IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

The United States has released the list of countries eligible for its 2025 Visa Waiver Programme (VWP), with notable exclusions, including the United Kingdom.

While the UK remains eligible under certain conditions, no African country—such as Nigeria, Ghana, or South Africa—was included in the programme.

A key update in the 2025 list is the addition of Romania, reflecting the US’s focus on diplomatic ties and border security standards.

According to the US Bureau of Consular Affairs, the VWP allows citizens of participating countries to visit the US for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa. However, travelers must obtain an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before departure.

The 2025 programme includes 40 countries whose citizens can enter the US without a visa.

Full List of Eligible Countries:

Andorra

Australia

Austria

Belgium

Chile

Czech Republic

Croatia

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Iceland

Ireland

Italy

Israel

Norway

Poland

Portugal

San Marino

Singapore

Slovakia

Japan

Slovenia

Latvia

South Korea

Liechtenstein

Spain

Lithuania

Sweden

Luxembourg

Switzerland

Malta

Netherlands

New Zealand

Qatar

Romania

Monaco 

Zuriel Oduwole, a 22-year-old advocate for peace, education, and gender equality, has been nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. Born in Los Angeles to Nigerian grandparents, she has engaged with over 35 world leaders on policies promoting education and global peace.

Oduwole’s diplomatic influence began at age 13 when she mediated a territorial dispute between Guyana and Venezuela. She later advised Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on peace strategies during the Arab blockade of Qatar.

A strong advocate for education, Oduwole met with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry at 14 to promote school retention programs. Her efforts contributed to ending child marriage in Mozambique, earning her the Ban Ki-moon Leadership Award in 2022.

Through her initiative, Dream Up, Speak Up, Stand Up (DUSUSU), she empowers youth—particularly girls—to pursue education and leadership. Reacting to her Nobel nomination, she expressed humility, emphasizing the importance of young voices in global change.

The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winners will be announced in October, with past recipients including Nelson Mandela and Barack Obama. Regardless of the outcome, Oduwole’s nomination highlights the power of youth-led advocacy in shaping global policy. 

The Ebonyi State Police Command has condemned the actions of an officer seen in a viral video brandishing a rifle and engaging in an altercation with a passenger.

The widely shared footage has sparked public outrage, as the officer’s conduct is considered a breach of the Nigeria Police Force’s (NPF) ethics and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).

In a statement on Monday, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu, confirmed that the officer has been identified and is under investigation, with disciplinary measures already in motion.

Commissioner of Police, CP Anthonia Adaku Uche-Anya, reaffirmed the Command’s zero tolerance for indiscipline and assured the public that any officer found guilty of misconduct would face appropriate consequences.

As the video continues to circulate online, many are demanding swift action to ensure law enforcement officers maintain professionalism and respect for citizens’ rights. 

Nigerian rapper Tochukwu Ojogwu, popularly known as Odumodublvck, has been hospitalized following a car accident.

The artist shared the news on Tuesday via a post on X.com, along with pictures from the hospital and the accident scene.

Odumodublvck, also called Industry Machine, reassured fans with his message: "Survived. The machine must arrive in one piece. It is a must. The machine is coming."

Following his announcement, fans and well-wishers have flooded social media with messages wishing him a quick recovery. 

Heartland Queens have once again asserted their dominance in Imo State female football, securing their third consecutive female FA Cup title in emphatic fashion. 

The NWFL Premiership outfit will now shift focus to the prestigious Presidential Federation Cup, where they will represent Imo State and aim to make a deep run in the competition.

Having suffered a Round of 16 exit last season at the hands of FC Robo Queens, just days after their NWFL Super 6 campaign in Yenagoa, Heartland Queens are eager to make amends this time around. With renewed ambition, they will be targeting a podium finish on the national stage.

Meanwhile, the Owerri-mainstream will have little time to bask in their latest triumph, as they return to league action on Wednesday for a highly anticipated Matchday 6 showdown against arch-rivals Confluence Queens FC. With crucial league points at stake, Heartland Queens will be looking to carry their cup-winning momentum into the NWFL Premiership battle.

The stage is set for an electrifying encounter, as Heartland Queens aim to keep their domestic dominance intact while gearing up for another shot at national silverware. 

Former French surgeon Joel Le Scouarnec, 74, is set to stand trial for allegedly sexually assaulting or raping 299 patients, most of them children, between 1989 and 2014. He is already serving a prison sentence for abusing four children.

The trial, expected to last four months, will take place in Vannes, Brittany, with testimonies from underage victims held behind closed doors. If convicted, he faces a maximum of 20 years in prison.

Despite a 2005 conviction for possessing child abuse material and concerns raised by colleagues, Le Scouarnec continued practicing medicine until his retirement in 2017. His crimes came to light when a six-year-old girl accused him of rape, leading to the discovery of detailed abuse records in his diaries.

Victims and advocates blame systemic failures that allowed him to keep working. A separate investigation into institutional negligence has been launched, but no individuals have been charged yet.