Author: Lilian Azuh

The US state department has unveiled plans to reduce the number of embassies in Africa that handle visa processing for foreign travellers, the Associated Press (AP) reports. Citing officials and an internal memo, AP reported on Monday that the nearly 50 US embassies and consulates currently processing visa applications across Africa would be reduced to 20 in the coming weeks.The decision was communicated to US diplomats, including consular chiefs, during a conference call last Friday, AP quoted one of the officials who was on the call as saying.Marco Rubio, secretary of state, approved the directive last week, according to the…

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Cristiano Ronaldo has extended his dominance at the summit of global sports earnings after being named the world’s highest-paid athlete for a sixth time, including four consecutive years at No. 1. According to Forbes on Sunday, the 41-year-old Portuguese forward’s latest ranking places him among the most consistently dominant earners in the history of professional sport, with only NBA legend Michael Jordan (six times) and golf icon Tiger Woods (11 times) having spent more time at No. 1. Forbes noted that Ronaldo’s latest achievement further underlines his sustained position at the top of the earnings ladder, saying he has now…

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The family of Nollywood star Alexx Ekubo has confirmed advanced metastatic kidney cancer as the cause of the actor’s death. Ekubo passed away on Monday at the age of 40, throwing the entertainment industry and Nigeria into a state of shock and drawing tributes from colleagues and fans. In a statement issued via his Instagram page on Wednesday, Ekubo’s family said the actor died at Evercare Hospital in Lagos following complications arising from advanced metastatic kidney cancer. “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Husband, Son, Brother, and Friend, Alexx Ikenna Ekubo-Okwaraeke. “After a…

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As Nigerian Muslims join millions of faithful across the world to celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir, the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of SOLIDNEWSNG Media Group (SMG), Chief Azuh Lilian, has extended warm greetings and heartfelt felicitations to the Muslim Ummah across the country. He described the sacred occasion as a period of deep reflection, sacrifice, obedience, love and total submission to the will of Almighty Allah, urging Nigerians to embrace the enduring lessons of peace, tolerance, compassion and unity which the celebration represents. Azuh Lilian noted that at a time Nigeria continues to grapple with economic challenges, insecurity and social uncertainties, the…

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Award-winning British actor, Idris Elba, has been knighted by King Charles III in recognition of his services to young people and his longstanding commitment to charitable causes. According to People magazine, Elba received the honour during an investiture ceremony held at Windsor Castle on Tuesday, where the King formally conferred the United Kingdom’s highest honours on the acclaimed actor. Photos shared by the Royal Family on Instagram captured the moment King Charles tapped a sword on Elba’s shoulders as he knelt to receive the knighthood. The Royal Family congratulated the honourees in a post, writing: “Congratulations to everyone who received…

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Actor Emeka Ike has said he is prepared to take action against Lere Olayinka, media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over the alleged exposure of his personal data from the portal of the Independent National Electoral Commission. Ike, a native of Imo State, contested the House of Representatives seat for the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency in the Federal Capital Territory under the Nigerian Democratic Congress and lost. Olayinka recently came under criticism after sharing what appeared to be Ike’s voter information via an INEC administrative webpage. On his X handle on Saturday, Olayinka wrote that…

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Award-winning Nigerian author, actor, producer, and creative executive Lillian Amah-Aluko has announced the official launch of her latest novel, _The Things We Do To Each Other, scheduled for release on June 10, 2026. A compelling exploration of love, marriage, betrayal, emotional wounds, and redemption, The Things We Do To Each Other, delves into the fragile complexities of human relationships and the quiet tensions that often exist beneath seemingly perfect lives. The novel follows Chetachi “Chet” Dozie, a successful oil industry executive admired for his thriving career and loyal circle of lifelong friends. Despite his accomplishments, societal expectations to settle down…

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Four of Nigeria’s biggest music stars — Davido, Burna Boy, Rema and Ayra Starr — have been unveiled as part of the official soundtrack album for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The quartet secured spots on the star-studded album announced by FIFA Sound ahead of the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. FIFA World Cup confirmed the lineup in a post shared on X on Tuesday, revealing the artistes featured on the official album scheduled for release on June 5. “The squad for the Official #FIFAWorldCup 2026™ Album is here! Pre-save for the…

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Media personality Frank Edoho has spoken about the end of his second marriage, saying he has gone through the separation privately and has gradually reached a place of emotional calm and acceptance. In a post shared on Instagram on Tuesday, the veteran television host thanked fans and supporters for their prayers, concern and goodwill following reports about his marital situation. “Over the past few days, I’ve received an outpouring of kind messages, prayers, concern, and goodwill regarding my separation and ongoing divorce proceedings. I truly appreciate the empathy,” he wrote.Edoho said although many members of the public were only recently…

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