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7 things to know about Kisarazu, Japan’s newly designated ‘Hometown for Nigerians’

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Nigeria and Japan have opened a new chapter in their relations after the Japanese government designated Kisarazu City in Chiba Prefecture as the official hometown for Nigerians. The announcement was made during the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), alongside a special visa scheme to attract skilled workers, students, and professionals from Nigeria.

For those relocating—or simply curious about this coastal city—here are seven things to know about Kisarazu:

1. A City by the Bay, Just an Hour from Tokyo.

Kisarazu lies about 70 kilometres from Tokyo, connected by the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line, a striking 23.7 km bridge-and-tunnel route. This makes commuting to the capital fast and convenient, giving residents the balance of a quieter coastal city with easy access to Japan’s busiest metropolis.

2. Olympic Ties with Nigeria

The city already shares a sporting history with Nigeria. During the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Nigerian athletes camped and trained in Kisarazu. That cooperation is now a foundation for the deeper hometown partnership announced this week.

3. Strong Economy with Local and Global Reach.

Part of the Keiyō Industrial Zone, Kisarazu hosts industries in steel, chemicals, and electronics, while also retaining its traditional fishing and farming sectors. The Mitsui Outlet Park has turned the city into a retail hub. With Nigeria’s new exchange programme, Kisarazu hopes to rejuvenate its workforce and community.

4. Food, Festivals and Culture

The city is famous for clams harvested at Egawa Beach, alongside Japanese staples like ramen, udon, and street snacks such as takoyaki and taiyaki. Culturally, locals celebrate with the Yassai Mossai dance parade and the Kisarazu Minato Port Festival, while landmarks like Kōzō-ji Temple and the Nakanoshima Ohashi pedestrian bridge highlight its heritage and scenery.

5. Education and Healthcare Opportunities

Kisarazu offers diverse educational institutions, including Seiwa University, Kisarazu National College of Technology, and the bilingual Gyosei International School. Under Japan’s universal healthcare system, Nigerians relocating to the city will also have access to hospitals and clinics, including Kisarazu City Hospital.

6. Safe, Affordable and Family-Friendly

Like much of Japan, Kisarazu boasts low crime rates and a strong sense of community security. Living costs are lower than in central Tokyo, with more affordable rent, groceries, and transport. According to LivingCost.Org, the city’s median after-tax salary of $2,585 covers more than two months of expenses—making it attractive for families and young professionals.

7. A Bridge Between Nigeria and Japan

With its new “hometown” status and visa scheme, Kisarazu becomes a key hub for Nigeria–Japan cultural exchange. While Japanese is the main language, international communities, including Christian and Muslim groups, are present in nearby Chiba and Tokyo. For Nigerians, this offers both integration and the comfort of familiar spiritual communities.

From its scenic waterfronts to its industrial base and vibrant festivals, Kisarazu is not just a coastal city near Tokyo—it is now the symbolic home of Nigerians in Japan, strengthening ties between the two nations.

 

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Washington attack: US orders review of all Green Cards from 19 countries

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The United States government has announced a sweeping review of all Green Cards issued to citizens of 19 countries, following Wednesday’s attack on National Guard troops in Washington, D.C.
The Trump administration disclosed the move on Thursday after authorities identified the detained suspect as a 29-year-old Afghan national who had previously worked with American forces in Afghanistan.
According to AfghanEvac, an organisation involved in the resettlement of Afghans after the 2021 Taliban takeover, the suspect was granted asylum in April 2025, not permanent residency.
In a statement on X, the Director of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Joseph Edlow, said, “I have directed a full-scale, rigorous re-examination of every Green Card for every alien from every country of concern.”
The order had earlier banned nearly all nationals from 12 of those countries, including Afghanistan, from entering the United States.
Here is a full list of countries under the travel ban:
Countries with Full Travel Ban (12)
1. Afghanistan
2. Myanmar
3. Chad
4. Congo-Brazzaville
5. Equatorial Guinea
6. Eritrea
7. Haiti
8. Iran
9. Libya
10. Somalia
11. Sudan
12. Yemen

Countries with Partial Ban (7)
1. Burundi
2. Cuba
3. Laos
4. Sierra Leone
5. Togo
6. Turkmenistan
7. Venezuela

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EFCC summons ex-AGF Malami

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has invited former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, for questioning.
Malami served as Attorney-General and Minister of Justice from 2015 to 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Malami announced the development on his Facebook page on Friday, confirming that he had received a formal invitation from the anti-graft agency.
“I would like to inform my family and friends that I have been summoned by the EFCC to provide clarification on certain matters, and as a law-abiding and patriotic citizen, I am determined to honour this invitation without any hesitation,” he wrote.
The former minister reiterated his commitment to the principles of honesty, integrity, and accountability, which he said guided his years in public service.
“I believe in the importance of honesty, integrity, and accountability in governance; these are principles that I have long supported and upheld over the years of my public service,” he added.
Malami also stated that he would keep Nigerians informed of any developments that may arise from the invitation.

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NDHS: Nigerian regions show huge disparity in spousal earnings

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• South South most equal

By Grace Edet

New data from the 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) has revealed major regional disparities in spousal earnings, showing that most Nigerian wives aged 15–49 earn less than their husbands, despite growing pockets of income equality across the country.
According to figures shared by Statisense on Tuesday, the trend is most pronounced in the North-West, where 941 in 1,000 wives earn less than their husbands, while only 29 in 1,000 earn more. The region also recorded the lowest rate of non-earning husbands, with just 7 in 1,000 women reporting partners with no income.
In contrast, the South South posted the strongest levels of income parity. The region recorded 113 in 1,000 wives earning the same as their husbands, the highest nationwide. It also had the largest share of women earning more than their spouses at 61 in 1,000.
The North East also showed notable shifts. While 30 in 1,000 wives out-earn their husbands, one of the highest shares in the country, the region still reported that 888 in 1,000 women earn less, reflecting wide inequality despite emerging improvements.
The North Central displayed more balanced figures, with 46 in 1,000 women earning more, and 65 in 1,000 earning equally, though 848 in 1,000 wives still fall below their husbands’ income levels.
In the South East, income gaps remain significant but show signs of narrowing. The data shows 57 in 1,000 wives earn more, 82 in 1,000 earn equally, while 775 in 1,000 still earn less than their husbands.
For the South West, 45 in 1,000 wives earn more, and 75 in 1,000 earn the same, but 824 in 1,000 wives still earn below their husbands’ earnings. Only 11 in 1,000 husbands reported having no income.
The NDHS 2024 findings highlight a consistent national pattern: while traditional income structures remain strong, especially in northern regions, the southern zones, particularly the South South, are showing faster shifts toward income equality within households.
Experts say the trend reflects broader economic realities, including rising female participation in formal work, regional differences in literacy levels, and contrasting socio-cultural expectations about household roles.
The full survey continues to shape policy discussions on women’s economic empowerment, labour participation, and regional development priorities.

 

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