NIGERIA: IMPORT & BUSINESS

Tokunbo cars to cost more as from January 1

As from first of January 2015, prices of imported used cars otherwise known as Tokunbo or second-hand cars are expected to go up as the second phase of the national automotive policy which was announced in November 2013, will commence

MARRIAGE & DIVORCE

Huge mistakes I made as a wife
(I'm The Ex-Wife Now)
By Sloane Bradshaw

At first it was easy for me to point every single finger and toe at my husband for obliterating our 10-year marriage. He's the one who cheated and walked out without looking back. And long before that, he repeatedly shut me out, choosing to bury himself in his work to avoid what was happening to us at home. Blame was my coping mechanism to get through the first difficult months of our separation, and "how dare he (gasp!)" was my mantra. I rallied an entire army of supporters who, like me, were totally, utterly and completely aghast at the nerve -- the gall -- of this man. 

EDITORIAL

The problem of dual citizenship

Before becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen, immigrants must take an oath that says, in part, "I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen."

IMMIGRATION & POLICY

Hungary is new hot spot on migrant route into EU
By Pablo Gorondi 

ASOTTHALOM, Hungary (AP) — With the Mediterranean Sea becoming too treacherous and other routes blocked by barbed-wire fences, would-be migrants are taking a new route into the Europe Union: through Hungary. Coming from as far away as Afghanistan and Syria and as near as Kosovo and Albania, thousands of migrants a week are crossing into Hungary and requesting asylum, turning the country into an EU transit hot spot.

LIVING ABROAD

5 countries where it's hardest to become a citizen

Obtaining permanent residency status or gaining citizenship in a foreign county may seem like a good idea for those who no longer want to live in the country where they were born or whose passport they hold. But some nations make that transition especially difficult unless you marry a citizen of that country or – in some cases – have ancestors who were citizens.

POLITICS & POLICY

Hungary summons U.S. envoy over McCain's 'neo-fascist' comment 

click to read McCain's words 

BUDAPEST (Reuters) - Hungary's Foreign Ministry summoned the U.S. envoy on Wednesday after U.S. Senator John McCain called Prime Minister Viktor Orban a "neo-fascist dictator."

The United States has become increasingly critical of Orban's government, accusing him of getting too close to Russia since East-West tensions rose over Ukraine.

PRESS RELEASE

International Day Against Fascism and Antisemitism

9 November 2014

United against fascism & anti-semitism

More than 220 coordinated actions have been organised by grass-roots organisations and different local groups in 45 European countries for the International Day Against Fascism and Antisemitism. This year's variety in actions ranged from commemorations, lectures, debates, demonstrations and symposiums over radio programmes and online-campaigns, up to concerts and film festivals. On www.DayAgainstFascism.eu you can find many local activities that took place in Europe. These local actions were united under the common slogan: "REMEMBER".

FEATURES

 Solarizing the systemic
Toyin Falola

Dr. Tai Solarin

Professor Falola is a University Distinguished Teaching Professor and Jacob & Frances Sanger Mossiker Chair in the Humanities University of Texas at Austin, Texas, USA. This is an excerpt of a convocation lecture, “Education at the Historic Crossroads: New Paths for a New Beginning” delivered at Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijebu-Ode, November 26, 2014. 

POLITICS & POLICY

Hungary retreats from Putin as Orban rediscovers Germany
By Zoltan Simon

Hungarian premier Viktor Orban is trying to keep his balance as the geopolitical ground shifts beneath him, and that means taking a step toward Germany and away from Russia.
Orban has made a point of cultivating ties with President Vladimir Putin, criticizing the sanctions imposed on Russia and negotiating a $14 billion loan from the Kremlin. This month the Hungarian leader sent different signals when he voiced support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, called Germany his “compass” on foreign policy and visited NATO troops stationed in Lithuania. 

SPORTS

No African player nominated for FIFA's Puskas Award

Despite boasting of some of the best strikers in the game, no African player was able to get into the 10-man shortlist released by FIFA for the Puskas award given out yearly to the finest goal scored within the period.

