News
3 Countries That Pay Single People To Get Married

In some countries, governments are stepping in to combat low birth rates and population decline by offering financial incentives for marriage and starting families.
From cash bonuses to housing grants, these initiatives are designed to encourage couples to tie the knot and settle down. Here are three countries—Singapore, Italy, and Japan—that will pay you to stop being single and start a family.
Singapore
Singapore encourages family growth by offering financial incentives through its “Marriage and Parenthood Package.” This includes a cash gift, known as the “Baby Bonus,” which is given to help couples with the costs of raising children. The bonus is paid in stages, starting with the birth of the first child. Additional benefits, like housing grants, are also provided to support marriage and family development.
READ ALSO: Thousands In France Protest ‘Rape Culture’
Italy
In Italy, declining birth rates in rural areas have prompted some local governments to offer financial grants to couples who marry and settle in small towns. These incentives aim to revive communities by attracting young couples who can contribute to the local economy. The funds can be used for housing or business ventures, making it an appealing option for couples starting a new life.
Japan
Japan, facing a rapidly ageing population and declining birth rate, offers financial incentives in certain areas to encourage marriage and childbirth. Some municipalities provide newlyweds with lump sum payments or subsidies to cover wedding costs and support their new life. These measures are part of broader efforts to promote marriage and sustain the country’s population.
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News
Navy Opens Recruitment For Basic Training School Batch 38
The Nigerian Navy has opened applications for its Basic Training School (BTS) Batch 38 recruitment exercise, scheduled to run from October 2 to October 31, 2025.
According to an official statement, the recruitment process is free, and interested applicants must submit their applications online at https://www.joinnigeriannavy.navy.mil.ng/https://www.joinnigeriannavy.navy.mil.ng.
Successful candidates will undergo basic military training before being officially enlisted as Ordinary Seamen.
The Navy stressed that eligibility is restricted to Nigerian citizens by birth with a valid National Identification Number (NIN). Applicants must have no criminal record and must not be affiliated with secret societies, cults, or fraternities.
READ ALSO:NUC Begins Nationwide Recruitment, Opens Application Portal
Educational and age requirements were clearly outlined. Candidates applying with O’level results must be between 18 and 22 years old as of December 31, 2025.
Those with OND/NCE qualifications must be aged 18 to 26, while Chaplain/Imam Assistants and Drivers/Mechanics must fall within the 18 to 28 age bracket.
In all cases, applicants are required to have at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, obtained in not more than two sittings in WAEC, NECO, GCE, or NABTEB, with certificates not older than 2015.
The Navy added that special professions, such as Medical Assistants and Nurses, require proof of registration with relevant professional bodies.
READ ALSO:Air Peace Announces Recruitment For 1,000 Fresh Graduates [SEE How To APPLY]
Applicants for technical trades including tailoring, plumbing, carpentry, welding, and electrical works must present valid Trade Test certificates in addition to academic qualifications.
Similarly, candidates applying as sportsmen and women are expected to provide certificates and medals as evidence of their sporting achievements.
The recruitment examination is scheduled for November 29, 2025, at designated centers nationwide.
READ ALSO:UK Bars Over 100 Job Roles From Foreign Recruitment To Curb Migration
Candidates are required to bring their Attestation Form, duly signed with a passport photograph of the signer, along with valid identification such as a Driver’s License, International Passport, or National ID Card.
Applicants have been cautioned against multiple applications, which will lead to disqualification.
The Navy further advised candidates to seek clarification only through official communication channels provided on the recruitment portal.
News
BREAKING: Gov Fubara Dissolves Rivers Pension Board
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has dissolved the State Pensions Board with immediate effect.
Rivers State Head of Service Mrs Inyingi Brown made this announcement on Friday in Port Harcourt.
READ ALSO:Why I Visited Tinubu —Gov Fubara
According to the governor, the office of the State Accountant General will handle the functions of the board until a new one is constituted.
News
FAAN Launches Cashless Payment System Across Airports
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has launched the cashless system of payment across all airports.
“FAAN in partnership with Paystack, is proud to announce the roll out of OPERATION GO CASHLESS, a cashless contactless payment solution across all airports beginning with Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja,” the agency said in a communique on Thursday.
Effective September 29, 2025, all payments at FAAN’s revenue points, including airport Access Gates, Car Parks, FAAN VIP and Protocol Lounges will go cashless which means the agency will be phasing out the collection of cash at these points.
FAAN added that travelers and airport users will now enjoy fast and seamless services by using a secure contactless payment option.
READ ALSO:Account For Airport Toll Gate Revenue Since 2015, Court Orders FAAN
This initiative, it stated, is a response to the growing demand for safe, modern, and transparent payment systems while ensuring Nigeria’s airports remain aligned with global digital trends.
By reducing reliance on cash, FAAN said it aims to enhance efficiency, improve revenue assurance, and deliver a better customer experience at our airports.
To ease the transition, trained brand ambassadors have been deployed at access gates and around the terminals to guide users, assist with onboarding, provide demonstrations, and answer questions they may have.
READ ALSO:FAAN Clears Air On Plane Seen On Lagos Road
In addition, passengers have been directed to obtain a FAAN Go Cashless Card at any airport access gate in Lagos and Abuja.
After collection, users are encouraged to activate and fund their cards immediately by visiting www.gocashless. faan.gov.ng.
FAAN added that it remains committed to continuous improvement and will expand this cashless policy to other airports nationwide in phases.
For inquiries, airport users have also been advised to contact FAAN’s support line at 0700 CBS FAAN (0700 227 3226) or email the agency at gocashlesssupport@faan.gov.ng.
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