Recall of Nigerian envoy further strains SA-Nigeria relations

Relations between South Africa and Nigeria have further been strained after the latter recalled its diplomatic envoy in protest against the latest wave of xenophobia violence in parts of South Africa.
On Saturday, Nigeria recalled its acting high commissioner to South Africa for consultations on Pretoria's handling of xenophobia attacks on immigrants.

South Africa reacted strongly to the Nigerian move.
"If this action is based on the incidents of attacks on foreign nationals in some parts of our country, it would be curious for a sisterly country to want to exploit such a painful episode for whatever agenda," said Department of International Relations and Cooperation spokesperson Clayson Monyela.

Nigeria: Airline Operators Decry Cost of Maintaining Planes Abroad

DUE to the absence of certified maintenance facilities for aircraft checks in the country, the airline operators may have been spending huge amount of money to fly their aircraft outside Nigeria for maintenance. Indeed, many carriers are lamenting over the issue.

It has been revealed that comprehensive (C) Check on B737 classic maintenance in Europe, the United States or in Cairo, Egypt; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, costs an airline $1m.
According to report, some aircraft maintenance engineers claimed that lack of Maintenance Repair Overhaul (MRO) facilities in the country, had cost the operators and the government over $170bn since the essence of a hangar project was highlighted over two decades ago. It also revealed that, as such maintenance is done in foreign exchange, it makes things more difficult for the airlines in Nigeria.

Four Nigerians face firing squad in Indonesia for drug offences

As the government of Indonesia concludes arrangements for the execution of several foreign drug convicts today, four Nigerians are on its death row.
They are: Martin Anderson, Silvester Obiekwe Nwolise, Jamiu Owolabi Abashin and Okwudili Oyatanze.

10 Africa’s Most Famous Destinations.........

Africa is undeniably rich in culture and history.  The continent has many diverse attractions that appeal to people from all over the world. Every day, thousands of people visit these destinations, they come to discover and experience nature and African adventure, historical places and wildlife, and a variety of exciting things to do.
If you are planning to visit a perfect place for a relaxed vacation, here are 10 Africa’s most famous destinations to visit that will turn your vacation into an expedition for the whole lifetime. Travelstarters crafted this list and we think these destinations should be in your bucket list.

1. South Africa

South Africa is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Africa. The country is pulsating with stunning attractions, wildlife and cultural mix of aboriginal charm and unconventional architecture. Steeped in history, South Africa dazzles visitors with an experience of its olden times and way of life. The country is amazingly beautiful and it rejuvenates and inspires every traveller. There is always something about this destination to indulge all your senses.

WIN a trip to Mauritius including pamper vouchers!

WIN a trip to Mauritius including pamper vouchers!

How living near an airport could shorten your life

Studies reveal link between areas with high noise pollution and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke among residents

Anyone who has ever lived under a flight path will tell you that the constant din of jet engines is more than enough to raise your blood pressure.

But now researchers are warning for the first time that there may be a real health risk associated with aircraft noise. Two studies, published today in the British Medical Journal, found evidence that people living in areas with high levels of noise pollution from passing aeroplanes had a higher risk of heart disease and stroke.
The first study compared Civil Aviation Authority data on aircraft sound levels with hospital admissions and mortality rates for 3.6 million people living near Heathrow Airport, in areas where aircraft noise exceeded 50 decibels – the level of normal conversation in a quiet room.

UK to overhaul Visitor visa routes from April

The UK government is set to reduce the number of visitor visa routes from 15 to 4.

The authority are of the opinion that the overhaul will make the system easier to understand, and will affect all those visiting the UK from April, whether for business or leisure.

The new range of visitor visas they claimed carry greater flexibility for the people using them and will be accompanied by redesigned user-friendly guidance to make the process of visiting Britain simpler than ever.

The changes will affect all those wishing to visit the UK from April 2015– from business and tourism visitors to sportspeople and entertainers.

Home secretary Theresa May said “These further reforms to the immigration system are part of our work to demonstrate to the rest of the world that Britain remains open for business and that visitors are always welcome in the UK, whether they come for leisure or work”.

Lufthansa develops new inflight dishwasher

Lufthansa Technik has developed a dishwasher that allows cabin crew to wash dishes inflight.

The new ‘Dishwashair’ gives airlines the option of washing small amounts of dishes mid-flight and reusing them, rather than stockpiling dirty dishes and cutlery.