BUSINESS

Tokunbo dealers to sell Nigeria-made cars
By Rasheed Bisiriyu 
 




Used car dealers may soon begin to sell made-in-Nigeria vehicles as part of measures to incorporate them into the new automotive policy of the Federal Government. Already, the Tokunbo or used car dealers are holding talks with the National Automotive Council, an agency of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, on the modalities of their participation in the policy. 

NIGERIA'S AFFAIRS

 Nigeria under Goodluck Jonathan

LAGOS (AFP) - Key dates in Nigeria since President Goodluck Jonathan, who on Tuesday announced his candidacy for the February 14, 2015 presidential election, first came to power in 2010.

NIGERIAN POLITICS

Nigeria's president announces second-term bid

Abuja (AFP) - Nigeria's President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday declared his bid for re-election, vowing to finally defeat Boko Haram whose rise in strength during his first term has threatened the country's sovereignty. The 56-year-old made the announcement to tens of thousands of supporters in the red, white and green of his ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), at a carefully orchestrated ceremony including patriotic music, dancing, prayers and speeches.

POLITICS & POLICY

Hungary protestors demand removal of 'corrupt' tax chief

Budapest (AFP) - Several thousand Hungarians marched though Budapest on Sunday to demand the resignation of the head of the country's tax office after she was banned from entering the United States over alleged corruption.

RELIGION/POLITICS

Boko Haram says kidnapped schoolgirls 'married off'
By Aminu Abubakar

Kano (Nigeria) (AFP) - Boko Haram has claimed that the 219 schoolgirls it kidnapped more than six months ago have converted to Islam and been "married off", shocking their families but confirming suspicions about a supposed deal for their release and a wider ceasefire.

SOCIETY

Hungary internet tax cancelled after mass protests 

Hungary has decided to shelve a proposed tax on internet data traffic after mass protests against the plan.

PHOTO NEWS SPECIAL

Photo News: Nigeria celebrates its 54th independence anniversary in Belgrade 

 

 

POLITICS, MONEY & BUSINESS

Anger mounts in Hungary over internet tax

Mihaly Varga

 

Budapest (AFP) - A proposed Hungarian tax on internet usage has sparked new accusations of an anti-democratic crackdown in the EU member as tens of thousands are expected to march against the measure Sunday.

SPORTS/FOOTBALL

Falcons beat Lioness, win AWC
By Kazeem Busari

The Super Falcons on Saturday in Windhoek, Namibia defeated the Lionesses of Cameroon 2-0 to reclaim the African Women's Championship title which they lost to Equatorial Guinea in 2012. 

POLITICS, BUSINESS, MONEY & DIPLOMACY

Putin's Next Move Could Make Eastern Europe Explode

By By Brett LoGiurato (Reuters)

What is going on in Vladimir Putin's mind?
That's the question a panel of Russia experts was trying to answer Tuesday morning. Attention on Russia and the crisis in Ukraine has dwindled as the press has focused more on the West's fight against the extremist group calling itself the Islamic State. 

POLITICS

Hungary's far-right faces hard slog despite prospect of winning town halls

By Marton Dunai

TISZAVASVARI Hungary (Reuters) - Hungary's far-right Jobbik party is on track to take over dozens of city halls in a municipal election on Sunday, handing it new powers that, critics say, it will use to persecute ethnic minorities.

ROAD & TRANSPORT

 SON begins implementation of standard for Tokunbo vehicles
 By Favour Nnabugwu & Damilola Faniyi

Disturbed by the increasing rate of accidents on Nigerian roads and to also grow the country's automotive industry, Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON has commenced the implementation of conformity to standard of second-hand vehicles popularly known as 'tokunbo' across the country.

NIGERIA'S AFFAIRS

 54th Independence Anniversary: Nigerians speak
By Nan

A cross section of Nigerians on Wednesday said Nigeria's 54th Independence anniversary was worth celebrating because “we are still a united nation” in spite of the numerous challenges. Other citizens, however, said that the atmosphere was not ripe for celebration due to insurgency in parts of the country and the Chibok girls, among other challenges. 

