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Confusion As US Revokes Wole Soyinka’s Visa

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Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has expressed shock over the sudden revocation of his United States visa by the American government.

Speaking at a media briefing held on Tuesday at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery, Freedom Park, Lagos Island, the globally celebrated writer said he was informed by the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos that his visa had been officially revoked, but no reason was provided for the decision.

Soyinka, visibly surprised by the development, said he decided to call the press conference to clarify the situation for those expecting him in the U.S. for upcoming events.

SEE MORE: Trump Is A Menace, Danger To The World – Wole Soyinka

“It is necessary for me to hold this conference so that people in the United States who are expecting me for this event or that event do not waste their time,” he told journalists.
“I have no visa; I am banned, obviously, from the United States. And if you want to see me, you know where to find me.”

According to Soyinka, a letter dated October 23, 2025, and issued by the Non-Immigrant Visa (NIV) Section of the Consulate, stated that his visa had been revoked “pursuant to the authority contained in U.S. Department of State regulations.”

The playwright, however, said he was at a loss as to why such an action was taken, insisting that he had never engaged in any activity that could warrant a visa withdrawal.

“I’m still looking into my past history… I don’t have any past criminal record or even a misdemeanour to qualify for the revocation.
I’ve started asking myself — have I ever misbehaved toward the United States? Have I ever gone against the law anywhere?” he queried.

Soyinka, who holds a B1/B2 visa—a temporary non-immigrant visa for business and tourism—added that he initially thought the revocation notice was a scam or an AI-generated message before confirming its authenticity.

He recalled that in September, PM News reported that he had declined an invitation from the U.S. Consulate to attend a “visa re-interview,” saying he found the invitation suspicious.

“At first, I thought it was advance-fee fraud because I had never received that kind of letter before,” he explained. “When I confirmed it was genuine, I was still puzzled because I have always maintained a cordial relationship with U.S. ambassadors and consuls general.”

While the U.S. authorities have not offered any official explanation, the revocation comes amid stricter immigration measures recently introduced by Washington to control the influx of foreign visitors.

 

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NLNG Change YourStory: Backs Digital Storytelling’s New Era

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No fewer than 40 journalists from print, broadcast, and digital media in Lagos participated in this year’s NLNG Change Your Story training workshop held in Lagos between March 11 and 13.

The workshop, themed “Re-calibrate, Create, Connect,” focused on artificial intelligence in journalism, data visualisation, digital tools for real-time reporting, and ways to combat misinformation.

During the 3-day capacity workshop, participants examined the changing landscape of journalism shaped by AI and digital communication. They also explored how new media technologies can support real-time reporting, extend audience reach across borders, and strengthen engagement on digital platforms.

ALSO READ: NGX Group, IFC, CSCS and WIMBIZ Convene Leaders to Advance Gender Equality at 2026 Ring the Bell Ceremony

Dr. Sophia Horsfall, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development at Nigeria LNG Limited, charged the participants to apply the knowledge gained from the NLNG Change Your Story Capacity Workshop to improve the quality and credibility of their reporting. Horsfall, who spoke on the last day of it, described the workshop as part of NLNG’s broader effort to strengthen engagement with the media and support professional excellence in journalism. She encouraged participants to use the insights gained to improve the depth and credibility of their work.

“NLNG views this engagement as a strategic partnership. We provide the energy that powers nations and generates revenue for our nation; you provide the information that powers our minds. We have been proud to host you, but our pride will only be justified when we see the ‘New Standard’ in your next feature, your next broadcast, and your next investigative report. As you head back to your various stations, I urge you to take the spirit of this workshop with you,” she said.

The intensive programme combined expert-led discussions with practical sessions. Digital Communication specialist Mr. Dan Mason led sessions on digital storytelling, while media trainer Taiwo Obe facilitated a Journalism Clinic focused on newsroom practice and storytelling skills.

Mason described the NLNG programme as a relevant ingredient to grow the foundation for new digital skills among practitioners, noting that the Nigerian media industry is a vibrant sector with many energetic young people. “For me, it’s a really good place to work. I feel strongly that at each training session, people listened. ..It’s really about people going away with a little bit more confidence to say, I’m going to do this. I can do this. And in a way, that’s all you need.

“But, what you have here is the essential ingredient in developing journalism, which is the ability to make mistakes and then learn from them,” he said. He observed that Nigeria has an incredibly high rate of young people with an interest in news. According to him, research around the world shows that Nigeria stands out at the top, having young people who are interested in news.

“They care. In your use of mobile platforms, you are way ahead. People trust journalism and journalists. And while there may be issues with people or younger generations not wanting to look at the news, you’ve got such a great and strong foundation to build upon. So, I see hope and opportunity in Nigeria, though I also see the problems, because I’m a journalist. And I see fantastic opportunities here,” he added.

