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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.

  The  House of Representatives  on Wednesday, resolved to investigate the $460m Chinese loan secured by the President Goodluck Jonathan administration to procure and install Closed-Circuit Televisions in strategic locations within the Federal Capital Territory to enhance security in the nation’s capital. The resolution of the House followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by the member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, Abia State,  Amobi Ogah during Wednesday’s plenary. Titled, “Need to investigate the rising insecurity and loss of several lives in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, despite the CCTV project secured with a Chinese loan of $460m,” Ogah said the spate of insecurity in the nation’s capital has made it imperative to revisit the project. In 2010, the Federal Government took a loan of $460m to install CCTV cameras in the FCT, but the project was not executed.

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday he had shelved plans for a summit in Budapest with Russia’s Vladimir Putin on the Ukraine war because he did not want a “wasted” meeting. Trump’s reversal came just days after he announced that he would meet Putin in the Hungarian capital within two weeks, following what he called a productive phone call to end Russia’s war. The US leader pressured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to give up the eastern Donbas region in exchange for peace during “tense” talks last Friday in Washington, a senior Ukrainian official told AFP. But on Tuesday, a White House official said that there were now “no plans for President Trump to meet with President Putin in the immediate future” despite the Budapest announcement. “I don’t want to have a wasted meeting,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office when asked why the Putin encounter had been put on ice. “I don’t want to have a waste of time, so I’ll see what happens.”

A petrol-laden tanker skidded off the road, fell and exploded on Tuesday afternoon on Bida-Agaei Road in Niger. Hajiya Aishatu Sa’adu,  Sector Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Niger Command, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna. Sa’adu said that the casualty figure  could not be ascertained at the time of  filing this report. She, however, said that her men were already conducting a rescue operation at the scene of the accident. According to her, the unfortunate incident has caused serious traffic gridlock on the ever-busy expressway particularly due to the bad nature of the road. Sa’adu pointed out that the deplorable state of the road also impacted response time for the rescue operation. Vanguard News

A support group rooting for the re-election of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, under the banner of the Anambra Patriots for Soludo (APS), has reaffirmed its readiness to deliver an overwhelming victory for the governor in the forthcoming November 8 governorship election in Anambra State. The Chairman of the group, Chief Damian Ejiamatu, gave the assurance during a meeting in Nise, Awka South Local Government Area, where residents from the two wards in the community unanimously pledged their support for Soludo’s re-election bid. Ejiamatu, visibly impressed by the large turnout, donated N2 million to mobilize grassroots support and promised an additional N2 million to further strengthen campaign activities for the governor He also assured members of other political parties operating under the Renewed Hope coalition that they would be fully integrated into the group’s structure and activities. According to Ejiamatu, the decision by some political groups to align with Soludo was influenced by h...

  The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Anambra State,  John Nwosu , has called for the criminalization of vote buying and the prosecution of any government officials, individuals, or groups found engaging in the practice during the upcoming November 8 governorship election in the state. Speaking with reporters in Onitsha, Nwosu described vote trading as a heinous crime and “one of the greatest assaults on Nigeria’s democracy”. He added, “We call on government agencies responsible for ensuring credible elections to criminalize and prosecute any government officials, individuals, or groups found engaging in vote buying or selling at polling units.” Nwosu further stated that any government involved in vote buying demonstrates incompetence and corruption, questioning the source of funds used for such illegal activities.

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress , APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, on Sunday said Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has united the state. Yilwatda said Sani has given the people of the state voice by removing the problems of tribalism and religion. Speaking in Kaduna on Sunday, the APC chairman said mosques and churches are now the same under Sani’s administration. He said: “Your Excellency, I want to thank you for doing something different in Kaduna State, Kaduna State was known for insecurity; the story has changed. “Thank you for valuing the lives of people and uniting Kaduna State. You have removed the problems of religion and tribalism, giving everyone a voice.

  Nollywood actress and media personality,  Omotunde Adebowale-David , popularly known as Lolo 1, has shared her opinion on polygamy, stating that she prefers it to secret affairs. Speaking in a recent podcast with her colleague, Bimbo Akintola, Lolo argued that honesty and fairness should guide relationships. “I would rather a man be polygamous than for him to be married and have a side-chick. That’s the one I would not contend with,” the actress said. She added that polygamy guarantees co-wives fairness to an extent, as opposed to “side-chick culture.” On her part, Bimbo Akintola claimed that “side-chick culture” began when men were taught to marry the so-called “wife material” instead of the women they truly loved.

Nollywood actress   Uche Ogbodo   has once again stirred social media after confirming the success of her latest cosmetic procedure. The actress, who previously underwent a  Brazilian Butt Lift   (BBL), revealed she recently completed a Lipo 360 surgery and expressed her gratitude to God with the words,  “It ended in praise.” Before the surgery,  Uche shared a video of herself in hospital attire , smiling with confidence. She appeared cheerful and optimistic as she prepared for the procedure. “It’s happening today. My Lipo 360 surgery. Please say a little prayer for me. I’m not scared! I trust my doctors. It will end in praise! Amen.”

