LEGENDINFO

In a world where travel continues to connect people and cultures, friendliness remains one of the most treasured qualities a country can offer. The year 2025 brings a fresh look at destinations where warmth, hospitality, and human connection define the visitor experience.  From the sun-soaked shores of Barbados to the serene Himalayan landscapes of Bhutan, these nations have been celebrated by travellers for their genuine kindness, welcoming spirit, and cultural openness.  According to Condé Nast Traveller, here are the world’s friendliest countries in 2025 where strangers are treated like friends, and every smile feels like home: KENYA: Kenya receives the title of world’s friendliest country for 2025, and it’s easy to see why. The “Big Five” animals usually take centre stage here but behind each lovely Kenya Safari, there’s a whole host of even lovelier guides who make you feel completely at ease, even when metres away from a prowling lion. Nairobi’s eclectic nightlife ...

The removal of Nigeria from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list would enhance investors’ confidence and inflows of investments into the economy. Commendations continued to trail the weekend removal of the country from the grey list, with experts describing the achievement as a reflection of improvements in the country’s financial and economic regulatory systems. The naira yesterday recorded significant gains, appreciating by N10 per dollar and closing the day at  N1,486 per dollar at the parallel markets. Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama said the removal was a clear reflection of the country’s renewed policy direction and commitment to transparency. He said the development would significantly enhance investor confidence and attract more foreign investments.

The Lagos State Police Command says it has deployed officers across strategic locations to forestall any disruption of public peace following intelligence reports of a planned protest on the Third Mainland Bridge by some youths in the Oworonshoki area. In a statement released in the early hours of Monday by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the police assured residents that robust security measures have been put in place to maintain law and order throughout the state. “The Command is aware of information circulating regarding a planned disruption on the Third Mainland Bridge by some youths in the Oworonshoki area,” the statement read. According to Adebisi, officers have been fully mobilised to safeguard road users, prevent obstruction of vehicular movement, and ensure the safety of lives and property.

At least five teenage girls lost their lives following a boat mishap in Nafada town, Gombe State. DAILY POST reports that the victims were identified as Najib Ibrahim, 18; Hauwa’u Dogal, 15; Ummati Baraya, 16; Umaira Gidado, 16; and Amina Jaliya, 15. The state governor, Inuwa Yahaya, through his media aide, Mr Ismaila Uba-Misilli. on Sunday expressed deep sadness over the incident in a condolence message to the bereaved families. He described the incident as painful and heart-wrenching, especially given the tender ages of the victims and the grief caused to their families. “This tragic incident has cut short the lives of promising young people,” the governor said, sympathising with their parents and the entire Nafada community.

Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina secured the last qualifying spot for the season-ending WTA Finals in Riyadh after advancing to the Pan Pacific Open semi-finals in Tokyo on Friday. Rybakina , who has won two WTA 500 titles this season, beat Canada's  Victoria Mboko   6-3 7-6(4)  in the Tokyo quarters. The 26-year-old will be making her third consecutive appearance at the Riyadh showpiece, which runs from November 1-8. Russians  Mirra Andreeva , 18, and  Ekaterina Alexandrova , 30, were named as the first and second alternates. Former Wimbledon champion Rybakina joins world number one  Aryna Sabalenka ,  Iga Swiatek , defending champion  Coco Gauff ,  Amanda Anisimova ,  Jessica Pegula ,  Madison Keys  and  Jasmine Paolini  in the draw.

  Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a career-high 55 points to lead reigning champion Oklahoma City over Indiana 141-135 in double overtime on Thursday in a historic rematch of last season's NBA Finals. Hours after the league was rocked by a massive illegal gambling probe, reigning NBA Most Valuable Player  Gilgeous-Alexander   dragged the Thunder to victory . The Canadian added eight rebounds and five assists while hitting 15-of-31 shots from the floor and 23-of-26 free throws to lead a 45-of-51 Thunder effort from the line. The 27-year-old guard, last season's top NBA scorer, netted nine points in the second overtime to lift  Oklahoma City  over a determined Pacers squad. After the Thunder won their season opener at home Tuesday over  Houston  125-124 in double overtime, they became the first club in NBA history to go into double overtime in their first two games of a campaign.

Nigerian singer   Ruger   has raised concern for Nigerians and visitors ahead of the festive season, issuing a serious warning about personal safety. In a tweet on X, Ruger highlighted the rising wave of kidnappings across the country, particularly during high-travel periods like Detty December. He urged people to remain vigilant and cautious, stressing that safety should be a  top priority during holiday celebrations due to the rise in abductions. Ruger’s warning comes as many Nigerians prepare for the annual festive rush, when traveling and social gatherings increase, creating potential opportunities for criminals. He called on everyone to plan carefully, stay alert, and protect themselves and their loved ones. The singer’s post serves as a reminder that while the holiday season is a time for fun and celebrations, safety should never be ignored.