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Tech Talent Race: China Launches New ‘K Visa’ to Poach Global STEM Graduates

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Tech Talent Race: China Launches New ‘K Visa’ to Poach Global STEM Graduates

In a direct strategic challenge to Washington’s restrictive immigration policies, China this week rolled out the ‘K visa,’ a new visa category specifically designed to attract top-tier foreign graduates in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

The move, effective Wednesday, October 1, 2025, is seen as a crucial bid by Beijing to rapidly bolster its technology workforce as the United States makes access to its flagship H-1B program increasingly difficult.

A Striking Contrast to the U.S. H-1B

The K visa is making waves because it directly addresses the frustrations of the U.S. immigration system:

FeatureChina’s K VisaU.S. H-1B Visa (Current)
SponsorshipNot Required. Grants entry, residence, and work rights without a sponsoring employer.Mandatory. Requires a sponsoring employer and is subject to an annual lottery.
BarriersLowers barriers to entry for qualified graduates.High barriers, including a proposed annual fee of up to $100,000 for first-time visas.

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“The symbolism is powerful: while the U.S. raises barriers, China is lowering them,” commented Matt Mauntel-Medici, an Iowa-based immigration attorney. Chief strategist Michael Feller called the timing “exquisite” for Beijing, suggesting that the stricter U.S. visa moves had “shot itself in the foot.”

Who Qualifies for the K Visa?

The official guidelines, while still broad, establish the K visa as a streamlined option for young, educated professionals:

  • Eligibility: Graduates in STEM fields from recognized universities or research institutions worldwide.
  • Requirement: Must hold at least a bachelor’s degree.
  • Scope: Young professionals engaged in relevant education or research work at such institutions are also eligible.

Hurdles and Geopolitical Friction

Despite the appeal of a non-sponsored visa, experts note significant barriers that may limit China’s success in becoming a major immigrant destination overnight:

  • Language Barrier: Many high-value tech jobs in China require proficiency in Mandarin, a major hurdle for non-Chinese speakers.
  • Citizenship: China rarely grants citizenship to foreigners, offering little pathway to permanent residency compared to other Western nations.
  • Indian Talent Pool: Geopolitical tensions, particularly between Beijing and New Delhi, could complicate outreach to the large pool of Indian STEM professionals who historically dominated H-1B allocations. While the K visa offers a “flexible, streamlined” alternative, Indian students acknowledge that language and political factors remain potential deterrents.

Regardless of the hurdles, analysts agree that even modest gains in attracting global tech talent could significantly sharpen China’s competitive edge in cutting-edge industries. This new visa category is a clear signal of China’s aggressive, talent-first strategy in the global technology race.


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NNPC, NUPRC, NMDPRA shut as PENGASSAN begins nationwide strike

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NNPC, NUPRC, NMDPRA shut as PENGASSAN begins nationwide strike

The nationwide strike declared by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria on Monday paralysed operations at key oil and gas regulatory institutions, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.

The industrial action, which followed the weekend directive by the union’s National Executive Council, saw members across the country withdrawing their services, effectively shutting down critical agencies that drive Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

The NUPRC headquarters in Abuja, the main gate was firmly locked, leaving several employees stranded outside the premises. Security operatives on duty confirmed that no staff were allowed entry, in line with the strike directive issued by the union.

Similarly, activities at the NMDPRA headquarters in the busy Central Business District were completely grounded as workers fully complied with the industrial action.

Confirming the situation, the PENGASSAN Chairman in NMDPRA, Tony Iziogba, told newsmen that the union had achieved “100 per cent compliance,” effectively restricting access to staff and visitors.

He added that his colleagues had also enforced 100 per cent compliance at the NNPCL and other relevant agencies.

PENGASSAN said the strike became inevitable after the alleged wrongful dismissal of about 800 workers at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

The union’s directive to halt crude oil and gas supplies to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has sent shockwaves through the energy sector, with oil marketers warning of severe disruptions in fuel distribution. This move is expected to choke the domestic market, driving up demand and prices.

On Sunday, PENGASSAN announced a nationwide strike, instructing all its members in various offices, companies, institutions, and agencies to cease all services starting at 12:01 am on Monday, September 29, 2025.

The union also directed members stationed in various field locations to down tools from 6:00 am on Sunday, September 28, and commence a round-the-clock prayer vigil.

In a strongly worded resolution signed by PENGASSAN General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, the union accused the refinery of violating Nigerian labour laws and International Labour Organisation conventions by sacking workers for joining the union. It alleged the dismissed workers had been replaced by foreigners.