TRAVEL & HUMAN RIGHTS

Torn Passport: Egypt Air admits error, to pay compensation to Joshua Kunle Abdul-Azeez, Nigerian medical student studying in Ukraine

ABUJA-The management of Egypt Air, which was accused of maltreatment and wrongful deportation of a Nigerian medical student, Joshua Kunle Abdul-Azeez, studying in Ukraine and tearing his Nigerian international passport has admitted making a mistake and offered to compensate the student.

POLICY & POLITY

Nigeria military claims Boko Haram leader dead

Abuja (AFP) - Nigeria's military on Wednesday claimed for the first time that Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau was dead, as it said troops had killed a lookalike who had been posing as the militant commander. Defence spokesman Chris Olukolade told reporters in Abuja that a heavily bearded Islamist fighter identified as Mohammed Bashir died during fighting in the town of Konduga, in Borno state.

SPORTS/HUMAN INTEREST

Ghanaian football star, Asamoah Gyan, holding press conference to deny using friend as human sacrifice
By Ryan Rosenblatt

photo credit: Laurence Griffiths

Asamoah Gyan insists he did not use the rapper Castro as a human sacrifice. And he's having a press conference to clear it up. Castro and Janet Bandu went missing in July when they were on vacation with Gyan and the striker's family. The assumption was that they drowned in the ocean, but the inability of anyone to find a body has apparently kicked up suspicions in Ghana. And some have begun to suggest that Gyan sacrificed Castro and Bandu.

BUSINESS & IMPORT

Nigerian Govt reneges on promise, collects 70% tariff on vehicles
By David Ogah

Clearing agents, freight forwarders protest, Customs blames ministry • Stakeholders say it's ploy by NCS to meet N1.2tr revenue target 

CONTRARY to the promise of the Federal Government to suspend the collection of a new tariff on imported vehicles till January 1, 2015, the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has actually begun the implementation of the regime. This development has drawn the ire of stakeholders, including clearing agents and freight forwarders at the Lagos ports. 

TRAVEL & TOURISM

A short note from a museum in Kesthely, Hungary

Archie Bonka doing it his way

Our About Town man, Archie Bonka, recently spends some months in an African Museum in Kesthely in the Zala county area of Hungary where he plays golf, interacts with locals and tourists alike. He files this report and photographs for ANH edited by Hakeem Babalola

PHOTO NEWS

 African language parade

African language parade was recently held in Budapest. Our brothers and sisters were there to showcase their stock in trade. Clothing, food, books were all displayed to grace the atmosphere. It's never too late to learn

OPINION

Ikimi, Ribadu & Politics of defection 

By Theophilus Ilevbare

In recent weeks the All Progressive Congress(APC) has been rocked with a tidal wave of defection of a founding member in Chief Tom Ikimi and the party’s 2011 presidential candidate, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu to the party Nigerians loathe but can’t vote out of power at the centre, the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP).  Ikimi’s grievance with the APC hierarchy stems from how he was barred from contesting the party’s chairmanship position.

TRAVEL & HUMAN RIGHTS

HORROR: Egypt Air wrongly flew a Nigerian medical student  to another country, tore his passport & locked him up

A Nigerian medical student returning to school in Ukraine tells the story of how he nearly died at the hands of Egypt Air officials who wrongly routed him to Moldova, never gave him food for days and called him bloody Nigerian before deporting him back to Lagos
We serve you the story as written by JOSHUA KUNLE ABDUL-AZEEZ, the student who is lucky to be alive and whose ordeal should interest Nigerians.

OPINION

PM Netanyahu: "Show Me the Science!"
By Dr. David Leffler

Remember "Show me the money," from the film Jerry Maguire? We ask Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: "Show me the Science!" He asserts that bombardment of Gaza will continue... . "We are determined to continue the campaign with all means and as is needed. We will not stop until we guarantee full security and quiet for the residents of the south and all citizens of Israel."

FEATURE OPINION

Hypocrisy of America’s experimental Ebola drug 

By Theophilus Ilevbare

These days, nothing strikes a bout of panic and paranoia than the thought of Ebola Virus Disease. It’s been decades since a disease or calamity of such proportions threatened our relationships, businesses, sports and our very existence.

