Headline
Slain Lagos Lawyer Was Pregnant, Designer, Toyin Lawani Mourns
Published
3 years agoon
By
Editor
Celebrity designer, Toyin Lawani, has revealed that the lawyer, Bolanle Raheem, who was killed by a police officer attached to the Ajiwe Police Station in the Ajah area of Lagos State on Christmas Day, was pregnant.
Sharing a video via her Instagram account on Monday, Lawani revealed her relationship with the deceased, their last chat, and more.
She said, “Look, I cried myself to sleep but it is not a joke, Bolanle is gone. She still chatted with me last week. She is very peaceful, her husband always ready to go… they don’t have ‘wahala’ and I heard this morning that she was shot by the police at Ajah. She went to buy pizza for Christmas, for her daughter, she was shot in front of her daughter. The police asked them to park and there was a car in front of them, they were about to park not like they were moving or anything and they shot her in the chest. She died on the spot.
READ ALSO: Bolanle Raheem: Sanwo-Olu Fumes, Vows Speedy Justice
“She is pregnant. Nigeria police, when are you people going to stop giving these drunkards uniforms. These people on the road, they will be disturbing everybody’s peace for no reason, trying to extort money from people. Christmas Day, Bolanle! Haaa! Oh my God! We must all make sure that we support her, make sure whoever did this to her pays for his crime.”
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Headline
Relief For Applicants As Germany Eases Visa Process, Opens Visa Centres In Nigeria, Others
Published
47 minutes agoon
August 6, 2025By
Editor
Germany has expanded its Schengen visa services by launching four new application centres in Africa and the Middle East, including two in Nigeria.
The centres, located in Abuja, Lagos (Nigeria), Yaoundé (Cameroon), and Nicosia (Cyprus), are part of a new seven-year partnership between Germany’s Federal Foreign Office and VFS Global, the international visa processing firm.
Until now, Nigerians applying for German Schengen visas had to go through the German Embassy in Abuja or the Consulate General in Lagos, where limited capacity and high demand often caused delays and long appointment wait times.
READ ALSO:Immigration Issues Travel Advisory To Nigerians On US Visas
The new visa centres are expected to significantly ease the process, cut down on waiting periods, and improve overall access for applicants.
Germany continues to be a major destination for Africans and Middle Easterners pursuing education, healthcare, tourism, and job opportunities.
Meanwhile, VFS Global has issued a warning to the public about fake websites and individuals offering fraudulent visa appointments for a fee.
Recent figures indicate Nigeria had a 45.9% Schengen visa rejection rate in 2024—the third-highest globally after Bangladesh.
Headline
Top 10 Countries With Declining Population
Published
51 minutes agoon
August 6, 2025By
Editor
Saint Martin, a French overseas collectivity in the Caribbean, is facing one of the fastest population declines in the world, with its population estimated at around 25, 000 as of early 2025 a sharp drop of about 4.5% annually. The decline, which began after Hurricane Irma devastated the island in 2017, is driven
In 2025, while many countries are battling overcrowding, a growing number of countries are quietly shrinking in terms of population.
Driven by low fertility rates, aging populations, and high emigration, the population decline in countries like Saint Martin, Cook Islands, and Marshall Islands is raising alarm bells.
This report explores the top 10 countries facing rapid depopulation and what it means for their future stability.
Saint Martin
Saint Martin, a French overseas collectivity in the Caribbean, is facing one of the fastest population declines in the world, with its population estimated at around 25, 000 as of early 2025 a sharp drop of about 4.5% annually. The decline, which began after Hurricane Irma devastated the island in 2017, is driven mainly by negative net migration, as more than 1,200 people mostly young adults leave each year in search of better opportunities. At the same time, birth rates are falling, the median age has risen to 42, and fewer young families are staying to contribute to the economy. This demographic shift is already affecting the island’s workforce, economy, and public services, with vacant homes and underused facilities signaling deeper challenges ahead. Without urgent measures to attract investment, create jobs, and retain residents, Saint Martin risks long-term social and economic instability.
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Cook Islands
The Cook Islands, a small Pacific island nation and New Zealand territory, is experiencing one of the fastest population declines in the world, with its population dropping to around 17,000 as of 2025. This sharp decrease is largely due to high emigration rates, as citizens—especially young people—leave for better job opportunities, education, and healthcare in New Zealand and Australia, where they hold full citizenship. The situation is worsened by low birth rates, an aging population, and the depopulation of many outer islands, with most residents relocating to the capital, Rarotonga, or moving abroad entirely. The government has responded by trying to attract returnees, improve infrastructure, and strengthen the economy through tourism and investment, but these efforts struggle to compete with the advantages offered overseas. As a result, the Cook Islands now faces serious challenges related to workforce shortages, cultural preservation, and long-term sustainability.
Marshall Islands
The Marshall Islands, a small Pacific island nation, is facing a significant population decline in 2025, with its population dropping to around 41,500 from over 53,000 in previous decades, placing it among the top 10 countries with shrinking populations. This decline is largely due to mass migration to the United States under the Compact of Free Association (COFA), as citizens seek better opportunities, healthcare, and education in states like Arkansas and Hawaii. Economic hardship, limited infrastructure, and worsening climate conditions such as rising sea levels, frequent flooding, and freshwater scarcity are key drivers of this exodus. As more young and skilled individuals leave, the country is dealing with labor shortages, brain drain, and growing dependency on international aid. Without urgent action to improve living conditions and address climate threats, the population is expected to continue declining, posing serious risks to the nation’s long-term survival.