“All processes involving gas and crude supply to Dangote Refinery should be halted immediately,” the resolution declared. “All IOC (International Oil Companies) branches must ramp down gas production and supply to Dangote Refinery and petrochemicals.”

The development has heightened fears of fuel scarcity and blackouts, as NNPC remains the sole importer of petrol while the midstream and downstream authority regulates supply and distribution. Similarly, NUPRC is responsible for monitoring crude production and enforcing gas supply obligations to power plants.

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UK plans tougher rules for Nigerian migrants, Others seeking to stay in the country

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UK plans tougher rules for Nigerian migrants, Others seeking to stay in the country

Migrants seeking to settle in the UK will have to have a job, not claim benefits, and undertake community work under plans to be unveiled by the interior minister on Monday.

Currently, those with family in Britain and who have lived there for five years qualify for “indefinite leave to remain” — permanent residence — as do those who have lived legally in the UK for 10 years on any type of visa.

Eligible applicants meeting those thresholds also earn the right to live, work and study in the UK and to apply for benefits and British citizenship.

But in a major policy shift, interior minister Shabana Mahmood was Monday to announce that migrants would have to make social security contributions, claim no benefits, have a clean criminal record and volunteer in their community in order to stay.

Mahmood will outline the plans at the annual conference of the ruling Labour Party, and the government will consult on the changes later this year, according to a press release from the party.

The announcement comes shortly after the opposition hard-right Reform Party, which is currently leading in national polls, said it would get rid of “indefinite leave to remain” altogether, with migrants instead required to reapply for visas every five years.

This would apply to the hundreds of thousands of people who have already attained leave to remain.

“These measures draw a clear dividing line between the Labour government and Reform, whose recent announcement… would force workers, who have been contributing to this country for decades, to leave their homes and families,” said the Labour Party statement.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Sunday called Reform’s plan “racist”, adding it would “tear the country apart”.

In her first speech to the Labour conference as interior minister, Mahmood will say that migrants should learn English to a high standard and that she will be a “tough” minister.

Immigration is a key issue in the UK, and Mahmood will warn party members that a failure to tackle it will mean that “working people will turn away from us… and seek solace in the false promises” of Reform leader Nigel Farage.

Finance minister Rachel Reeves will also address the conference on Monday, when she will “vow to invest in Britain’s renewal” and announce new plans to get young people in work, according to a Labour press release.

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Here’s why Government wants academic thesis submission mandatory for NYSC members

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Here’s why Government wants academic thesis submission mandatory for NYSC members

 In a sweeping reform aimed at combating certificate racketeering and restoring credibility to Nigerian degrees, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mandated that compliance with the new Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD) Policy is now compulsory for all graduates seeking to participate in or be exempted from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Effective October 6, all prospective corps members—whether graduating from a Nigerian university, polytechnic, or an institution overseas—must provide proof of NERD compliance to receive their NYSC call-up.

The Enforcement Hammer: No NERD, No NYSC

The directive, officially conveyed via a circular from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, invokes provisions in the NYSC Act to enforce the new requirement.

The core of the compliance hinges on graduates depositing their final academic outputs, specifically thesis or project reports, into the NERD system. This is designed to serve as:

  1. Anti-Fraud Check: An inviolable, time-stamped “yearly independent proof of continuous academic enrolment and affiliation” to curb certificate fraud and the abuse of academic honors.
  2. Quality Assurance: A mechanism to raise the bar on academic output nationwide.

Restoring Integrity and Rewarding Excellence

This reform goes beyond fighting corruption; it aims to professionalize scholarship. Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, previously stated that the NERD Policy applies equally to all education institutions, including public, private, military, and specialized schools.

Critically, President Tinubu also approved an innovative academic output monetisation and reward mechanism. This feature, proposed by the Education Minister, ensures that students and their supervising lecturers can potentially earn lifetime revenues from their deposited academic work, creating a financial incentive for academic rigor.

The NERD platform is set to radically transform academic supervision. Haula Galadima, spokesperson for NERD, explained that every deposited item will feature the full names of the student, supervisor, co-supervisor, and Head of Department.

“If our eminent scholars are aware that their names will appear next to those of the students they supervise on a globally available digital platform, there is the likelihood that each lecturer would up his or her standard,” Galadima stated. “Very few lecturers would want their names associated with poorly produced academic works.”