FEATURE

 'I abandoned Switzerland visa for lady mechanic job'
By Simon Ebegbulem, Benin-City
 

Mrs Sandra Aguebor-Ekperuoh is founder, Lady Mechanic Initiative. History was made, last week, in Benin City, Edo State, when the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, laid the foundation stone of the Lady Mechanic workshop.

OPINION

Creating stability & lasting peace in Libya

By Dr. David Leffler

In June 2014, Libya held its second election since Col. Gaddafi's overthrow, but the hoped-for stability is still elusive. Libya has had five governments since the 2011 revolution and despite the June elections turmoil continues to reign. 

WORLD CUP BRAZIL 2014

How World Cup cash is paid to teams, players
By Graham Dunbar, AP Sports Writer 

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) -- The most valuable and expensive World Cup ever will earn billions of dollars for FIFA, millions for the competing countries and thousands for the more than 700 players selected.

BUSINESS/IMPORT

UPDATED: Duty on used cars not increased to 70% says Aganga
 By Olalekan Adetayo

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, on Wednesday said there was no truth in media reports that duty on used cars had been increased to 70 per cent with effect from July 1 based on the new National Automotive Policy.

BUSINESS/IMPORT

 Nigeria: Vehicles' prices rise as 70% tariff begins July 1 

FROM Monday, a new car that was sold for N3 million before the Federal Government introduced the new automotive policy may now cost N5.1 million. The full implementation of the policy which begins today (July1) has put 70 per cent tariff on vehicles.

World Cup Brazil 2014

Brazil 2014: Nigeria & Algeria eliminated
By Hakeem Babalola

The two remaining African teams in the on-going world cup tournament in Brazil have been eliminated in the round of 16. They were sent packing by two European teams.

OPINION

Nigeria: Women fight climate change through agricultural output

 By Odimegwu Onwumere

Women farmers and environmentalists in Nigeria are doing everything possible to control the effects of climate change on agriculture.

OPINION

What ‘good press’ in Nigeria means

By Don Baridam, PhD

PHOTO: AIChE

Since the “BringBackOurGirls” protests started after we learnt that about 276 girls were abducted by the radical Islamic group called Boko Haram on April 14^th, 2014, there is nothing that many commentators have not compared President Goodluck Jonathan to in this trial period of our history as a nation.  There has been what I perceive as induced slams on the President. These slams are what is regarded these days in Nigeria as ‘good press’, especially by the opposition groups and some individuals.

2014 WORLD CUP BRAZIL

W/Cup Brazil: Nigeria & Algeria for the knock-out stage

By Hakeem Babalola
Only two out of the five representatives from Africa managed to advance to the knock out stage of the football tournament in Brazil. Nigeria and Algeria came second in their respective group to march on.

WORLD CUP BRAZIL 2014

Greece beats Ivory Coast after controversial stoppage time foul (Video)

See the video yourself and form your own opinion. Are referees destroying and killing football? Why and how to curb refereed inefficiency in the most glamorous sport in the world? See the video after the cut

SPORTS: BRAZIL 2014

Nigeria beat Bosnia, Ghana draw Germany
By Hakeem Babalola

Both Nigeria and Ghana can still make it to the second stage of the on-goiong world cup in Brazil

SPORTS: FOOTBALL WORLD CUP 2014

 Budapest's best places to watch the World Cup

The time-zone difference between Europe and South America means that the games are played between 6pm and 5am in Hungarian time, but there is always a Budapest venue open to show live broadcasts. So don’t miss anything – no matter which team you’re rooting for, this roundup reveals where you can join loads of other cheering fans, often at locations offering drink specials and other soccer-related promotions. 

WORLD CUP BRAZIL 2014

 Brazil: World cup protests continue

As the world cup reaches its exciting and intriguing moments, masked protesters carry shields and sticks while marching in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Thursday, June 19, 2014. 

NEWS

  S'African president scared of whites -Malema

Jacob Zuma, S/Africa president

Radical South African lawmaker Julius Malema delivered a blistering attack on President Jacob Zuma in his maiden address to parliament on Wednesday, accusing him of being “extremely scared of white people”, AFP reports. 

