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Category: Foreign

  • Seven best cities to celebrate Halloween

    Seven best cities to celebrate Halloween

    Halloween is undoubtedly one of the most exciting festivals of the year. Originally a Celtic festival, it has become a global phenomenon over the centuries. 

    People would even dress up as saints and go door to door reciting songs, and asking for “soul cakes” – the origin of today’s Trick-or-Treating. But Halloween is not just for children. Adults also have fun dressing up and throwing spooky parties.

    Many places around the world are hosting fancy Halloween celebrations. Here are the 7 best cities around the world to celebrate Halloween

    1. New York City, United States

    New York City is one of the best places to celebrate Halloween as this place is always up for a party, especially during Halloween. From countless parties to haunted events, Halloween parades to performances, literally the entire month of October is filled with events. Perhaps the most popular of them all is the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade which starts at dusk, and continues throughout the night. This parade was started in 1973 by mask maker Ralph Lee, and is now the largest Halloween celebration in the US. Make sure you are in a Halloween costume and mask as it’s mandatory if you wish to march in the parade. Over two million people flock the streets to celebrate in costume each year.

    2. London, England

    While England is full of spooky castles and haunted locations, London is the place to celebrate Halloween. With its many dark dungeons, ancient buildings, and ghostly attractions, London puts on tons of festivities across the city for the occasion. One of the most popular are the London Dungeons, which are full of frights, and the Jack the Ripper Walk following the Victorian serial killer’s old haunts across East London. There are also numerous parties and events that take place, such as the horse-drawn rides in Richmond Park, the Camden Halloween Carnival, and much more. Because of the huge lineup of creepy and ghostly attractions, it is one of the best place to go for Halloween.

    3. Prague, Czech Republic

    Prague is one of the most spectacular Gothic cities in Europe. Its stunning medieval architecture and winding lanes also give it a mysterious and slightly macabre allure. The town is filled with ghoulish local legends, haunted cemeteries, and even a Torture Museum, for fans of the scarier aspects of Halloween. The winding lanes and the mysterious allure makes for a perfect set up for Halloween celebrations. Though the Czech Republic doesn’t traditionally celebrate Halloween in a big way, you can always find exciting ways to celebrate Halloween in Prague. From events to flamboyant parades, carnivals to fests, all Halloween celebration ideas are slowly making Prague one of the best cities for Halloween.

    Read Also: south korea Halloween

    4. Amsterdam, Netherlands

    Whether it’s a night of family-friendly fun or something more adult (such as the fetish extravaganza at Obscene Halloween), Amsterdam has something for everyone on Halloween. Amsterdam turns into a party area during Halloween with parties of all sizes happening all over the city. The city hosts some of the most creative costume parties as well as themed events in cafes, restaurants, clubs, and even museums. Visitors can also participate in ghost tours, music concerts, or all-night marathons of scary movies. If you can, stop at the legendary Monster Ball, or the Amsterdam Halloween Festival. Apart from celebrating Halloween at the end of October, they have their own version of Halloween, which is Sint Maarten that happens on the 11th of November.

    5. Hong Kong

    Hong Kong has an array of festivities planned for Halloween every year. You can greet iconic characters like Mickey and Minnie Mouse at Hong Kong Disneyland. The streets of Hong Kong are stocked with stores that sell superhero costumes and scary outfits that will be ideal for Disneyland and Ocean Park.

    Cutting-edge innovations like 3D projection mapping are displayed at the Space Museum in Hong Kong. Trams can be seen throughout the city on Halloween that are printed with Pumpkin art and friendly ghosts. You’ll have loads of fun exploring Hong Kong on Halloween.

    6. New Orleans, Louisiana

    Considered one of the most haunted cities in America, New Orleans is full of spooky locations. With the city’s deep connection to the occult and penchant eccentric costumes make it the perfect Halloween destination. Its happening nightlife with various events and parties to enjoy across the season makes it a fabulous spot for Halloween celebrations. Spending Halloween in New Orleans is a great idea not just because of its rich culture and arts scene but also because it is one of the most adorable cities in the nation. From Halloween parades to zombie runs, from street parties to taking ghost tours of the historic French Quarter, New Orleans promises to be a unique experience during Halloween time.

