TheNewsGuru

Tag: travel

  • Gunmen abduct Abuja-bound passengers in Edo

    Gunmen abduct Abuja-bound passengers in Edo

    An unspecified number of passengers in an Abuja-bound commercial bus have been reportedly kidnapped along the Benin-Auchi road in Edo State.

    It was gathered that the incident occurred at about 11am, between the Ehor and Iruekpen axis of the highway.

    A commuter, who identified himself as Idris Audu, who spoke with journalists in Benin on phone, said the kidnappers struck at a failed portion of the road and abducted all the passengers in the commercial bus operated by a Benin-based transport company, Big Joe.

    Audu said: “The kidnappers struck again on the Benin-Auchi road and abducted an unspecified number of passengers.

    “The incident just happened when I passed the spot. All the passengers were forcefully taken into the bush.

    “It is not the first time this is happening. We have cried many times that the security agencies should increase surveillance along the road this season, but they’re slow in arresting this ugly situation.”

    Also speaking, a driver of the transport company, who requested not to be named, but confirmed the incident, simply said; “Yes, it happened earlier today.”

    When contacted on phone, the State Police Command’s spokesman, Chidi Nwabuzor, said he was yet to be briefed of the development.

    “I am not aware of it. Some incidents are not reported and even when they are, because they are from local government divisions, they do not get to us immediately. So, give us some time for us to get in touch with the officers and men in the affected area,” Mr Nwabuzor said.

    On 3 December, a member of a vigilante group in the Urhokosa/Obagie area of the Benin-Auchi highway was killed by kidnappers after several passengers were kidnapped.

    This is even as several cases of kidnapping have been reported in the last few weeks along the road and other parts of the state.

  • El-Zakzaky, wife to travel again for medical treatment as IMN insists on mass procession Tuesday

    Leader of the proscribed Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky and his wife, Zeenat, may travel abroad soon for medical treatment.

    According to reports, the couples are considering Indonesia or Malaysia as possible countries for the treatment.

    IMN spokesman Ibrahim Musa confirmed the development.

    He said: “I know he said that they are going to look at other countries – Malaysia and Indonesia. I do not know if they have reached an agreement on that.”

    Musa said that Shi’ite members would embark on tomorrow’s Ashura procession in Abuja and other cities, despite Inspector-General (IG) Mohammed Adamu that the group remain banned from doing so.

    The police had said that no group should hold protest or procession on major streets in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, except at the Unity Fountain.

    But the IMN vowed that the government cannot stop its annual procession.

    The group maintained that government does not have any constitutional and legal backing to stop any procession by the IMN.

    On Friday, the IMN accused Saudi Arabia of colluding with the Federal Government to stop the Ashura procession.

    Top member of the group insisted that the IMN, under the leadership of Sheikh Zakzaky, “is a mass movement of conscious people who abhor injustice and oppression.

    Musa said: “There is no going back on the plan to hold the much talked about annual procession. The government should not contemplate attacking us. The government wants to act illegally on our matter. So, I think it is wrong to think that we are supposed to withdraw our plan to hold the procession.

    “What right has the government to attack a peaceful procession? Constitutionally and legally government have no right to stop us. We should not be stopped by government from carrying out our religious activities.

    “We are exercising our god-given right to mourn the massacre of Prophet’s grandson and also constitutionally we have the right to the procession on Tuesday (tomorrow).

    “It is the government that should consider our procession right and not we informing or begging government over our right. This is not going to be the first we are doing Ashura procession. We have been doing it for years and it has been peaceful.”

    Musa said that the United Nations (UN) has cautioned the government against clamping down on harmless protesters.

    “I am assuring you that there is going to be Ashura procession in Abuja and major cities in the country. There is no need to inform the police about our procession because it is an annual event. And it is their duty to come and give us protection and not to come and attack us.”

  • Seven important points to know before travelling to Dubai

    Located in the Middle East, Dubai is one of the seven emirates that constitute the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It’s considered the most cosmopolitan city in the region and is popular with tourists from all around the world. If this is your first trip to Dubai, Jumia, Nigeria’s No. 1 Shopping Destination, highlights few things you should keep in mind.

    Culture is influenced by Islam

    The UAE is a Muslim country and their culture is heavily influenced by Islam. In general, you should be respectful of the local customs, wear modest clothing in public and follow guidelines provided by the staff at your hotel or at various tourist attractions.