Lufthansa Technik said the unit can complete a wash in just six minutes with three litres of water.

The Dishwashair can be installed and connected in standard aircraft galleys, and baskets that fit in any standardised galley can be used for placement of dishes and silverware. And, the machine can easily be attached to the available on board connections for fresh and waste water or vacuum systems.

A single fill-up of the two required cleaning agents is enough for up to 40 wash cycles. The unit, which features “complex safety mechanisms”, is now in series production and can wash a load of dishes in only.

Xenophobic attacks: Nigerians in South Africa cry out

Following recent reports of attacks on non-indigenes residing in South Africa, especially Nigerians, the Nigerian Youths Congress (NYC) has called on the South African authorities to immediately halt the ongoing xenophobic attacks in their territories or have their nationals in Nigeria subjected to similar treatment.

The warning by NYC is in response to disheartening videos making the rounds which showed South African locals attacking and burning foreigners (Nigerians inclusive) alive, and in some instances, looting their shops.

10 Africa’s Most Famous Destinations

10 Things Nigerians Are Doing Better Than Other Africans

Nigeria, “the giant of Africa” may be far from perfect but there are certain things we do much better than other Africans. Even though, these are facts, the reality on the ground is that Nigeria is way ahead of some African countries. With our pulsating entertainment scene and the economy growth – (Nigeria has the largest economy in Africa), we can make a case for ‘African exceptionalism”. Although, Nigeria is confronting some major challenges, we are still standing out in Africa. There is something special about Nigerians that you can hardly miss; it is just difficult to ignore us because we are full of life and drama at the same time.
Below are 10 things Nigerians are doing better than other Africans:

1. Business development

The City of Lagos: Then and Now

Lagos, the former colonial capital of Nigeria, is steeped in history and it’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Lagos was declared the British Colony and capital of Nigeria in 1914 and since then the city has maintained its status as the centre of civilization in Nigeria, even after Abuja was made the Federal Capital Territory.
After combing through some Nigerians’ archives and compilations from history lovers, we decided to bring you a historical tour of Lagos city. We present old-meets-new photos of Lagos scenes, which show the changing face of the city since the days of our fore-fathers till now. Check out – the city of Lagos: then and now – through photos:

 Broad Street, Lagos

Broad Street is situated in Lagos Island and it’s one of the major streets in the area. In those days, Broad Street was just another locality where local families live; but these days, Broad Street is known to be the commercial centre in Lagos CBD. The street is home to major financial companies’ headquarters. READMORE AFTER THE CUT........

Schengen Visa Information For Nigerians

The Schengen area is constituted by 26 European nations with similar interest and have all come to terms as well as agreed to abolish passport or visa requirements to enter into the common area or any other form of border control within the area. Basically, Schengen is a concept of free movements which entails free entry and exit of any country within the member states.

Thus, if you are travelling from one Schengen country to another, you do not require any visa, immigration controls or any other requirements that was previously mandatory to enter into these countries. READMORE AFTER THE CUT.....

Links and Tours Ltd: Travel & Tourism Consultant

WE ARE A TRAVELS AND TOURISM AND COURIER CONSULTING COMPANY BASED IN LAGOS, NIGERIA.WE ORGANIZE TOUR PACKAGES, ASSIST PASSENGERS IN THE RESERVATION OF TICKETS AND HOTEL ACCOMMODATION AND ASSIST BOTH CORPORATE AND PRIVATE CLIENTS IN DELIVERING PARCELS AND DOCUMENTS.

Our Services

-Reservations and ticketing
-Guided tours
-Airport transit visas
-Entry visa advisory
–Pickup and drop off at airport
-Car hire services
-Hotel accommodation
-Corporate /group/school Excursions
-Travel and Medical Insurance

ADDRESS

• Block A2-9, Suite 286, Sura Shopping Complex, Lagos
• 0818 560 1593
• 0803 470 8980

EMAIL: info@linksandtours.net & bookings@linksandtours.net

Dangote Group and six others to begin Gold and Iron Ore mining in Nigeria

The Director-General of the Office, Mr. Mohammed Amate, who spoke interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, listed the companies as Kogi Mines, an Australian Mining Company based in Kogi, which had concluded its four-year exploration exploration programmes and would commence the mining of iron ore in Agbaja in the state this year.  The company had also delineated more than 500 million tonnes of iron ore. Segilola Nig. Ltd would also begin the mining of gold in Iperindo area of the IIesha Schist belt of Osun State. Amate said that so far, the companies had carried out the same exercise and delineated more than one million ounces of gold in the area.

