Nigeria News (Standard)
Nigerians Protest Delay in Evacuation at Pretoria Embassy as June 30 Deadline Approaches
Federal Government says five flights approved, but stranded citizens fear rising xenophobia and demand immediate action
Federal Government says five flights approved, but stranded citizens fear rising xenophobia and demand immediate action
Hundreds of Nigerians stranded in South Africa staged a protest at the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria on Sunday, demanding urgent evacuation ahead of a June 30 deadline set by anti-immigrant groups. The demonstrators, many of whom had registered for government-assisted repatriation, chanted, “We wan go o, we no go gree,” expressing frustration over delays in scheduled evacuation flights.
The protest comes as anxiety grows within the Nigerian community in South Africa following months of anti-migrant demonstrations and threats from local groups targeting foreigners. The Federal Government began repatriating willing Nigerians earlier in June, with the first evacuation flight carrying 268 returnees landing in Lagos on June 11. However, subsequent flights have faced postponements, leaving over 1,000 registered Nigerians still awaiting their turn.
The President of the Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA), Smart Nwobi, said about 300 citizens were left stranded after a planned second flight was cancelled at the last minute. “Many had gathered at the mission ready to leave before being informed that the flight would not depart,” Nwobi stated. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has attributed the delays to documentation and verification processes being conducted with South African authorities.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu assured affected Nigerians that Government remains committed to their safe return and has approved five evacuation flights to bring everyone home. “No Nigerian willing to return will be abandoned,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said during a press briefing last week. Crisis response units have also been established in Pretoria and Johannesburg to coordinate support for those affected.
With the June 30 deadline drawing near, many stranded citizens say they are increasingly concerned for their safety and have called on Abuja to speed up repatriation efforts before tensions escalate further. Meanwhile, officials continue negotiations with South African authorities on documentation requirements to facilitate smooth departures.
Nigeria News (Standard)
US Embassy Launches EducationUSA Fund to Support Lagos, Abuja Students Seeking Admission Abroad
Programme targets financially disadvantaged applicants with strong academic records; applications close June 30, says embassy
Programme targets financially disadvantaged applicants with strong academic records; applications close June 30, says embassy
The United States Mission in Nigeria has opened the application window for the 2026 EducationUSA Opportunity Fund Programme (OFP), offering financial and advisory support to academically talented but financially disadvantaged students in Lagos, Abuja and other cities. The call for applications began on June 15 and will end at 11:59 p.m. WAT on June 30, according to the US Embassy and EducationUSA Nigeria.
The EducationUSA Opportunity Fund Programme is designed to help Nigerian students cover the costs associated with applying to American universities, such as standardised testing fees and university application charges. According to officials, the programme does not pay university tuition but provides beneficiaries with guidance throughout the admission process, increasing their chances of securing places and scholarships at reputable US institutions.
US Embassy officials said the fund reflects America’s commitment to expanding access to quality education for young Nigerians who demonstrate strong academic performance and leadership potential but lack financial means. “The initiative ensures that highly qualified students are not denied international education opportunities due to inability to pay application costs,” an embassy representative said in a statement made available on Sunday.
EducationUSA advisers stated that selected candidates would receive intensive mentoring in addition to funding support. The 2026 edition prioritises applicants pursuing science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), artificial intelligence and related fields, though students from all disciplines may apply. The move comes as more Nigerian students seek educational opportunities abroad amidst naira depreciation and rising demand for global qualifications.
Applicants must be Nigerian citizens residing in Nigeria, show outstanding academic records, demonstrate leadership qualities and community involvement, have limited financial resources and intend to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate studies in the United States. Prospective candidates are advised to visit the official EducationUSA Nigeria portal, submit required forms and supporting documents, and complete their applications before the June 30 deadline. Embassy officials say hundreds of Nigerians have benefited from this scheme over the years by overcoming financial barriers linked to foreign admissions.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Abuja Court Rejects El-Rufai’s Bail Variation in Phone Tapping Case
Judge maintains existing bail terms for former Kaduna Governor as legal team seeks adjustment over ongoing trial
Judge maintains existing bail terms for former Kaduna Governor as legal team seeks adjustment over ongoing trial
An Abuja court on Tuesday declined the application filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, seeking a variation of his bail conditions in the ongoing phone tapping case. The decision was delivered during proceedings at the Federal High Court, Abuja, where El-Rufai faces charges related to alleged unauthorised interception of communications.