    7. Derry, Ireland
    Halloween can trace back its origins to Celtic celebrations, such as Samhain. So, it’s no surprise that the Irish celebrate Halloween in great style. Traditions often include fortune-telling, bonfires, eating fruitcakes, and, of course, dressing up. Ireland’s Derry City hosts the biggest Halloween festival in Europe, the Banks of Foyle Halloween Carnival. Here you can enjoy haunted houses, ghost tours, parades, horror-storytelling and much more. You can also check out the more relaxed Spirits of Meath festival in Meath, which features pumpkin carving contests. With Derry reportedly having the best celebrations in the world, this could be a good starting point for your Halloween celebrations.

  • Relations should translate to mutual benefits, Tinubu tells envoys

    Relations should translate to mutual benefits, Tinubu tells envoys

    •President receives letters of credence from French, Danish, Chinese diplomats

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has emphasised the need to translate Nigeria’s cordial relationships with France, China, and Denmark into tangible economic benefits for citizens, particularly in education, health and infrastructure.

    The President gave an assurance of expanding economic diplomacy at a ceremony at the State House  to receive Letters of Credence from the Ambassador of French Republic, Marc Fonbaustier; Ambassador of Kingdom of Denmark, Jens Ole Bach Hansen, and Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, Yu Dunhai.

    President Tinubu, who is scheduled to pay a state visit to France, told the French ambassador that his friendship with Emmanuel Macron, and the diplomatic ties between both countries, should be felt by citizens.

    Read Also: Edun: 25 million Nigerians get N25,000 conditional cash transfers

    According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu sought French support for the ongoing reforms in the country, which seeks to strengthen institutions and improve livelihood of citizens.

    “Macron has been a good friend over many years, and I am looking forward to the state visit in Paris to solidify our relationship, and ensure that our citizens also share in the gains of diplomacy between both countries.

    “I am happy you are not a stranger in Africa from your background. Nigeria is the biggest country on the continent, and the headquarters of ECOWAS is based here. We have an open door policy, and we want your investors to take advantage of it.

  • South Africa to strip Chidimma Adetshina of ID documents

    South Africa to strip Chidimma Adetshina of ID documents

    •Nigeria Charge d’Affaires, NICASA react

    South Africa is stripping a would-be Miss South Africa contestant, who was at the centre of a row over her nationality, of her national identity papers, the government said.

    Adetshina, 23, withdrew from the Miss South Africa pageant in August amid a torrent of abuse over allegations she was not South African, which prompted an official investigation into her citizenship.

    The government said Tuesday it was cancelling Adetshina and her mother’s identification documents after they missed a deadline to justify keeping them.

    The law student was born in South Africa to a Nigerian father but faced a backlash that exposed anti-foreigner sentiment in South Africa.

    Her Nigerian heritage attracted vicious xenophobic attacks when she was announced as a Miss South Africa finalist.

    The furore drew in ministers, with the government saying it was investigating a claim that her mother may have stolen the identity of a South African woman.

    Read Also: A smoke-free Nigeria is possible: Lessons from Sweden’s successful tobacco harm reduction strategy 

    Adetshina and her mother were given until Monday to provide reasons why their national identification documents should not be cancelled, Home Affairs Director General Tommy Makhode told a parliamentary committee on Tuesday.

    “We have not received any response and therefore the department will be proceeding with the withdrawal of those documents in line with the Identification Act,” Makhode said.

    Adetshina said at the time that she was withdrawing from the South African competition for her and her family’s “safety and wellbeing”.

    She flew in September to Nigeria where she won a Miss Universe pageant after being welcomed in the country with open arms.

  • Harris rebukes Trump for remarks about women’s protection

    Harris rebukes Trump for remarks about women’s protection

    Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris rebuked her contender, former President Donald Trump, yesterday for comments that he would be the protector of women “whether the women like or not.”

    The Republican nominee made the remarks Wednesday at a rally in the state of Wisconsin.