Mines Geotechniques Nig. Ltd and Northern Numero Resources Ltd, both Australian companies, would begin the mining of gold this year in Kebbi. Dangote Group was also to conclude its coal exploration in 2015 and to immediately commence mining of coal in Kogi and Benue States. 

New language test for UK visa applicants

The UK has approved a new language testing for visa applicants, who may be required to prove the level of their proficiency in English speaking and listening skills.

What are the changes?

If you are planning to visit or stay in the UK, there is an IELTS test for you. In addition to the IELTS General Training and IELTS Academic tests, which you may already know of, a new type of test called IELTS Life Skills will now be introduced.

The IELTS Life Skills test will only be available for candidates who require lower levels of English language test. This will test speaking and listening skills only.

According to the Communications Manager, British Council, Mr. Desmond Omovie, “The new arrangement would enable UK visa applicants to prove their English speaking and listening skills at level A1 or B1 within the Common European Framework of Reference, CEFR”.

The tests would be offered throughout the year in more than 100 authorised locations around the world, including Nigeria.

The change in the UK government policy will be effective from 6 April 2015.

Vietnam to ease work permit requirements for foreigners

Vietnam’s officials have pledged to simplify administrative procedures involving foreign workers in the country, including relaxing work permit and visa requirements for them.

Duong Manh Hung, director of the Foreign Labor Department under the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs, said the government has instructed his agency to draft proposals on requirements for foreign professional workers.

“It has been too strict when we require foreigners to have at least a bachelor degree and five years of experience in their field to be able to work in Vietnam,” he told a conference in Ho Chi Minh City on Thursday.

Hung said amendments to Decree 102 on foreign labor in Vietnam are expected to be approved and enforced in the third quarter this year.

“We are also considering two proposals especially for workers from Southeast Asia, either removing work permit requirements or keeping them to the minimum,” he said.

2015: The first round the world solar flight

It is also the first solar-powered plane with the ability to fly for several days and nights and land in 12 destinations along its roughly 35,000 kilometre (22,000 mile) trip  including a five-day stretch above the Pacific Ocean without a drop of fuel. Si2, whose makers claim it is the most energy efficient aircraft ever built, has a wider wingspan than a Boeing 747 but, thanks to its innovative design, weighs about as much as a family 4x4. The plane will be taking a round the world flight. Its route, which was unveiled in Abu Dhabi, begins in the United Arab Emirate and includes stops in Oman, India, China, Hawaii and New York. It will take around 25 days of total flying time. Although groundbreaking in its distance, the trip will not be undertaken at a lightning pace. 

Emirates Airlines staff in Lagos accused of stealing $1.6 million

LAGOS, Nigeria - Emirates Airlines and four members of its staff in Nigeria are at the Federal High Court in Lagos accused of the theft of $1.6 million belonging to a Lagos businessman, Prince Chu Ikem Orji.

Abayomi Adekanbi Abiola, Isiaka Adegoke Adedeji, Awonubi Abayomi and George Ikpekhia, were arraigned alongside the airline, Pathfinders International Ltd and Nigeria Aviation Handling Company Limited on 11 counts charge of stealing, fraud, obtaining money under false pretences, willful destruction of evidence, and failure to report an international transfer of funds.

South Africa, Kenya, Gambia Jostle for Nigerian Tourists

AS contribution of tourism sector to GDP is becoming more visible and assured, many countries are exploring new markets to bring in revenues from the sector. According to UNWTO, tourism has become one of the largest and fastest-growing economic sectors in the world with arrival growth in Sub-saharan Africa estimated at 5 percent.

Graphic photo: Influential area boy in Oshodi murdered...

An influential thug in Oshodi popularly called Baba Esi was allegedly murdered yesterday morning April 9th. He was reportedly a foot soldier used for PDP Campaigns during the presidential elections. However, after the loss of PDP, he decamped to APC and his goons felt betrayed and came for him. At least that's the story they're telling on social media. See the tweets and graphic pic after the cut.. Info source Linda Ikeji Blog