  Injury-hit Barcelona expect to have Lamine Yamal back fit to face Girona in La Liga on Saturday, in a welcome boost as the Catalans aim to bounce back from a damaging defeat with the Clasico in their sights. Hansi Flick's side were hammered 4-1 by Sevilla before the international break and must regroup before facing  Real Madrid  on October 26. Midfielder  Pedri Gonzalez  said  Barca 's performance in Seville was the team's worst under Flick, and since then  Robert Lewandowski  and  Dani Olmo  have suffered injuries to deepen their plight. However,  Yamal  and  Fermin Lopez  returned to training this week and  are expected to be fit to face Girona , while  Raphinha  is also nearing a return. Teenage star Yamal missed the thrashing by Sevilla and then Spain's World Cup qualifiers with the recurrence of a groin problem but should feature against  Girona  in a derby clash.

The body of revered Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga arrived in Nairobi on Thursday from India where he died of a suspected heart attack. A large crowd gathered at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to greet the coffin, AFP reporters said. Odinga died of a suspected heart attack while visiting a health clinic in southern India on Wednesday. President William Ruto has announced seven days of national mourning for Odinga, who ran unsuccessfully for the presidency five times but played a major role in Kenyan politics over several decades and was a figurehead for large swathes of the population.

  Nigeria’s headline inflation rate eased to 18.02 per cent in September compared to 20.12 per cent in August 2025, indicating the sixth consecutive month of deceleration in inflation. This was disclosed by the  National Bureau of Statistics  in the latest Consumer Price Index published on Wednesday. This also marked the first time in three years that inflation had fallen below the 20 per cent threshold. The rebasing of the CPI has been a driver of the decline in inflation this year, which has resulted in the first rate cut by the Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria in years. The sustained dip in inflation supports the projection by economists that the MPC may still cut the benchmark rate. According to NBS, the September 2025 headline inflation rate decreased by 2.1 per cent compared to the previous month. On a year-on-year basis, the headline inflation rate was 14.68 per cent lower than the rate recorded in September 2024 (32.70 per cent), marking a ...

Tension has begun to ease across parts of Katsina State following a peace agreement reached between a group of bandits and community leaders from several local government areas under the Federal Government’s Operation Safe Corridor initiative. According to counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, the truce was sealed on October 12, 2025, during a crucial dialogue held at Kakumi Village in Bakori Local Government Area. The meeting brought together representatives from Bakori, Kafur, Malumfashi, Kankara, and Funtua LGAs, alongside prominent bandit leaders operating within the Funtua zone. Sources revealed that the talks aimed to end years of recurring attacks, killings, and abductions that have devastated communities across southern Katsina. The peace dialogue, which lasted over three hours—from 2:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.—was described as peaceful and constructive.

The Lagos State Government has denied involvement in the recent demolition of structures on the Sixth Avenue, FESTAC Town. The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, said this on Tuesday in Alausa. Olumide said that the state government had no hand in the demolitions and followed a clear process before bringing down any structure. He said that such process included giving all necessary notices and engaging with people who may be affected. The commissioner urged all agencies, including federal ones, to always consult and get clearance from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development before carrying out any demolition. “We want to assure residents that the Lagos State Government is committed to fairness, due process and protection of property rights.

Ondo Governor   Lucky Aiyedatiwa  has cleared a total of N1.4 billion backlog of unpaid gratuities to retired local government workers and primary school teachers who exited service in 2014. Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Akure on Monday, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the gesture as a continuation of the bulk gratuity payment initiative he introduced while serving as Deputy Governor – aimed at clearing outstanding entitlements and restoring confidence among retirees. “I started this even when I was Deputy Governor. I presented the case to the then governor, who approved it, and we began saving money periodically. Whenever we had a favourable allocation, we set aside funds to settle retirees’ gratuities. This will continue now that we are fully in charge,” Aiyedatiwa said. He added that the bulk payments for the 2011, 2012, and 2013 sets under his administration were unprecedented in the history of the state.

  Rivers  Governor   Siminalayi Fubara   has inaugurated a new Secretary to State Government (SSG), Benibo Anabraba to replace Dr Tammy Danagogo. It was gathered the replacement of Danagogo was in line with the new peace agreement that ended the political crisis in the state. Danagogo was an SSG during the second term of former Governor, Nyesom Wike and retained the position in Fubara’s administration till the declaration of emergency rule in the state. Fubara, while inaugurating Anabraba at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Monday, identified him as a former Minority Leader of the Rivers House of Assembly and one of his former commissioners. Addressing Anabraba, the Governor said: “Within the period we worked together, you did well as a very dedicated person. So, this opportunity is not to display power or a show of the size of office, but a call to duty. 

