Nigerians