The directive is being enforced immediately. Key bodies like the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) are now required to provide data exchange support to facilitate seamless onboarding and data validation for the nationwide digital repository.

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Goodluck Jonathan will contest the 2027 presidential election – Professor Jerry Gana

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Goodluck Jonathan will contest the 2027 presidential election – Professor Jerry Gana

Former Minister of Information and Orientation, Professor Jerry Gana, has declared with certainty that former President Goodluck Jonathan will contest the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and reclaim the presidency.

Speaking to journalists shortly after the PDP Niger State Congress in Minna on Saturday, Gana said Nigerians had experienced two other leaders after Jonathan and were now yearning for his return.

“In 2015, former President Goodluck Jonathan said his ambition was not worth the blood of Nigerians. After him, another President ruled for eight years, and now another has ruled for two years. Nigerians have seen the difference, and the difference is very clear. Nigerians are now asking us to bring back our friend, former President Goodluck Jonathan,” Gana stated.

“I can confirm that Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will contest the presidential election in 2027 as PDP candidate, and we should be prepared to vote for him to return as President again,” he added.

Describing the PDP as “truly democratic and grassroots-oriented,” Gana said the party had always allowed Nigerians to freely choose their leaders. He maintained that the PDP remained popular because of its people-centred programmes.

On the party’s internal affairs, the former minister dismissed talks of crisis, insisting disagreements had long been resolved. “When there was a near crisis in the party, the founding fathers convened a consultative conference in Abuja and addressed all the issues. We are now prepared for the task ahead in 2027,” he assured.

He urged Nigerians to “shine their eyes” and vote out the present administration in favour of Jonathan’s return for “good governance.”

Meanwhile, the state congress produced Alhaji Aliyu Mohammed Halidu as the new chairman of the party with 1,289 votes, defeating Zonal Chairman Alhaji Yahaya Abdullahi (Ability), who polled 1,269 votes.

Other winners included Alhaji Khadi Kuta, returned unopposed as Secretary, and Mrs Salome Ndakosu, who emerged Woman Leader with 1,373 votes against Ramotu Jibrin’s 590.

In his acceptance speech, Halidu called for unity, urging members to “join hands in ensuring the return of a people-oriented government in 2027.”

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FACT-CHECK: Nigeria’s “No Genocide” Claim Collides with Documented Massacres of Christians and Catholic Priests

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FACT-CHECK: Nigeria’s “No Genocide” Claim Collides with Documented Massacres of Christians and Catholic Priests

The Federal Government of Nigeria has strongly rejected claims by international platforms and online commentators that the persistent terrorist violence in the country amounts to a systematic “genocide against Christians.”

In a statement issued by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government labeled the allegations as “false, baseless, despicable, and divisive,” insisting that the complex security challenges affect all Nigerians regardless of faith.

The Government’s Refutation and Counter-Statistics

Minister Idris argued that portraying the fight against terrorism as a targeted religious campaign oversimplifies the crisis and risks fueling ethnic and religious division.

  • Non-Sectarian Victims: “The violent activities of terrorist groups are not confined to any religious or ethnic community. Muslims, Christians, and even those who do not identify with any faith have suffered at their hands,” Idris stated.
  • Counter-Terrorism Successes: The Minister offered statistics of recent military gains to show the government’s commitment, revealing that between May 2023 and February 2025, over 13,500 terrorists and criminals were neutralized, and nearly 10,000 hostages were rescued.
  • Targeting Leadership: Idris specifically cited the recent capture of the top leadership of ANSARU, Nigeria’s Al-Qaeda affiliate, as proof that Nigeria is not “passively tolerating religiously motivated terrorism.”

The Fact Check: Accounts of Targeted Massacres and Clergy Killings

While the Nigerian government insists the violence is indiscriminate, various human rights reports and church bodies have compiled extensive evidence of targeted massacres against Christian communities, which form the basis of the “genocide” allegation.

Documented Massacre/TargetingDateDetails and Context
Christmas Eve MassacresDecember 24, 2023Coordinated attacks across Plateau State by armed groups, believed to be predominately Fulani herdsmen, resulted in the deaths of over 150 people in majority-Christian communities, with churches and homes torched.
Killings of Catholic Priests2020 – 2024Multiple reports from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Catholic dioceses detail the kidnapping and murder of dozens of clergy. For example, between January and July 2022 alone, at least 20 Catholic priests were kidnapped across the country, with several brutally murdered, including Rev. Fr. John Mark in Niger State. The systemic targeting of religious leaders fuels the persecution narrative.
Owo Church AttackJune 5, 2022Gunmen attacked the St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, during a Sunday service, killing over 40 worshippers and injuring many more. While the government blamed the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), the targeting of a Christian place of worship became a flashpoint for international concern.