Greece
Greece is experiencing a sharp population decline, with numbers falling to 10.1 million in 2025 from over 11 million, driven by low birth rates, an aging population, and youth emigration following the 2009 financial crisis. The country now faces more deaths than births each year, while many rural areas are becoming depopulated. Despite government efforts like family incentives and returnee campaigns, the impact has been limited. Experts warn that if the trend continues, Greece’s population could fall below 9 million by 2050, threatening its workforce, economy, and long-term stability.
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Northern Mariana Islands
The Northern Mariana Islands, a U.S. commonwealth in the Pacific, is among the top 10 countries with declining populations. As of 2025, its population is estimated at around 47,000, a significant decrease driven by outmigration, low birth rates, and economic challenges. Many residents have left the islands in search of better job opportunities in the mainland United States, especially after the decline of the garment industry and the devastation caused by typhoons in recent years. The shrinking population has raised concerns about labor shortages, economic sustainability, and the future of public services in the territory.
Tuvalu
Tuvalu, a small island nation in the Pacific Ocean, is facing a steady population decline, placing it among the top 10 countries with shrinking populations. With an estimated population of just over 11,000 in 2025, the country has seen increasing emigration due to limited economic opportunities, rising sea levels, and concerns over climate change. Many Tuvaluans are relocating to countries like New Zealand and Australia under special migration programs, seeking better living conditions and job prospects. The declining population poses serious challenges for Tuvalu’s local economy, cultural preservation, and long-term national viability as climate threats continue to loom.
American Samoa
American Samoa, an unincorporated territory of the United States in the South Pacific, ranks among the top 10 countries with declining populations. As of 2025, its population is estimated at around 45,000, continuing a downward trend driven by high emigration rates, especially among youth seeking education, employment, and better healthcare in the U.S. mainland. The territory also struggles with low birth rates and limited economic growth, leading many families to leave in search of improved opportunities. This ongoing population decline raises concerns about workforce shortages, reduced economic activity, and challenges in maintaining public infrastructure and cultural traditions.
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Moldova
Moldova, a landlocked country in Eastern Europe, is one of the top 10 nations with the fastest-declining populations. As of 2025, its population has dropped to around 2.4 million, significantly lower than in past decades. This sharp decline is largely due to mass emigration, as millions of Moldovans have left for better economic opportunities in countries like Romania, Italy, and Germany. Combined with a low birth rate and an aging population, the country faces a demographic crisis that threatens its labor force, economic growth, and social services. Moldova’s shrinking population is a major concern for its future development and national stability
The Czech Republic, despite its strong economy and central location in Europe, is experiencing a gradual population decline, placing it among the top 10 countries facing this trend. As of 2025, the population is estimated at around 10.5 million, with projections showing a steady decrease in the coming years. This decline is primarily driven by a persistently low birth rate and an aging population, as younger generations delay starting families or have fewer children. Although immigration has helped offset losses in the past, it is no longer sufficient to maintain long-term population growth. The demographic shift poses challenges for the country’s pension system, healthcare services, and labor market sustainability.
Estonia
Estonia, a Baltic nation in Northern Europe, ranks among the top 10 countries with a declining population. As of 2025, its population is estimated at around 1.3 million, a result of low birth rates, an aging population, and years of emigration, especially following its independence from the Soviet Union. While recent efforts to attract skilled immigrants and support families have seen some success, the overall trend remains downward. The shrinking population raises concerns about future labor shortages, rural depopulation, and strain on the welfare and healthcare systems. Estonia’s government continues to explore policy solutions to reverse or slow this demographic decline.
Headline
The Walking Dead’ Actress Kelley Mack Is Dead
Published
60 minutes agoon
August 6, 2025By
Editor
American actress, Kelley Mack, known for her roles in The Walking Dead and Chicago Med, is dead.
The 33-year-old Mack, born Kelley Klebenow, passed away on Saturday in her hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio.
Her death was confirmed in a statement posted on her official Instagram page, #itskelleymack, on Wednesday.
“It is with indelible sadness that we are announcing the passing of our dear Kelley.
“Such a bright, fervent light has transitioned to the beyond, where we all eventually must go.
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“Kelley passed peacefully on Saturday evening with her loving mother Kristen and steadfast aunt Karen present.
“Kelley has already come to many of her loved ones in the form of various butterflies.
“She will be missed by so many to depths that words cannot express.
“Kelley’s Caringbridge link in her bio includes the 2-page formal announcement with information on her upcoming life celebration in Ohio on August 16th.
“She would want you all to know how much she loves you.
READ ALSO:10 Top-earning Dead Celebrities Of 2025
“And as her sister, I want you all to know how brave that tough SOB was, especially when she decided to make the leap to be reunited with God. I’m so fucking proud of her,” the statement read.
Mack’s acting career began at a young age and flourished with appearances in high-profile television shows and commercials.
She gained recognition for her role as Addy in AMC’s The Walking Dead and later played Penelope Jacobs in NBC’s Chicago Med.
In addition to her on-screen performances, she also built a strong presence in voice-over work and featured in campaigns for major commercial brands.
READ ALSO:First Female Lawyer In Mid-West Region Is Dead
In January 2025, Mack disclosed in an Instagram post that she had been diagnosed with diffuse midline glioma, “an extremely rare type of astrocytoma cancer,” after suffering from persistent back pain and leg issues.
“Due to the biopsy surgery on my spinal cord, I have lost the use of my right leg and most of my left leg, so I now get around with a walker and a wheelchair,” she wrote at the time.
A memorial service in her honour will be held on August 16 at the Glendale Lyceum in Glendale, Ohio.
A separate celebration of life is also planned in Los Angeles to pay tribute to her impact on the entertainment industry.
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