iNTERNATIONAL Archives - Voice of Liberty NG

Saudi declares today start of Ramadan

February 18, 2026February 18, 2026 Aminu Imam

Saudi Arabia has announced today Wednesday, February 18, as the first day of Ramadan 2026. According to the Saudi Press Agency, the crescent moon was sighted on Tuesday night. Several other countries, including Qatar, also declared Wednesday as the start of the holy month. In Nigeria, Muslims are awaiting an official declaration from the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar. As President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, his announcement determines the formal commencement of fasting nationwide. The Council had urged Muslims across the country to search for…

U.S. halts all visa processing for applicants from Nigeria, 74 others

January 15, 2026January 15, 2026 Aminu Imam

The United States (US) Government, through its State Department, has announced the suspension of immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, including Nigeria, Iran and Russia, as part of measures aimed at cracking down on individuals considered likely to become a “public charge”. A State Department memo directed consular officers to refuse visas under existing immigration laws while the department reassesses its screening and vetting procedures. Countries affected by the decision include Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand, Yemen and several others. According to the memo,…

Trump imposes tariffs on Nigeria, 59 others

August 13, 2025August 13, 2025 Aminu Imam

Sixty countries, including Nigeria, face increased tariffs after United States President Donald Trump launched a reciprocal-tariff programme targeting products and countries with different rates. According to the White House website figures, Nigeria will face a 15% tariff under the programme. It said the plan sets a 10% baseline tariff on all imports to the US, with additional duties applying to particular products or countries. China would face a 30 percent tariff, with extra levies on some products, while Brazil is listed at 50 percent, with lower levels for specific sectors,…

Iran’s bombing: US lawmakers call for Trump’s impeachment

June 23, 2025June 23, 2025 Aminu Imam

There are calls for US President Donald Trump to be impeached over his “unconstitutional” move to bomb top nuclear facilities in Iran. Democrats have responded with uproar to the US attacks, but President Trump also faces criticism from within his own party, including prominent Trump ally Marjorie Taylor Greene, who has spoken against the strikes. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a New York Democrat, was among the US politicians to respond to Mr Trump’s announcement of “successful” attacks on Iran. “The President’s disastrous decision to bomb Iran without authorisation is a grave…

Tinubu congratulates two British-Nigerians sworn-in as London Mayors

May 22, 2025May 22, 2025 Aminu Imam

President Bola Tinubu yesterday felicitated two British-Nigerians, Opeyemi Bright and Jason Jackson, on their election and inauguration as Mayors in London, United Kingdom. The President commended Bright and Jackson for sustaining the legacy of good works by Nigerians in the diaspora and consistently promoting the values of honesty, integrity, hard work, and commitment to the well-being of others. Their stories, he said, would inspire countless young people – both at home and in the diaspora – to pursue excellence and serve their communities with distinction, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President’s…

Pope Francis sustains forearm injury after fall

January 17, 2025January 17, 2025 Aminu Imam

The Vatican announced yesterday that Pope Francis injured his right forearm after falling at his residence, but confirmed that there were no fractures. The statement read: “This morning, following a fall at the Santa Marta residence, Pope Francis sustained a contusion on his right forearm, without fractures. As a precaution, the arm was immobilised”. The 88-year-old pontiff, who has led the 1.4 billion-member Catholic Church since 2013, often relies on a cane or wheelchair due to knee and back pain. In recent years, Pope Francis has faced several health challenges,…

Ghana presidential election: John Mahama makes historic comeback win�

December 9, 2024December 9, 2024 Aminu Imam

�Ruling party�s candidate concedes defeat Ghana�s former President, John Dramani Mahama has staged a political comeback by winning the West African nation�s presidential election after his rival Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia conceded defeat yesterday. Bawumia is the candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) while Mahama is of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Early results indicate Mahama is poised to win, garnering 56.39% of votes, while Bawumia secured 42.64%. Ghana�s Vice President, Mahamudu Bawumia, has conceded defeat. The vice-president, who addressed the press at his residence yesterday, congratulating Mahama…

Chad cuts military ties with France

November 30, 2024November 30, 2024 Aminu Imam

Chad has cut military ties with its former colonial master, France.� The announcement was made in a statement on Thursday, hours after Jean-Noel Barrot, French foreign minister, met Chad�s President Mahamat Deby. The move leaves the Sahel, a region once brimming with French troops, devoid of one. According to the Chadian foreign minister, Abderaman, it was time for his country to �assert its full sovereignty�. The statement said Chad intends to reshape its alliances in line with national priorities, but noted that the move would not undermine historical ties with…

French band performs P-Square�s song for Tinubu, wife at Paris State Dinner

November 30, 2024November 30, 2024 Aminu Imam

A French band brought a touch of Nigerian culture to a State dinner in Paris, France, on Thursday, when they delivered a lively rendition of P-Square�s hit song: �Taste The Money (Testimony)� in honour of President Bola Tinubu and his wife, Oluremi. The dinner, hosted at the Palais de l��lys�e by French President Emmanuel Macron, was part of Tinubu�s three-day State visit to France, which aimed to enhance diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations. In a viral video capturing the highlight of the evening, the band thrilled the…

UK introduces electronic travel authorisation for non-European visitors

November 29, 2024November 29, 2024 Aminu Imam

The United Kingdom government has introduced the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for non-European visitors to the country. An ETA is a digital travel permit required for visitors to enter a country. It is linked to a traveller�s passport and grants permission to travel without needing a physical visa. Starting yesterday, Thursday, November 28, all eligible non-European visitors can apply for an ETA, which will be required for travel to the UK from January 8, 2025. According to a press release by the UK�s Home Office on its official website…