    “My people told me about four weeks ago – I was saying, No, I want to protect the people. I want to protect the women of our country. I want to protect the women. ‘Sir, please don’t say that.’ ‘Why? They said, ‘We think it’s very inappropriate for you to say.’ I said, ‘Why? I’m president. I want to protect the women of our country,” said Trump.

    Read Also: Edun: 25 million Nigerians get N25,000 conditional cash transfers

    “They said, ‘Sir, I just think it’s inappropriate for you to say.’ I pay these guys a lot of money. Can you believe it? I said, ‘Well, I’m going to do it. Whether the women like it or not, I’m going to protect them,’” said the former president.

    Speaking to reporters before heading to the West Coast for the last leg of her campaign, Harris called Trump’s remarks “offensive.”

    “It actually is, I think, very offensive to women in terms of not understanding their agency, their authority, their right and their ability to make decisions about their own lives, including their own bodies,” said the Democratic nominee.

    “And this is just the latest on a series of reveals by the former president on how he thinks about women and their agency,” she said.

    “Whether he has said, as he has, that women should be punished for their choices, whether he has talked about his pride is taking away a fundamental right of women, whether it be how he has actually created a situation in America where one in three women lives in a Trump abortion ban state,” Harris added.

    The exchange comes less than one week before Election Day, as Trump works to narrow the gender gap between himself and the vice president.

    Election Day – including presidential and congressional elections – is set for Nov. 5.

  • Allow Taiwan to participate in Interpol, climate activities, envoy tells UN

    Allow Taiwan to participate in Interpol, climate activities, envoy tells UN

    The Trade Representative and Chief of Mission in Nigeria, Mr. Andy Yih-Ping Liu, has described his country’s exclusion from Interpol and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) as depriving these organisations of a valuable partner in the fight against crime and climate change.

    Liu, in a statement yesterday, raised concerns about the effectiveness of the esteemed organisations in addressing pressing issues on a global scale.

    He argued that it is common knowledge that Taiwan’s unique geopolitical position in the Asia-Pacific region and its advanced capabilities of utilising high-technology in law enforcement and environmental protection make it an invaluable partner in combatting transnational crime and mitigating the effects of climate change.

    Read Also: Mechanised agriculture way out for Nigeria

    The envoy said in the latest trend of calling for Taiwans participation in all kinds of international organisations and institutions, the U.S. plus EU, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and others have acknowledged Taiwan as an indispensable partner in providing specialty and know-how, to assist the world to fight-off or build-up a more effective collaboration in terms of no-one-left-behind and integrate Taiwan into the world team.

    The statement reads: “However, Taiwan has been excluded from INTERPOL for 35 years, making it difficult for Taiwan’s Criminal Investigation Bureau to track down gangsters and combat fraud on a timely manner. Because Taiwan is kept out of the worlds preeminent international crime-fighting alliance, Interpol, we posit that the world’s largest international police organisation, which relies on cooperation between its member countries to combat organised crime, terrorism, and cyber threats, needs to rethink its stand on excluding the Island nation from its network.

    “Similarly, UNFCCC aims to address the issue of global climate change through international cooperation and coordination.

  • Estol Africa partners Wakawaka Doctor to redefine travel, lifestyle

    Estol Africa partners Wakawaka Doctor to redefine travel, lifestyle

    Estol Africa, a leading Public Relations (PR) firm and talent management company, has announced a strategic partnership with Wakawaka Doctor, a renowned global trotter, immigration expert, and practicing medical doctor. 

    This collaboration aims to redefine travel, lifestyle, and health experiences for people, particularly those seeking opportunities abroad.

    Amongst other things, Wakawaka Doctor has successfully helped thousands navigate the complexities of immigration, empowering individuals to break free from mental barriers and pursue better prospects overseas. 

    Read Also: Moving abroad changed my life – Wakawaka Doctor

    His unique ability to guide people through the immigration process not only opens doors but also helps break the poverty line by showcasing various opportunities for growth and success.

    With a passion for exploring diverse cultures and destinations, Wakawaka Doctor brings a wealth of firsthand experiences to the partnership. 