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The “Genocide” Debate

International groups, including the International Christian Concern (ICC) and the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), have consistently highlighted the disproportionate nature of the violence. They note that while both Christians and Muslims suffer from terrorism (especially in the North East by Boko Haram/ISWAP), attacks in the Middle Belt often exhibit a clear ethno-religious dimension, targeting Christian farming communities.

Minister Idris concluded by emphasizing Nigeria’s global recognition for interfaith peace, citing the Commonwealth Peace Prize awarded to Rev. Dr. James Movel Wuye and Imam Dr. Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa for their interfaith dialogue efforts. However, for the numerous victims of massacres in places like Plateau and Benue, the government’s insistence on “resilience” and “peaceful coexistence” remains sharply at odds with their lived reality.

The key disagreement centers not on whether Muslims also suffer—they do, extensively—but on whether an additional, specific campaign of elimination is being waged against Christian communities by particular actors in certain regions.

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Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, rejects being described as “Governor of the North,” insisting that such titles are misleading

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Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, rejects being described as “Governor of the North,” insisting that such titles are misleading

Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, representing Cross River North, has rejected being described as “Governor of the North,” insisting that such titles are misleading.

In a statement, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP lawmaker said that while he values the goodwill of supporters, he does not wear “borrowed robes.”

He stressed that Cross River has only one Governor, Bassey Otu of the All Progressives Congress, APC, who is the constitutionally recognised leader of the state.

Jarigbe reaffirmed his loyalty to Otu and urged his constituents to also direct their support and respect to the governor.

He said collaboration, not competition, will deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.

He warned against misrepresenting his office, noting that political excitement should not override respect for constituted authority.

According to him, he was raised to respect leadership and holds firmly to that principle.

The Senator also cautioned against those blowing issues out of proportion for political gain, saying such acts sow seeds of discord. Leadership, he stressed, is about unity and service, not rivalry.

“At this time, we must close ranks and move forward as one people with one purpose,” he said, calling for focus on building a stronger Cross River State.

Jarigbe assured his constituents that he will continue to defend their interests at the National Assembly while maintaining due respect for the Governor’s office.

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George Akume, says the problem of Nigeria did not start with the administration Tinubu

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George Akume, says the problem of Nigeria did not start with the administration Tinubu

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, says the problem of Nigeria did not start with the administration of president Bola Tinubu.

Akume stated that Tinubu has commenced robust reforms to address some of the challenges.

He said this on Sunday, at a special service orgnised to mark the 65th Independence Day Celebration at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, says the problem of Nigeria did not start with the administration of president Bola Tinubu.

Akume stated that Tinubu has commenced robust reforms to address some of the challenges.

He said this on Sunday, at a special service orgnised to mark the 65th Independence Day Celebration at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja.

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Nigeria Police Force has apprehended a notorious Benin Republic fugitive handed him over to security authorities in Cotonou

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Nigeria Police Force has apprehended a notorious Benin Republic fugitive handed him over to security authorities in Cotonou

The Nigeria Police Force has apprehended a notorious Benin Republic fugitive, Sunday Kotin, in a covert operation in Ogun State and handed him over to security authorities in Cotonou.

Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Sunday.

Kotin, who had been on the wanted list in Benin, was accused of leading cross-border criminal activities, including armed banditry, arms smuggling, cattle rustling, and drug trafficking.

The suspect was trailed by operatives of the Police National Central Bureau, NCB, of Interpol Nigeria following a request from Interpol Benin Republic.

Hundeyin revealed that while seven members of Kotin’s gang are already facing trial in Benin, he fled into Nigeria to evade capture.

“Working on credible intelligence, NPF–NCB operatives launched a discreet operation that led to Kotin’s arrest at Idi Iroko, in Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The fugitive was later interrogated on his cross-border crimes before being formally handed over to NCB Cotonou officials,” Hundeyin stated.

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, commended the officers involved, describing the operation as proof of Nigeria’s commitment to international law enforcement collaboration.

He reiterated that Nigeria would not provide refuge to fugitives or criminal networks.

“Regardless of their influence or connections, criminals will find no safe haven in Nigeria. Our mandate remains the protection of our sovereignty, the rule of law, and the strengthening of global security cooperation,” the IGP declared.