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue South Senatorial District received a major boost on Saturday, October 11, 2025, as prominent politicians from various parties, including the NNPP, APC, ADC, and LP, defected to the PDP in Ogoli-Ugboju, Otukpo Local Government Area. Leading the decampees was Chief Barr. Isaac Oduh, former Senatorial candidate of the NNPP, who declared alongside hundreds of supporters their decision to join the PDP, citing the visionary and inclusive leadership of Senator Dr. Abba Moro, the Senate Minority Leader and representative of Benue South. Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Chief Oduh said their decision was driven by the need to align with a leader who genuinely cares for the people and delivers results. “Senator Moro’s leadership has shown that politics is about service, not self-interest,” Oduh said.

  The  Department of State Services, DSS , has cautioned the public against dealing with one Victor Onyedikachi Godwin, a dismissed officer allegedly using the agency’s name to defraud unsuspecting individuals. In a statement issued on Monday, the DSS said Godwin was sacked from the Service but has continued to parade himself as a serving officer while engaging in fraudulent activities. According to the statement, the former staff has been using the name of the DSS to extort money from members of the public under various pretences. “The Department of State Services (DSS) hereby alerts members of the public of the activities of one Victor Onyedikachi Godwin, a dismissed staff. He is reportedly engaging in unscrupulous activities, including using the name of the Service to defraud unsuspecting members of the public,” the statement read.

By the end of the day, all semi-finalists will be known in Shanghai and Wuhan, as heavyweight names battle it out to take a major step closer to glory. The Tennis Tracker will, as usual, keep you updated with all the latest results and news. 07:40 CET -  Good morning and welcome back to the Tennis Tracker this Friday, with some fantastic quarter-final action ahead of us in China! There has already been one result from Wuhan, with  Jessica Pegula  coming from behind to claim a  2-6, 6-0, 6-3  win over  Katerina Siniakova , moving into the semi-final as a result. Currently on court, three-time defending champion  Aryna Sabalenka  is facing  Elena Rybakina  for a 13th time, with the former leading the head-to-head 7-5. That will be followed by a meeting between  Coco Gauff  and 37-year-old  Laura Siegemund , before  Iga Swiatek  looks to improve her 6-0 record against  Jasmine Paolini  in the last quarter-...

UEFA said on Thursday it had held informal discussions with A22 Sports Management, the company behind plans to revive a European Super League, but stressed that no changes were being considered to the format of its elite club competition. "We can confirm reports that (UEFA general secretary) Mr Theodore Theodoridis had met with (A22 Sports Management co-founder) Mr Anas Laghrari on a few occasions in public settings. "No formal outcomes resulted from these conversations,"  UEFA told Reuters on Thursday. "We categorically reaffirm that there are no plans to change the format of the UEFA Champions League." Media reports said earlier on Thursday that A22 had entered exploratory talks with UEFA officials to discuss a possible framework for a new competition.

Winner of Big Brother Naija Season 10, Opeyemi Ayanwale, better known as Imisi, has dismissed claims that she adopted a pity strategy to gain public sympathy and secure votes during her time in the Big Brother house. Speaking in an interview with Arise TV, the 23-year-old reality star clarified that she had little time to prepare for the show after receiving her acceptance email. According to her, everything happened so quickly that she simply packed what she had at hand without much planning. “I didn’t come in with a pity strategy. I didn’t even believe I was going to be picked for the show. When I got the mail, I had only a few days to pack. I was in Ijebu at the time, and I brought all the costumes I took to that location to my sister, then we started planning,” Imisi said.

  The Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Command of the  Nigeria Police Force,  on Wednesday said the enforcement of the vehicle tinted glass permit has been suspended. Spokesperson for the FCT Command, Josephine Adeh, said the suspension followed a court order halting the exercise. In an interview on AIT, Adeh said the decision came after the police officially received the court order. “Information reaching me from the office of the PRO is that the order has been received and the enforcement of the tinted permit is now on hold pending the court’s verdict,” Adeh said. She explained that the directive to suspend enforcement would remain in place pending the outcome of the ongoing legal process.

Singer Omawumi has attributed a significant part of her career success to music producer Cobhams Asuquo, revealing how his impact soared her career. In a recent interview on  HipTV , Omawumi recalled their first meeting, where Cobhams offered her an opportunity to record a song, despite uncertainty about its potential impact. “Cobhams gave me one of my first opportunities outside Idol West Africa. The first time we met, he said, ‘Omawumi, this is Cobhams Asuquo, you know he likes to funkify his name. There is a song I want you to do. It might not come out as anything for now, but let’s just go with it,’” she said. Omawumi said she accepted the offer and became a brand ambassador for a product, lasting two years. Omawumi also credited Cobhams with teaching her valuable lessons on delivery and posture. “I did the song, and then the agency picked it. I became the brand ambassador for that product for two years. I opened for PSquare in four locations. Cobhams taught me a lot of nuance...