    His medical background adds a valuable dimension to his content, providing insightful commentary on health and wellness while traveling.

    By addressing the fears and limitations many face when considering travel abroad, Wakawaka Doctor aims to inspire confidence and encourage more people to embark on their journeys.

    “We are excited to partner with Wakawaka Doctor,” said Esther Adekeye, Founder of Estol Africa. 

    “His ability to combine engaging storytelling with expert knowledge in travel, migration, and health aligns perfectly with our goal of delivering high-quality content to our clients.”

    Adekeye, also known as Cute Kimani, emphasized that “Wakawaka Doctor’s expertise and passion for storytelling are invaluable assets. We are confident that our collaboration will result in compelling content that inspires and informs people about the possibilities of travel and personal empowerment.”

    On his part, Wakawaka Doctor expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “I am thrilled to collaborate with Estol Africa to share my experiences and insights with a wider audience. Together, we will create compelling content that inspires and informs travelers and health enthusiasts alike.”

    “As a global trotter and medical doctor, I have always been passionate about exploring the world and sharing my experiences. This partnership with Estol Africa is a perfect opportunity to combine my love for travel with my expertise in health and wellness. 

    “I believe that travel can have a profound impact on our physical and mental health. By sharing my stories and insights, I hope to empower others to embark on their own adventures and prioritize self-care while breaking down barriers to travel,” he added.

  • Bangladesh to resume industrial gas connections

    Bangladesh to resume industrial gas connections

    The Bangladeshi Government has concluded plans to resume gas connections to industries after a lull.

    Zanedra Nath Sarker, Chairman of Petrbangla (Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Mineral Corporation), made this known on Tuesday in Dhaka, adding that
    authorities were actively considering providing new gas connections to the industries.

    He said they had shared their positive opinions with the country’s Energy and Mineral Resources Division.

    Read Also: Ex-Bangladesh PM accuses U.S. of overthrowing her govt

    “We do hope that the division will soon take its final decision in this regard,’’ Sarker told reporters.

    He said that they always attach much importance to industries in offering gas connections considering economic aspects.

    The country’s previous government in April decided not to provide electricity and gas supply to new factories if they were set up in any other places.

    But that this can done except in government-designated economic zones or industrial enclaves. (Xinhua/NAN)

  • Saudi Arabia hosts donors’ conference, raises $1.1b for IDPs in Sahel, Lake Chad

    Saudi Arabia hosts donors’ conference, raises $1.1b for IDPs in Sahel, Lake Chad

    The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), has raised over $1.1 billion in pledges to support internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees across the Sahel and Lake Chad regions, including Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso, and Mali.

    The fund-raising was done at a donors’ conference in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

    A statement in Abuja at the weekend by the Embassy of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia said the substantial funding commitment was made possible by the contributions of more than 10 donor countries, agencies, and organisations dedicated to addressing the growing humanitarian needs in these crisis-hit areas.

    The statement said the conference, which was held in collaboration with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), was meant to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to the people of Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso, and Mali who are facing various crises and natural disasters.

    Read Also; Monday Sit-at-home: where are Southeast leaders?

    In his address during the conference, the Advisor at the Royal Court and Supervisor General of KSrelief, Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the generosity shown by the donor community.

    He noted that such contributions not only demonstrate solidarity but also empower humanitarian organisations to deliver life-saving support, contributing to greater security and resilience for the affected populations.

    Al Rabeeah affirmed Saudi Arabia’s continued commitment to expand aid, in partnership with international stakeholders, and ensure that such help reaches those in urgent need.

    The KSA strengthened its commitment to the region by pledging an additional $30 million, bringing its total contributions for this year to $51 million.

    This pledge reflects Saudi Arabia’s dedication to supporting communities in one crisis or the other and advancing global humanitarian objectives through KSrelief, cementing its position as a leading force in international humanitarian aid.

    OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha said the conference was a testament to international unity to provide a platform for dialogue among humanitarian leaders and a foundation for coordinated and sustainable support for those affected by displacement.