BUSINESS/IMPORT

Nigeria: New tariff; auto dealers cut imports by 50%
By Comfort Oseghale

PHOTO: PUNCH

Less than two weeks to the July 1 deadline for the enforcement of a new duty on imported vehicles, auto dealers have cut their orders by 50 per cent, COMFORT OSEGHALE reports.

TRAVEL/IMMIGRATION

Italy to repatriate 700 Nigerian prisoners serving in various prisons across the country

Nigeria and Italy would soon conclude negotiations on a Prisoners Transfer Agreement to facilitate the return of over 700 Nigerian prisoners serving in various prisons across Italy. Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Fulvius Rusticu, made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja. 

WORLD CUP 2014 BRAZIL

 Double shame for Cameroun as Assou-Ekotto head-butts team-mate, out of W/Cup

Cameroon went down fighting as they exited the World Cup with Benoit Assou-Ekotto head-butting team-mate Benjamin Moukandjo. The pair clashed in the closing stages as frustration boiled over during the ill-disciplined African nation's 4-0 hammering by Croatia.

TRAVEL

 Allegation of luggage pilfering resurfaces at Lagos airport

IKEJA-Pilfering of belongings of air travellers has returned in full force at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, the News Agency of Nigeria reports. The development has left many victims with sour tales of how they lost valuables after arriving at the airport from various overseas countries.

WORLD CUP BRAZIL 2014

Africa representatives: Ivory Coast wins, Nigeria draws, others loseBy Hakeem Babalola

Out of the five African representatives in the ongoing world cup in Brazil, only Ivory Coast won its first group match against Japan.

IMPORT & BUSINESS

Nigeria: Cost of clearing goods at ports up by 200%
By Godfrey Bivbere

Clearing agents operating in the nation's seaports have cried out over alleged re-introduction of the controversial benchmark for all imported consignments, saying that the introduction has hiked cost of clearing goods by 200 per cent. Customs has however claimed that the new scheme was brought back to enable the Service meet its revenue target.

WORLD CUP 2014 BRAZIL

African News Hungary wishes the African teams representing the continent in Brazil a very good successful outing...FROM JUNE 12 TO JULY 13

Algeria, Cameroun, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria
Everything you need to know about Brazil World Cup click here

DIPLOMACY & BUSINESS

51^st African Union celebration: Hungary extends hands to Africa 

The 51^st African Union was celebrated at the Hungarian Museum of agriculture in the Varos Liget Park on Thursday May 29. Attended by the African ambassadors in Hungary and accredited honorary consuls, the event marks another year of Africa-Hungary partnership. See photos after the cut

EDITORIAL

Nigeria, corruption & Mugabe's assault

Robert Mugabe

WHEN the Zimbabwean nonagenarian President Robert Mugabe took a swipe at Nigeria, describing the country as corrupt and one whose public affairs were governed by sleaze, the angry reaction of many was not unexpected. 

NEWS

Nigeria's president orders full scale offensive on Boko Haram
By Tim Cocks

ABUJA (Reuters) - Nigeria's president said on Thursday he had ordered "a full-scale operation" against Boko Haram Islamist militants and sought to reassure the parents of 219 schoolgirls being held by the group that their children would be freed.

NEWS & REPORTS

Boko Haram: Ghana’s President  tasks army to be at alert

 Ghanaian President John D. Mahama has charged the country’s Armed Forces to ‘be on the alert’ for asymmetrical terrorist attacks from Islamist militants, including the Boko Haram. 

WORLD NEWS

#Bring Back Our Girls campaign reaches Budapest

Another protest against the kidnapped school girls in Chibok, a town in the northern part of Nigeria, was staged in Budapest on Friday May 25. 

TRIBUTE ESSAY

20yrs after: Tribute to my father
By Suage Badey

 It is 20 years on May 21 2014, when death snatched my humble, good-humored and kindhearted father away from us – his wife, children and beloved ones. I’m still bemused to figure-out the circumstance that led to his inappropriate death.