    Hot and humid climate

    Dubai has a hot and humid climate, especially in the summer. So the best time to plan a trip to the city is between the months of October and March. Try not to visit during Ramadan (Muslim Holy Month of Fasting) as eateries will be closed and you won’t be able to eat or drink in public during the daytime. It’s also a good idea to dress conservatively even if you’re visiting during the summer.

    Very easy to traverse Dubai

    It’s easy to get around in Dubai thanks to the Dubai Metro, bus network, Dubai Tram and taxi service.

    Travelstart Nigeria can help you plan a trip to Dubai with ease.

    The Metro starts from the airport and can take you to Jebel Ali which is at the other end of the city. Several tourist hot spots are also connected by the Metro and taxis are available for those that aren’t linked yet. Taxi fares are very reasonable if you want to pay with cash. Alternatively, you can also purchase a prepaid card which can be used for the Metro, buses, Tram and taxis.

    The official currency is Dirham

    The official currency in Dubai is the UAE Dirham. Credit cards are accepted at most places in Dubai but it’s also useful to have an internationally active ATM card. This will let you withdraw from the local ATM’s in Dirhams and pay for various expenses.

    Endless tourist attractions

    With beautiful beaches, bustling malls, grand mosques, heritage museums and old markets, Dubai offers an endless series of activities for any visitor. The city is home to the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Located on Sheikh Zayed Road, you can find the Dubai Mall which houses the Dubai Aquarium along with an Underwater Zoo. If you prefer some sun and sand you can head to the Jumeirah Beach.

    The first day of the week in Dubai is Sunday

    The weekend in Dubai starts from Thursday to Saturday, not Friday to Sunday. Therefore Sunday, not Monday, is the dreaded first day of the work week

    You can be arrested for PDA

    Dubai is a Muslim city, kissing, cuddling, and even holding hands in public are not only frowned upon by many but actually illegal. All too often, naive foreigners are arrested for committing indecent acts. This is just one example of actions that might be legal in your own country, but aren’t in Dubai. Others include drinking alcohol in public (except at licensed establishments) and giving someone the middle finger. Committing any of these offences may see you fined, stripped of your passport, and thrown in jail.

     

  • Buhari returns to Abuja Saturday

    Buhari returns to Abuja Saturday

    President Muhammadu Buhari is expected back in the country on Saturday after a 10 working day holiday in the United Kingdom.

    The president will be received on arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja by top government officials led by acting a President Yemi Osinbajo.

    Buhari plans to go to Duara this weekend to observe the Eid-el-Kabir holiday in his hometown.

    The president left the country on Friday, August 3 for London while handing over executive duties to Osinbajo to act as president as required by Section 145 (1) of the 1999 Constitution.

  • NYSC: DG cautions corps members over frequent travels

    Worried by the rate insurgency in the country, the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General Suleiman Kazaure, has charged corps members across the country to be security conscious and to avoid unnecessary travels and reckless movements during their service year.

    Where travels and movements become necessary and inevitable, the NYSC boss advised such corps members to obtain clearance from the appropriate quarters and to always move in groups within the locality of their areas of primary assignments.

    Kazaure gave the charge shortly on Saturday after inspecting facilities at the Imo State NYSC orientation camp at Eziama Obaire, Nkwerre Council Area of Imo State.

    Kazaure, who is the 17th DG of the NYSC established in 1973 also cautioned the corps members against indecent dressing, indulgence in night parties even as he urged them to respect the cultures and traditions of their host communities.

    “I know what it means to be a corps member because I was one of you 30 years ago in Jalingo where I served. I urge you to be patriotic, diligent and committed in the service of your fatherland”, he added.

    He congratulated the corps members on the successful completion of their academics which he said, qualified them for participation in the national youth service scheme.

  • Smart ways to keep money safe when travelling solo

    Smart ways to keep money safe when travelling solo

    Solo travellers are more likely to get targeted by thieves than those travelling as a group. For this reason, it’s important to keep your money safe when travelling. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency, shares tips for warding off the pickpockets and burglars.In addition, Trip Indicator can also expose you to the technological advancements in Athens whenever you desire to travel there.

    Carry limited cash

    You certainly shouldn’t be carrying too much cash around with you in your wallet. If you’ve got a hotel to use as a base, make sure to leave some cash there so that not all your monies are on you.