    He said: “The presence of so many committed nations and organisations here today demonstrates a shared commitment to the values of solidarity and cooperation.”

    United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised Saudi Arabia and the OIC for leading the event, acknowledging their help and the severe challenges the global body faced due to ongoing conflicts, climate disruptions, and economic strain.

    With over 30 million people in the Sahel and Lake Chad regions requiring immediate assistance, Guterres called for sustained humanitarian support and investment in long-term solutions.

    The UN Secretary General called for an end to hostilities, protection of civilians, and unhindered access for aid efforts.

  • Michigan Muslim leaders announce support for Trump

    Michigan Muslim leaders announce support for Trump

    • Republican candidate leads by one, says NY Times poll

    A group of prominent Muslim leaders joined Donald Trump on stage at a rally in the United States in Michigan to announce their support for the Republican candidate in the Nov. 5 presidential election.

    The leaders cited the former president’s commitment to ending conflicts.

    “We, as Muslims, stand with President Trump because he promises peace, not war,” Imam Belal Alzuhairi told the rally in the Detroit suburb of Novi. “We are supporting Donald Trump because he promised to end the war in the Middle East and Ukraine. The bloodshed has to stop all over the world. And I think this man can make that happen.”

    Trump, in turn, emphasized that Muslim and Arab voters in Michigan and across the country want a “stop to the endless wars and a return to peace in the Middle East”.

    “That’s all they want,” he said.

    He highlighted Vice President Kamala Harris’ association with former Republican Rep. from the state of Wyoming, Liz Cheney, known for her father’s role in promoting the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2001 and the ensuing wars.

    Read Also: Trump, Harris neck and neck in three battleground states

    Dick and Liz Cheney have endorsed Harris for president.

    On Israel’s offensive in Gaza since October 7, 2023, Trump previously stated that he would allow Israel to “finish the problem” in its fight against Hamas, signaling support for Israel’s actions in Gaza.

    Traditionally supportive of Democrats, Michigan’s Muslim community has increasingly turned against the Biden administration because of its unconditional backing of Israel, despite a rising civilian death toll in Gaza.

    In February, more than 100,000 Democratic voters chose “uncommitted” in the state’s presidential primary election after the Uncommitted campaign urged voters to protest President Joe Biden’s Gaza policy as he sought reelection.

  • Biden calls out Musk for ‘illegally working in U.S.’

    Biden calls out Musk for ‘illegally working in U.S.’

    President Joe Biden slammed Elon Musk for hypocrisy on immigration after a published report that the Tesla CEO once worked illegally in the United States. The South Africa-born Musk denies the allegation.

    “That wealthiest man in the world turned out to be an illegal worker here. No, I’m serious. He was supposed to be in school when he came on a student visa. He wasn’t in school. He was violating the law. And he’s talking about all these illegals coming our way?” Biden said while campaigning on Saturday in Pittsburgh at a union hall.

    The Washington Post reported that Musk worked illegally in the country while on a student visa. The newspaper, citing company documents, former business associates and court documents, said Musk arrived in Palo Alto, California in 1995 for a graduate program at Stanford University “but never enrolled in courses, working instead on his startup. ”

    Musk wrote on X in reply to a video post of Biden’s comments: “I was in fact allowed to work in the US.” Musk added, “The Biden puppet is lying.”

    Read Also: Biden: global leaders are terrified of Trump

    Investors in Musk’s company, Zip2, were concerned about the possibility of their founder being deported, according to the report, and gave him a deadline for obtaining a work visa. The newspaper also cited a 2005 email from Musk to his Tesla co-founders acknowledging that he did not have authorization to be in the U.S. when he started Zip2.

    According to the account, that email was submitted as evidence in a now-closed California defamation lawsuit and said that Musk had applied to Stanford so he could stay in the country legally.

    Musk is today the world’s richest man. He has committed more than $70 million to help Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and other GOP candidates win on Nov. 5, and is one of the party’s biggest donors this campaign season. He has been headlining events in the White House race’s final stretch, often echoing Trump’s dark rhetoric against immigration.