The Change Your Story initiative, launched by NLNG in partnership with The Journalism Clinic, is designed to strengthen professional capacity in the media industry. Since its launch in 2014, the programme has trained about 400 journalists from print, broadcast, and digital media across Nigeria.

The workshop, which began on Wednesday, concluded on Friday. At the end of the training, all participants were presented with certificates acknowledging their completion of the programme.

Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) has reinforced its commitment to strengthening journalism in Nigeria following the successful completion of the second edition of its #NLNGChangeYourStory workshop for 2026, held in Lagos.

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Nigeria Wants to Export Electricity to Togo While Citizens Face Outages

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Nigeria is preparing to increase electricity exports to Togo through the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), even as many Nigerians continue to experience power shortages at home.

The move comes as Togo seeks to meet rising domestic electricity demand.

The Managing Director/CEO of NDPHC, Jennifer Adighije, confirmed the development following discussions with Togo’s national electricity utility, Compagnie Energie Electrique du Togo (C.E.E.T).

SEE MORE: How Nigerians Can Resolve Electricity Complaints – NERC Explains

The visiting C.E.E.T delegation was led by its Director-General, Débo‑K’mba Barandao, who described the talks as productive and aimed at strengthening regional energy cooperation.

Barandao said C.E.E.T currently imports about 75 megawatt-hours of electricity from NDPHC under a bilateral arrangement.

“The imported electricity has played a significant role in sustaining stable power supply and economic activities across Togo,” he noted.

He added that rising electricity demand, especially in the industrial and commercial sectors, alongside government efforts to expand national access, has prompted the utility to seek additional supply.

According to Barandao, Nigerian electricity imports help maintain reliable and affordable power for households, businesses, and public institutions across Togo.

He commended NDPHC for its consistency, saying the partnership has strengthened Togo’s national grid and regional energy cooperation.

Responding, Adighije reiterated NDPHC’s readiness to deepen cooperation and sustain electricity exports to neighboring countries.

She emphasized that the company operates multiple plants under the National Integrated Power Project, with sufficient capacity to support increased regional supply.

She added that expanding electricity exports would require bankable and sustainable commercial arrangements between both parties.

“A reliable payment framework will safeguard NDPHC’s interests and enable continued support for regional energy stability through power exports,” Adighije said, highlighting the need for credible financial guarantees and structured payment mechanisms to reduce risks associated with cross-border electricity trade.

Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to developing workable frameworks for increased electricity supply from Nigeria to Togo.

Industry analysts say this reflects a growing effort among West African countries to deepen regional electricity trade and address persistent power shortages.

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‘Why My Retirement Came at the Perfect Time’ — Ex-IGP Kayode Egbetokun

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Former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has explained why he believes his retirement from the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force came at the perfect time, describing it as the fulfilment of God’s divine plan.

Egbetokun made the remarks during a retirement thanksgiving service held in his honour at the Force Headquarters Chapel in Abuja.

The event also featured the inauguration of the Police Chaplaincy building and was attended by senior police officers, clergy and other worshippers.

SEE MORE: Adeleke Urges IGP to “Call Osun CP to Order

Reflecting on his appointment as Inspector-General in 2023, the former police chief revealed that he never expected the role when it came.

According to him, the first thing he did after entering his office was to pray.

“I was not expecting the appointment when it came. The first thing I did when I entered the office alone was to pray,” he said.

Egbetokun disclosed that after assuming office, he made three personal prayers to God.

He said he prayed for wisdom to effectively lead the police institution, the grace to complete his tenure successfully, and the ability not to remain in office beyond the time divinely allotted to him.

“My first prayer was for wisdom to run the office, the second was for grace to end well, and the third was not to stay a day longer than God permits. I believe God has answered those prayers,” he added.

The retired police boss also reflected on his career journey, noting that faith played a significant role in his rise from his early days after graduating from the police academy to eventually becoming Nigeria’s top police officer.

He further recounted a dream he had before joining the force, in which he saw himself as a Deputy Inspector-General of Police travelling in a police vehicle bearing the registration number “NPF02.”

According to him, the experience later taught him that life can unfold in unexpected ways.

Egbetokun added that throughout his career he remained conscious of how his actions could influence public perception of the police, a reality he said guided his conduct while in office.

“I knew whatever I did would affect the image of the force, so I made it my duty to remain professional and uphold integrity, transparency and fairness,” he stated.

In his remarks, the Force Chaplain, Joshua Omoyele, commended Egbetokun for completing the Police Chaplaincy building project during his tenure, describing it as a lasting legacy.

Omoyele also praised the former police boss for his strong commitment to Christian service even before his appointment as Inspector-General, noting that he maintained that devotion throughout his time in office.

He further highlighted Egbetokun’s past roles in the police force, including his tenure as Commissioner of Police in Kwara State and Assistant Inspector-General in Zone 7.

 

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