List of Updated Prerequisites for Nigerian Nationals Seeking a U.S. Visa

The United States Mission in Nigeria has released a new directive for visa applicants, requiring them to disclose all social media usernames and handles utilized over the last five years as part of the visa application procedure. This directive, which was announced in a post on the Mission’s official X account on Monday, follows the US Department of State's recent reaffirmation of its dedication to enhancing national security through improved screening protocols. Here are six new requirements for U.S. Visa Applicants in Nigeria: 1) Matching DS-160 Confirmation Number Applicants must present a DS-160 visa application form that includes a barcode number (beginning with "AA00") that corresponds with the one used to schedule their appointment. If the barcode number does not align, entry into the Consular Section or attendance at the interview will be denied. 2) Choose the Correct Appointment Location Applicants are required to attend their interview at the same location (Abuja or Lagos) that was selected during the submission of the DS-160 form. 3) Double-Check Your DS-160 At least two weeks prior to the interview, ensure that the DS-160 barcode number matches the one in the appointment confirmation. Do not reuse a DS-160 form from a prior application. 4) Fixing an Incorrect DS-160 Barcode If the barcode is incorrect, log into your AVITS account at least 10 days before your interview and submit a support ticket to request a correction. 5) Rescheduling If Rejected If you are denied entry due to mismatched barcode numbers, you must rectify the issue and then schedule a new appointment. If your previous visa fee has lapsed, a new fee will need to be paid before booking. 6) All social media usernames and handles Applicants are required to provide all social media usernames and handles used in the past five years on the DS-160 visa application form.

After Obtaining an N6.9 Million Ransom, the Kidnapper Was Engaged in an Accident.

One individual suspected of kidnapping, identified as Mohammed Tahir from Barkin Ladi in Plateau State, has been apprehended following his involvement in a solitary motor vehicle accident in the Kokona Local Government Area of the state. In a statement to the press on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer for the state, SP Ramhan Nansel, stated; "On 18/08/2025 at approximately 0908 hours, police operatives from the Garaku Division received an emergency call from the Angwan Mayo community concerning a single-vehicle crash near the VIO checkpoint. "Two individuals who were occupants of an Opel Vectra with the registration number PLATEAU BLD 566 ST reportedly fled the scene immediately after the incident. "Upon their arrival, the operatives found that members of the public had already congregated, while a vigilant VIO officer had handed over a G3 rifle and cash that were previously recovered from the vehicle involved in the accident." "In response, the police, in conjunction with the Military, initiated a thorough manhunt for the fleeing suspects. One of them, later identified as Mohammed Tahir, a male from Barkin Ladi, Plateau State, was apprehended after he had escaped into the forest. "During questioning, the suspect admitted to being part of a seven-member kidnapping gang responsible for the abduction of a lawyer in Nyanya, Abuja (FCT), from whom a ransom was collected. "He also confessed that he and another accomplice were en route to Jos to distribute the proceeds of their crime when the accident transpired. Efforts are currently underway to capture the remaining suspects who are still at large." The PPRO further mentioned that following instructions from the Commissioner of Police, CP Shettima Jauro Mohammed, the suspect and the recovered items have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Lafia for further inquiry into the case.

Apostle Alozie Offers the APC National Chairman his Condolences for the Loss of his Mother.

A Chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Abia State, Apostle Chuks Alozie, has joined numerous Nigerians in expressing condolences to the National Chairman of APC, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwtda, following the death of his mother, the late Mama Lydia Yilwatda. In a condolence message directed to the APC National Chairman, Apostle Alozie characterized the passing of Mama Lydia Yilwatda as a significant loss for Professor Nentawe and the Yilwatda family. The APC Chieftain emphasized that the tributes honoring Mama Lydia’s departure from various sectors of society clearly indicate that she embodied the virtues of peace, care, and love, serving as a wise adviser to her children and all who interacted with her during her lifetime. He particularly expressed joy in noting that Mama Lydia demonstrated her love for God by diligently spreading His word through the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) alongside her husband, the late Rev. T. Goshewe Yilwatda, across Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, and Plateau States. Apostle Alozie, while asserting that Professor Yilwatda exemplifies his late mother’s dedication to effective parenting and upbringing, encouraged him and other family members to uphold the admirable qualities that Mama instilled in them to fulfill all her aspirations for them. In extending his condolences to the APC National Chairman and his family, Apostle Chuks Alozie acknowledged that although Mama will be profoundly missed, he urged them not to mourn excessively, as Mama Lydia lived a complete life and has returned to her Creator. The late Mama Lydia passed away early on Sunday, August 17, 2027, at the age of 83, following a brief illness.

AfroBasket: D'Tigress Star Ejio Receives a N30 Million Condominium From the Ebonyi Governor.

Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has awarded N30 million to D’Tigress star Munachi Ejiofor in recognition of her contributions to the team’s successful performance at the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket. Ejiofor has also received a duplex in Abakaliki. Additionally, she has been inducted into the Ebonyi State Hall of Fame. Earlier this month, D’Tigress secured their fifth consecutive Women’s AfroBasket title in Cote d’Ivoire. Rena Wakama’s team was also recognized by President Bola Tinubu. Each player received $100,000, an apartment, and a national honour.

Residents of Umuahia Protest the EEDC Office About Outrageous Electricity Costs.

The unprecedented rise in electricity bills observed in certain areas of Umuahia, the capital of Abia State, provoked the anger of residents this Thursday (14/8/25) as they marched to the Enugu Electricity Development Company (EEDC) office in the city to express their discontent. The protesters, consisting of residents from the World Bank Housing Estate, marched over three kilometers while chanting discontented songs, signifying their rejection of the exorbitant bills that had surged by over 400%, and they issued a warning against potential disconnections. The furious residents carried placards, some of which stated: "World Bank cries: Power bills are higher than rents; Estimated billing is illegal and criminal; We cannot jump from N8000 to paying N47,000," among others. While presenting their complaints to the EEDC Operations Manager, Engineer Amaga, Kalu Florence, the Acting Chair of the World Bank Housing Estate Residents Association, characterized the electricity bill for July as not only outrageous but also inhumane and exploitative, demanding an immediate reduction. Kalu, who disclosed that they had submitted numerous letters of complaint without any response, emphasized that it was unfathomable for someone who previously paid N8,000 to suddenly receive a bill of N47,000, questioning how a public servant earning less than N80,000 could endure such a drastic increase based on estimated billing. Expressing their concerns, other residents who spoke urged EEDC to ensure that residents would not face disconnection, warning that they might be compelled to take actions that could be undesirable. They also appealed to the state government to intervene to prevent further exploitation of the populace amidst the current challenging economic conditions. In response, Operations Manager Engineer Amaga advocated for dialogue to resolve the issue and subsequently entered into a closed-door session with the representatives of the group. Hanto Daily News reports that after more than three hours of discussions, no substantial positive agreement was achieved. Nevertheless, discussions are anticipated to continue on Thursday evening, as the public maintains that they will not settle the exorbitant charge.

Parma Defender Signed by Liverpool As Summer Spending Surpasses £300 Million, Giovanni Leoni

Liverpool has officially announced the acquisition of Parma centre-back Giovanni Leoni for a fee of £26 million plus additional bonuses, bringing their total transfer expenditure this summer to £321.5 million. The 18-year-old has signed a six-year contract at Anfield, marking him as the club's sixth significant signing of the transfer window. Liverpool's spending now positions them as the third-highest among Premier League clubs in a single transfer window. Should they finalize a deal for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, anticipated to exceed £100 million, the Reds could establish a new record for summer spending. Leoni's signing is part of Liverpool's strategy to bolster their defense following the transfer of academy product Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen for £35 million. Additionally, Ibrahima Konate is in the last year of his current contract. The Reds acted quickly to secure Leoni's services amidst interest from leading Italian clubs and other teams in the Premier League. Reports from England indicated that the Italian teenager was eager to join Arne Slot's Premier League champions, and any chance of a loan move away from Anfield has been dismissed. Leoni will join the first-team squad for the 2025/26 season and is anticipated to be present at Liverpool's season opener against Bournemouth at Anfield at 8 p.m. tonight, August 15. Despite their substantial investment, Liverpool has mitigated much of their expenditure through player sales. Seven first-team players have left the club for a total exceeding £200 million, including Luis Diaz's transfer to Barcelona for £65 million and Darwin Nunez's move to Paris Saint-Germain for £56.6 million.

Binani, a Former Adamawa APC Candidate for Governor, Switches to ADC

The 2023 governorship candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State, Senator Aishatu Ahmed Binani, has switched allegiance to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Binani's media aide, Maulud Usman, confirmed this development to DAILY POST on Sunday afternoon, explaining that the politician arrived in Yola on Saturday evening and announced her defection to a select group of family members and friends. On Sunday, Adamawa residents were greeted with social media reports regarding Binani's defection, although official confirmation was not immediately available. Further elaborating on the situation on Sunday afternoon, Maulud indicated that the announcement was made discreetly, without any media coverage invitation. He also mentioned that Binani, who served as the senator for Adamawa Central Zone at the time she ran for the governorship in 2023, would return to Yola shortly for a more formal association with her new party. Binani narrowly lost to the incumbent Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election. DAILY POST notes that Binani's departure from the APC was anticipated, as her relationship with the party's leadership had been strained. The APC leadership in the state has been perceived as showing what many consider an undue preference for the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, who, due to his federal position, leads the APC in Adamawa. It is thought that Binani was uneasy with this dynamic, given the political competition between her and Ribadu. Ribadu was among the five individuals who lost the APC nomination to Binani in 2023 and is believed to still harbor ambitions of becoming governor or endorsing a candidate in his place for the 2027 elections.