    Divide and hide

    Divide and hide your cash into separate pouches or hiding places. For example, you can carry a money pouch under your clothing, with one ATM card and a small amount of cash. If a theft occurs, you are not stranded without access to any funds.

    Don’t advertise yourself to thieves

    Potential thieves know their terrain. They can easily differentiate a tourist or traveller from a local. However, you can make matters worse by not being discreet with your money. Try not to rummage through notes in public or talk too loudly about how much money you’re carrying as this could entice a local pickpocket to target you.

    Don’t be naive

    To protect yourself against savvy thieves, be vigilant about watching your purse or wallet, particularly when passing a tourist gathering spot. Exchange enough money at the airport to get you to your hotel with some to spare. Keep a few notes for tips and small purchases in easily accessible areas.

    Use other creative stashing methods

    There are lots of ways that you can creatively stash cash when travelling abroad. These may include putting notes in eyeglass cases, in between pages of books or even stuffed in socks. You can even cut open the lining of your bag and slide some cash in here.

     

  • I’m ready to go to America — Atiku

    I’m ready to go to America — Atiku

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said he is prepared to go to the United States if the country’s diplomatic authorities approve his application for visa.

    Recall that Atiku has not been able to travel to the U.S. since he left office.

    “If America says come today, I will board the flight and go there soonest,” Mr Abubakar told columnist Dele Momodu. Mr Momodu who has been interviewing potential presidential candidates in 2019 elections, and he spoke with Mr Abubakar earlier this week as part of the series.

    Atiku added, “I applied to America for visa which was not granted. A man who is afraid of being arrested won’t go near the American Embassy, it is simple logic. If America says come today, I will board the flight and go there soonest. Perhaps, America was fed with lies about me. It is normal in politics. The Indian and Kenyan leaders could not visit America at a time. America is not like Nigeria where we convict people on the pages of newspapers.”

    He added that the government has lost total grip on all aspects of governance and that the president appears to be totally confused.

    “Therefore, the leader Nigeria needs urgently is one who can unite the country and heal the deep wounds, not another Buhari who would further divide Nigeria and deepen the wounds,” he said.

    “Check my records Dele, my office as vice president reflected the best of Nigeria; the guys were young and vibrant, and I gave them the wings to fly.”

    On the public perception that he is a corrupt leader, Atiku insisted that he has never stolen public funds.

    He said: “I have thrown the challenge repeatedly that anyone who has any corrupt charges against me should come forward. I never stole government money. Do you think President Obasanjo would not have exposed me if there was any such act of stealing?”

  • Buhari never promised Nigerians not to receive treatment abroad – Presidency

    Buhari never promised Nigerians not to receive treatment abroad – Presidency

    The Presidency has refuted media reports that President Muhammadu Buhari promised Nigerians not to travel abroad for medical treatment.

    Speaking on behalf of the presidency, Buhari’s spokesman, Femi Adesina, said the said the comments are false and are “a new dimension in the plot to diminish the stature of President Muhammadu Buhari before millions of Nigerians who love and adore their president”.

    Recall that Buhari made the remark at Chatham House in London while speaking as a presidential candidate.

    Buhari’s exact words at the time : “What is the difference between me and those who elected us to represent them, absolutely nothing. Why should Nigerian president not fly with other Nigerian public? Why do I need to embark on a foreign trip as a president with a huge crowd with public funds? Why do I need to go for a medical trip abroad if we cannot make our hospital (sic) functional?”

    However, Adesina said Buhari’s words was twisted by critics.

    He added: “First, it was a pernicious twisting and misinterpretation of the words of the president by mischievous elements, perhaps they can earn him opprobrium and infamy When they see that the gambit is not achieving the desired results, they have now gone into utter fabrication of apocryphal statements, which they purvey through the social media,” he said.

    “Fortunately, the Chatham House lecture of 2015 is in the public domain. The concoction by haters and agents of disunity is not part of the text of the lecture at all.

    “The morbid minds that created the falsehood simply want to de-market and demean the president, having seen that defeating him in a free and fair electoral contest is a tall order.

    “Therefore, they desire to instigate the electorate against him by creating statements that never existed, and attributing such to him.”

    The presidential spokesman, however, added that the “dubious” people will not succeed, as Buhari’s reputation “has been built over time, and sustained for decades.”

    “That is why he is widely acclaimed for integrity, transparency, honour, and accountability, both home and abroad. Negative minds can never erode or corrode this,” he said.