The presiding judge ruled that the current bail terms would remain in place, citing insufficient grounds presented by El-Rufai’s legal representatives to warrant any adjustments. The defence had argued that certain conditions were too restrictive and hindered their client’s ability to prepare for trial, but the court disagreed after reviewing submissions from both sides.
El-Rufai, who led Kaduna State under the All Progressives Congress (APC), is standing trial over allegations of illegally monitoring private phone conversations—a charge that has attracted national attention due to its implications for privacy rights and political accountability in Nigeria. The case has been closely watched by legal observers and political stakeholders, especially given El-Rufai’s prominence within the APC and his influence in North-West politics.
At Tuesday’s hearing, El-Rufai’s counsel reiterated their request for relaxed bail conditions, emphasising his cooperation with investigators and absence of flight risk. However, the prosecution opposed any variation, stating that the original bail was sufficient to ensure attendance at future proceedings. The judge ultimately sided with the prosecution, emphasising the need for judicial consistency.
With this ruling, El-Rufai is expected to continue complying with the initial bail requirements as his trial progresses. The next hearing date is yet to be announced. Legal analysts note that the court’s refusal may set a precedent for how high-profile defendants are treated in similar cases going forward.
Nigeria News (Standard)
NEF2026 Committee Launches Industrialisation Drive in Lagos, Targets Value Addition Across Sectors
Forum to convene on June 30 as stakeholders push for jobs, increased exports and sustainable economic growth
Forum to convene on June 30 as stakeholders push for jobs, increased exports and sustainable economic growth
The Nigeria Energy Forum (NEF2026) committee has announced plans to host its 11th annual conference in Ikeja GRA, Lagos, on Tuesday, June 30, focusing on upscaling value addition as a pathway to sustainable industrialisation. Dr Oluwole Adeuyi, Chairman of the forum, disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists in Lagos ahead of the event.
According to Adeuyi, NEF2026 will bring together policymakers, investors, manufacturers and energy sector operators to deliberate on strategies for transforming Nigeria’s vast natural resources into productive industries and job opportunities. The forum, themed “Upscaling Value Addition for Sustainable Industrialisation,” is expected to highlight opportunities across critical minerals, clean energy, manufacturing and technology sectors.
The timing of the conference comes as Nigeria and several African countries are intensifying efforts to create employment, attract investment and grow exports through local production. With the naira under pressure and unemployment rates high according to recent National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data, stakeholders argue that boosting value addition is now essential for long-term economic stability.
“Industrialisation is no longer optional. The nations that will prosper in the coming decades are those that can convert their natural resources, innovation and human capital into value-added products, thriving industries and sustainable prosperity,” Adeuyi stated. He noted that NEF2026 would spotlight initiatives around industrial decarbonisation, circular economy solutions and modern infrastructure needed for Nigeria’s competitiveness.
The committee said the forum would also provide a platform for innovators and entrepreneurs to network with government officials and investors. Discussions are expected on policy reforms required to scale up manufacturing capacity across agriculture, clean energy and technology-driven enterprises. Organisers maintain that outcomes from the conference will feed into national development strategies aimed at accelerating industrial growth.
US Embassy Launches EducationUSA Fund to Support Lagos, Abuja Students Seeking Admission Abroad
Abuja Court Rejects El-Rufai’s Bail Variation in Phone Tapping Case
NEF2026 Committee Launches Industrialisation Drive in Lagos, Targets Value Addition Across Sectors
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