🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Lebanon offers visa on arrival to citizens from 13 African countries
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Lebanon has announced that citizens from 13 African countries are eligible for a tourist visa on arrival. This policy allows travelers from these nations to enter Lebanon without obtaining a visa from a Lebanese embassy prior to their departure. The eligible countries include Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Sudan, and Tunisia from North Africa; Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Nigeria from West Africa; and Comoros, Djibouti, and Somalia from East Africa. Upon arrival at Lebanese airports or land border crossings, eligible travelers will be issued a one-month tourist visa, provided they meet specific entry conditions. These conditions include presenting a confirmed return or onward travel ticket, proof of accommodation such as a confirmed hotel booking or a verified residential address with the host's contact number, and evidence of sufficient financial means, specifically at least $2,000 in cash or a certified bank cheque of the same value. Failure to meet these requirements may lead to refusal of entry, even if the traveler is from an eligible country.
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Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association FA for his role in the club’s Championship “Spygate” scandal. The FA alleges Eckert breached Rule E3.1 by improperly directing or authorizing the observation of opposition training sessions between December 2025 and May 2026. Southampton was expelled from the Championship play-offs in May after admitting to spying on three clubs, including Oxford United, Ipswich Town, and Middlesbrough. An independent disciplinary commission previously found that Eckert authorized these surveillance activities. Following Southampton's expulsion, Middlesbrough was reinstated to the play-off final. Eckert has until next Tuesday to respond to the charges. Southampton stated that both the club and Eckert acknowledge the charges and will cooperate with the investigation. The club also expressed continued support for Eckert and his coaching staff. Eckert has admitted responsibility for authorizing the actions that led to the disciplinary case, apologizing for his decision.
The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council NERDC has lowered the cost for textbook assessment and ranking, and mandated refunds for publishers who previously paid higher fees. This decision aims to alleviate financial burdens on stakeholders before the Federal Government's National Textbook Ranking System is implemented. The Executive Secretary of the Council, Prof. Salisu Shehu, announced the changes, stating that the assessment fee is now N1,500 per page, down from N2,000, and the ranking fee has been reduced from N1 million to N750,000 per textbook title. Publishers who paid the former N2,000 per page assessment fee will receive refunds for the excess amount, with the procedure to be announced soon. These revised charges are effective immediately. The fee reduction precedes the launch of the National Textbook Ranking System, an educational reform introduced by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, to enhance the quality of instructional materials in Nigerian schools. Starting September 2026, only textbooks assessed, approved, and ranked by NERDC will be permitted for classroom use. This policy seeks to combat substandard textbooks and ensure access to high-quality, curriculum-compliant learning materials. The National Textbook Ranking System is part of broader reforms by the Federal Ministry of Education under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which also includes nationwide learning assessments, revived e-libraries, and expanded digital learning infrastructure
Abdullahi Ganduje, former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, stated that Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, lack the necessary governance records and political legacy to win the 2027 presidential election. Speaking in Abuja, Ganduje dismissed the possibility of an Obi-Kwankwaso ticket gaining support in Kano State, calling it "dead on arrival." He questioned Obi's achievements as governor of Anambra State, suggesting Obi had not demonstrated the leadership credentials required to govern Nigeria. Ganduje also criticized Kwankwaso's political record, noting that Kwankwaso did not serve two consecutive terms as governor of Kano State, unlike other former governors such as Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau and Ganduje himself. Ganduje concluded that Kwankwaso has not left a legacy in Kano that would convince voters of his suitability for national office.