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An Official vehicle goes missing at the Nigerian police force headquarters in Abuja, and now there’s a nationwide hunt

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An Official vehicle goes missing at the Nigerian police force headquarters in Abuja, and now there’s a nationwide hunt

The Nigeria Police Force has begun a nationwide manhunt after one of its official vehicles vanished from the Force Headquarters in Abuja, sparking concerns over internal security breaches.

The missing vehicle, a Toyota Buffalo Land Cruiser with registration number NPF 5594 D and chassis number JTELU71JX0B027126, was reported stolen on July 28, 2025, according to an internal wireless memo circulated by the Commissioner of Police (DFA, Katsina Command) and relayed from the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID).

The SUV, assigned to the Department of Operations at the Force Headquarters, Louis Edet House, was discovered missing after it was allegedly removed from the official parking lot.

A police signal obtained by reporters confirmed the development, stating:

“The vehicle attached to the Department of Operations, FHQ Abuja, was declared missing/stolen or removed from where parked on 28/07/2025 from the parking lot of FHQ, Louis Edet House, Abuja.

“Case is under investigation. Grateful disseminate to formations, area commands, and divisions for possible recovery.”

Following the report, all area commands, divisional police officers, and tactical formations across Nigeria have been ordered to remain on high alert and to treat the matter as “very important.”

Security agencies have also been instructed to immediately report any leads that could aid in recovering the vehicle.

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Don Jazzy says it costs $100K-$300 for Mavin Records to launch a new artist under his label

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Don Jazzy says it costs $100K-$300 for Mavin Records to launch a new artist under his label

Don Jazzy, the producer and record executive behind some of Nigeria’s biggest musical exports, has pulled back the curtain on what it takes to transform a young talent into a household name.

Speaking on the Echo podcast, the founder of Mavin Records said it costs anywhere between $100,000 and $300,000, theequivalent of about N150 million to N500 million, to launch a new artist under his label.

“To activate and launch a new Mavin talent? At the moment, about a minimum $100,000 or then to $100 to $300,000 in that bracket.”

The figure, he emphasised, represents only the starting point for an act’s first project.

“It’s never just one thing,” he explained when asked about what makes a song or an artist go viral. “You can have a great song, but if it’s not marketed properly, it won’t work. At the same time, you can spend a lot of money, but if people don’t connect with it, they don’t connect.” 

The 41-year-old music mogul, born Michael Collins Ajereh, said there is no formula for creating a hit, but Mavin has developed systems that improve an artist’s chances of breaking through. Those systems, he noted, require significant investment, including marketing teams, public relations experts, research units, and production staff, all workingalongside the artist.

Crucially, Don Jazzy stressed, the artist’s own drive is non-negotiable. “If you want it more than the artist, it doesn’t really work,” he said. “Some people have the vision, but the great ones also do the research. If you say you want to be like Michael Jackson, you have to study why Michael Jackson became Michael Jackson.” 

The producer, who first rose to prominence in the mid-2000s with the defunct Mo’Hits Records, reflected on how much the industry has changed. When Mo’Hits dissolved in 2012, he briefly considered leaving the record label business altogether, deterred by rising costs and mounting responsibilities. But encouragement from close friends and artists kept him in the game, eventually leading to the founding of Mavin Records, home to global stars like Rema and Ayra Starr.

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Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai, Alex Otti, others attend Amaechi’s son’s church wedding in Abuja

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Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai, Alex Otti, others attend Amaechi’s son’s church wedding in Abuja

The former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, and former Senate President, Senator David Mark, were among the dignitaries who attended the church wedding of Dr Chikamkpa Amaechi, son of the former Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, in Abuja on Saturday.

Also present at the ceremony were former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan; Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, wife of former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; and former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, along with several other high-profile guests.

During the solemnisation, Rev. Fr. Steve Dedua urged the couple, Chikamkpa and Anita Nwabueze, to build their marriage on patience and faith in God. 

He reminded them that marriage is a divine union established from the beginning of creation, adding: “In making them male and female, God decided they should become one. What God has joined together, let no man or woman put asunder.”

Rev. Dedua expressed concern over rising global divorce rates, citing a 2023 study that ranked Nigeria 11th among countries with the highest number of divorces. He charged the couple to stand as an example by keeping God at the centre of their union.

At the reception, Governor Otti advised the couple to prioritise communication and peaceful conflict resolution, urging them to always talk through challenges rather than allow crises to linger.

The wedding comes a week after the couple held their traditional marriage ceremony in Abuja.

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