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How Unruly Nigerians In Dubai, Others Caused UAE Visa Sanctions

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The visa sanctions imposed on Nigerians by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) came with a rude shock to the citizens last week.

Recall that the action came after a series of lawless actions in recent years. Owing to the development, several Nigerians were left stranded at the Dubai airport last week.

The Western Asia nation of around 10 million people is popular for its many spectacular tourist attractions that bring millions of tourists annually.

In the early 2000s, Nigerians started to take interest in Dubai, the emirates’ most popular city, for shopping and vacation.

By 2010, some had settled in after taking paying jobs, while others decided to move there to also seek a better life for themselves and dependents.

It turned out that UEA’s hospitality was taken for granted as violent incidents involving Nigerians increased in certain parts of the country.

At different times, the authorities issued cautionary statements to visitors and migrants to stop disorderly conducts and respect the laws.

But the warnings fell on deaf ears for some; while a few got away with it, others paid the price through heavy fines, jail term or deportation.

The last straw that broke the camel’s back were the clashes that broke out in Sharjah in July this year between cult groups.

In a video which went viral on social media, rival gang members bearing dangerous weapons fought each other in a public place and damaged properties.

The police arrested those identified and commenced their prosecution. Apparently angered by the footage, the security agency banned publishing or forwarding clips.

Anyone who does so violates article 52 of the UAE Federal Law No 34 of 2021 on countering rumors and cybercrimes.

The law warns against the dissemination and circulation of provocative news that could incite public opinion, disturb peace, spread terror, cause harm to the public interest, health and economy.

The punishment is at least one year of imprisonment and a fine of not less than Dhs100,000.

After the incident, the government suspended visas for Nigerians. Though it was later relaxed, Nigerians under 40 years old will now bear the brunt.

Henceforth, those who fall under the age category cannot get tourist visas, except if it involves a family.

The UAE, led by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is known for its strictness against lawlessness and zero tolerance for acts against the well-being of its people.

In 2020, the government convicted six Nigerians found guilty of providing funds to Boko Haram. An unnamed Nigerian government official was reportedly indicted.

The United States government followed up by listing the convicts as Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons.

They are: Muhammed Ibrahim Isa, Ibrahim Ali Alhassan, Surajo Abubakar Muhammad, Abdurrahman Ado Musa, Salihu Yusuf Adamu and Bashir Ali Yusuf.

Still, Nigeria has failed to arrest/prosecute/convict any terrorism sponsor despite losing thousands of citizens, private and public properties worth billions of naira to the sect’s carnage and destruction.

Boko Haram has been active for nearly two decades. Its breakaway factions are Ansaru and Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP).

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Oyo 2027: Adelabu Quits As Power Minister To Focus On Guber Race

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The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu has formally resigned from his position in the Federal Government to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State.

In a resignation letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to the President, Adelabu stated that his resignation will take effect on April 30, 2026, to enable him to focus on his governorship ambition in Oyo State.

The letter, routed through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, stated that he was stepping down with “a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude.”

He wrote, “I write with a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude to formally tender my resignation as the Honourable Minister of Power of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This resignation is to take effect on 30th April 2026, in order to allow sufficient time for a smooth and orderly handover of responsibilities.”

Adelabu thanked the President for the opportunity to serve, describing his appointment as a privilege.

He said, “Your Excellency, I remain sincerely grateful for the privilege and confidence you reposed in me by appointing me to serve our great nation in this capacity.

“It has been a rare honour to contribute to national development under your leadership and to play a role in advancing reforms in the power sector—one of the most critical foundations of Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic transformation.”

The former minister said his resignation was to enable him focus fully on his governorship ambition in Oyo State, citing provisions of the amended electoral law.

He added, “My decision to step down is informed by my intention to focus fully on my gubernatorial ambition in Oyo State. This aspiration, which dates back to 2016 during my service as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, ultimately led to my voluntary resignation from the Central Bank in 2018 in order to pursue the same goal.”

“In line with the provisions of the Amended Electoral Act 2026, which preclude political office holders from contesting elections, I consider it both appropriate and necessary to resign at this time.”

Adelabu’s exit marks a major political development ahead of the next electoral cycle, particularly in Oyo State, where he is expected to contest the governorship election.