  • Quick read: 5 must-see statues in Lagos

    Quick read: 5 must-see statues in Lagos

    A statue is a sculpture, representing one or more people. In Lagos, there are a number of statues of illustrious personalities dotted in different parts of the state. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency, identifies the locations of some of these statues which you can visit.

    Gani Fawehinmi Statue

    The new, sparkling and towering statue of the late human rights lawyer, activist and sage, Gani Fawehinmi SAN is located at the Liberty Park in Ojota. The 44-feet tall statue was recently unveiled by the Lagos State Government.

    Fela Anikulapo Statue

    Fela Anikulapo Kuti is unarguably one of the popular and greatest musicians not only in Nigeria but across the world. Hence, it does not come as a surprise that he is honoured by a statue. Tagged the Liberation Statue, it is located at Allen Roundabout in Ikeja. The unveiling of the Liberation Statue was part of activities marking Fela’s 79th posthumous birthday and the 20th anniversary of his demise. The interesting or unique thing about the statue is that it is headless.

    Herbert Macaulay Statue

    Herbert Macaulay is perhaps the only one that has two statues to his credit in Lagos. The one in Yaba in front of the bookshop house. He is often referred to as the father of Nationalism in Nigeria. He is the grandson of Bishop Ajayi Crowther (the first African Bishop). Herbert Macaulay was a politician, an engineer, a journalist and most importantly a Nigerian Nationalist.

    Obafemi Awolowo Statue

    Chief Obafemi Jeremiah Oyeniyi Awolowo, GCFR was a Nigerian nationalist and statesman who played a key role in Nigeria’s independence movement. He was the first premier of the Western Region. The statue is located on Obafemi Awolowo Way by the Lagos Television (LTV) junction in Ikeja.

    Arometa Statue

    Sculpted by Biodun Shodeinde in 1991, the three white cap chiefs was originally positioned at the point of entry to Lagos to welcome visitors to the centre of excellence. However, due to some superstitious belief and the statue being burnt down, it was moved to its present location in Epe. Even though the statue was previously meant to welcome people to Lagos, the sculpture is rich in meaning. The three chiefs represent the three kinds of traditional greetings in Lagos Island. This monument is 12 ft tall.

     

  • Budget-friendly African destinations to visit

    Travelling African destinations is an experience in itself. However, it can also be incredibly expensive especially for Nigerians. From wildlife trekking to luxury safaris and expensive flights, the costs can quickly add up making it impossible to stay within an affordable budget.

    Fortunately, there are some of Africa’s most popular destinations that are budget-friendly and you do not need to break the bank to visit. So, if you’re looking for an affordable escape and don’t want to venture too far, Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency shares affordable African countries to visit on a budget!

    Zanzibar, Tanzania

    If you’re a beach lover and you are searching for an affordable African island getaway, then we recommend Zanzibar. You can spend your time exploring this island’s history, rich culture, and some of best beaches in the world. This said, your visit to the country is incomplete if you do not check out Zanzibar Stone Town and Prison Island.

    Cairo, Egypt

    Budget travel and Egypt might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of this northern African country. But it’s a cheap African country to visit if you’re on a budget. You will have more money to spend on visiting the pyramids or even travelling further and scuba diving in the red sea.

    Nairobi, Kenya

    Featuring national parks, museums, tourist sites and safaris, a trip to Nairobi, Kenya won’t disappoint for those looking for cheap African countries to visit. The best part is that Nairobi is within close driving distance to the popular Giraffe Centre which is more than enough reason to be there.

    Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

    Ethiopia is the gateway to ancient place mixed in with its growing metropolis Addis Ababa. The capital is Africa’s fourth largest city and it features some of the country’s best museums and traditional food.

    Lagos, Nigeria

    Lagos is Nigeria’s commercial capital and one of Nigeria’s most affordable and famous destinations. The city offers so much notwithstanding if you are a leisure or business traveller. Among other things, the nightlife is groovy and fantastic as there are so many places to indulge and relax at the same. It is ultimately affordable to visit.

    Kigali, Rwanda

    Rwanda’s tragic past, rich culture and incredible wildlife make it one of the most exciting places to escape to in Africa. Kigali is the pulse of the country’s cultural attractions. With its genocide memorials and thriving art scene, it’s a must-visit for history and culture lovers. Of course, it is also one of the cheapest African cities to visit.