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UK Opens Africa’s Largest Visa Application Centre In Lagos
The United Kingdom has launched its largest Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Africa, located in Ikeja, Lagos, marking a major enhancement in the visa application process for Nigerians.
The new facility, operated by VFS Global, was unveiled on November 27, 2024, and is expected to improve the efficiency of visa submissions.
British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Jonny Baxter, who attended the launch, expressed optimism that the new centre would enhance the UK-Nigeria relationship and provide better services for applicants.
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Baxter stated, “Nigeria remains one of the UK’s most important partners, and we hope that VFS delivers ever-improving services for those applying for visas to the UK.”
The new Ikeja centre joins existing locations in Abuja and Victoria Island. According to Marc Owen, Director of Visa, Status, and Information Services at UK Visas and Immigration, over 225,000 UK visas were processed for Nigerian nationals between August 2023 and June 2024, reflecting the growing demand for UK travel.
The new centre offers a range of enhanced services, including document upload assistance, SMS updates, and premium services for a more personalised experience. Additionally, residents in Abuja now have access to a Mobile Visa Service, allowing them to submit applications locally.
VFS Global, a long-term partner of UK Visas and Immigration, has expanded its operations from 58 countries to 142, underscoring its role in managing visa services worldwide.
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‘Gospel Music Has Power To Transform Nigeria’, Pastor Declares
The Senior Pastor of Freedom Life International Christian Center, Richard Tochukwu, has declared that gospel music possesses the spiritual capacity to transform Nigeria, describing it as a divine instrument capable of restoring hope and unity in the nation.
Speaking during an interaction with journalists, the cleric said music inspired by God’s Word can positively influence Nigeria’s spiritual and socio-political landscape by promoting peace, comfort and moral revival.
According to him, gospel music goes beyond entertainment and should be seen as a ministry tool for national healing.
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“Gospel music is not just sound; it carries power. When songs are inspired by Scripture, they can heal hearts, restore faith and redirect a nation toward righteousness,” he said.
Pastor Tochukwu made the remarks while discussing his latest worship single, “I Want To Pray,” a spiritually reflective song produced by Audio5.
He explained that the track was created to encourage believers to remain steadfast in prayer and maintain consistent fellowship with God.
The song draws inspiration from Luke 18:1, which urges believers to pray always and not lose heart.
A spiritual son of Paul Enenche, Pastor Tochukwu revealed that most of his songs are birthed from deep study of Scripture.
“Sometimes while studying or preaching from a passage, a melody begins to flow. The lyrics are drawn directly from the Word. Our songs are intentional; they carry the same message we preach,” he explained.
Reflecting on his journey, he recounted beginning as a drummer who also sang before discovering what he described as a divine instruction to minister through music.
“I realised that you don’t minister only through preaching. God made me understand that songs are another channel through which His Word can reach people. Every release is backed by Scripture,” he added.
Pastor Tochukwu currently serves in Lagos, combining pastoral leadership with music ministry.
The audio and video for “I Want To Pray” are now available on major digital streaming platforms.