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Wale Edun, Musa Dangiwa Resigned Voluntarily, Not Sacked – Presidency

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The Presidency has clarified that Wale Edun (former Finance Minister) and Ahmed Musa Dangiwa (former Housing Minister) voluntarily resigned from their positions and were not sacked by President Tinubu.

In a statement released this evening April 22, presidential media aide, Bayo Onanuga, said that contrary to public opinions, Wale Edun resigned on health grounds while Dangiwa also tendered his resignation and thanked the President for the opportunity given him to serve in the Federal Executive Council.

Onanuga stated that Edun, who clocked 70 on Monday and has battled recent ill health, fittingly submitted his resignation letter on his birthday, thanking the President for the opportunity to serve Nigeria.

“It has been a pleasure and privilege to serve your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda, Under your leadership, Nigeria has emerged stronger, more resilient and more internationally respected. I wish you and the administration every success in the future” he wrote

Onanuga stated that on Tuesday, before the Office of the Secretary of the Government of the Federation announced his departure from the Cabinet, Edun paid a valedictory visit to the President at the Villa and held an hour-long discussion with the president and then left to focus on his private businesses.

The presidential aide stated that President Tinubu has expressed deep appreciation to Edun and Dangiwa for their dedicated service and significant contributions to the administration’s economic reform programme and wished them continued success in their future endeavours.

‘’In the same vein, the President has urged the new Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, to consolidate ongoing reforms and advance the administration’s fiscal and economic objectives with renewed focus, discipline, and innovation.

President Tinubu will shortly send the ministerial nominee for housing, Muttaqha Rabe Darma, also from Katsina, like Dangiwa, to the Senate for confirmation” the statement concluded

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Unity Bank, Experts Advocate Green Investment, Climate Innovation To Drive Economic Resilience

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Nigeria’s retail lender, Unity Bank Plc, alongside leading climate innovation experts, has called for increased investment in the green economy and the adoption of frontier technologies as critical pathways to driving economic resilience and reducing the impact of climate change on vulnerable populations across Africa.

The call was made during a thought-provoking webinar hosted by the Bank to commemorate this year’s Earth Day, themed “The True Cost of Climate Change and Who Pays?”. Climate experts and stakeholders convened to examine the human, economic, and institutional costs of climate change, while spotlighting practical solutions to address its growing impact.

In his opening remarks, Unity Bank’s Head of Strategy and Innovation, Ibukun Coker, emphasised the urgency of addressing climate risks from both a societal and business perspective.

He said: “Climate change is no longer a distant or abstract challenge. It is an existential threat with direct consequences for individuals, businesses, and economies. At Unity Bank, we recognise the role institutions must play in incorporating sustainability in project financing, supporting businesses and promoting solutions that build resilience in communities where we operate.”

The webinar featured Chinwe Udo-Davis, Founder and CEO of Instollar, and Oluwatosin Ajide, Programme Manager at the Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre, both of whom provided insights into the drivers of climate change and the pathways to mitigation and adaptation.

Speaking during the session, Udo-Davis highlighted the disproportionate burden which climate change places on underserved communities and the need for inclusive solutions.

“The true cost of climate change is not evenly distributed. Communities with the least resources are often the most affected, whether through energy poverty, environmental degradation, or limited access to sustainable alternatives. Addressing this imbalance requires intentional investment in clean energy solutions that are both accessible and scalable.”

Ajide underscored the importance of coordinated, system-wide approaches in tackling climate challenges, particularly through innovation and policy alignment.

“Climate change is fundamentally a structural problem, and its solution requires a paradigm shift: from innovation and policy to financing and implementation. Stakeholders must work collaboratively to drive solutions that are sustainable and inclusive.”

The session also explored emerging opportunities in climate technology, renewable energy, and ecosystem financing, reinforcing the role of innovation and cross-sector collaboration in building long-term resilience.

By hosting the webinar, Unity Bank continues to demonstrate its commitment to advancing sustainability-focused dialogue and supporting initiatives that promote responsible growth and environmental stewardship.

The initiative underscores the Bank’s broader strategic focus on environmental sustainability as well as its commitment to financial inclusion.

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