Viral Gists
Meet Two American Tourists Who Spent 36 Years In Nigeria With 10- Day Transit Visa
Two American tourists, Liza Gatsby and Peter Jenkins, shared their remarkable story of how they ended up spending over 36 years in Nigeria, far beyond their initial 10-day transit visas granted in 1988.
In a recent interview with content creator David Nkwa, the tourists revealed that their extended stay in Nigeria was not part of their original plan.
They were captivated by the country’s unique opportunities in scientific research, particularly in wildlife conservation, as well as the impressive infrastructure, warm hospitality of the Nigerian people, and the favorable living conditions that surpassed those in America at the time.
“I’ll tell you what I like about Nigerians. Okay, that’s what makes Nigeria different from every other country in Africa. They would say ‘hey! Oyinbo, come in na, sit down, make we talk. Make I go buy you drink.’ That is the difference between Nigeria and the rest of Africa.
READ ALSO: 46-Year-Old Woman Who Threatened To Po!son Yoruba, Igbo On TikTok Finally Arrested By Canadian Police
“There were a lot of interesting opportunities in areas of Science and Wildlife Conservation that we became involved in, and we’re still here 36 years later. We arrived with a 10-day transit visa, and we have been here for 36 years.
“We founded a nonprofit organisation called Pandas that ranches monkey drills in Bano and Calabar in Cross River State. I don’t think that one species is more important than another, just like I don’t think that human beings are more important than drills or elephants are more important than whales;I believe that all living beings possess equal value.
The drill is a rare and endangered species in Africa, and it is one of those animals that one might not expect to encounter during a trip across the continent. As I was traveling with my Wildlife Field Guide, I would often look at the pictures of the drill and think about how unlikely it was that I would ever see one in person.
When asked why they chose Calabar as their destination, Jenkins explained that they had conducted thorough research and discovered that, aside from Cameroon, Calabar was another location where monkey drills could be found.
They emphasized that no scientist or tourist had known about the presence of these animals in the area until 1987, when they consulted with the local community and secured funding to create a habitable environment for the conservation of these rare monkeys and other animals, including giraffes.
Jenkins added, “I love Nigeria, this is a great place. Come and live in Calabar and be at rest.When we got here, the population of Nigeria in the early ’90s and the late ’80s was around 65 million.
“The amount of natural resources that were still intact was extraordinary, and the density of wildlife generally in the forest was better compared to today. In fact, it’s appallingly low now, but in those days, this was a wonderful place to do research.
Communities were very welcoming in those days; life was cheap; here, diesel, which is what our Land Rover ran on, was 35 Kobo, and with 29 kobo to the market, you would come back with two heavy bags with change in the pocket.
“We were comfortable and found Nigeria habitable. It was the best value country on this continent by far. The food was cheap, the road was perfect. There was no gallop deeper than a bottle cap.”
Meanwhile, Gabsty respectfully highlighted the need to address the apparent lack of patriotism among many Nigerians. He expressed concern over the growing neglect of the country’s rich culture, heritage, identity, music, traditional herbs, and healing practices.
“Nigerians don’t have pride in Nigeria’s natural heritage. I think that’s a big issue because that’s what it takes to try to make a difference. People don’t take pride in their cultural identity, language, traditional herbs, and healing.
“There was this huge wealth of knowledge when we came here on traditional healing and herbs from the forest, and that was another thing that put value on the natural resources here, but which of these old herbalists have an apprentice who is learning from them and when these old guys are gone, all that knowledge is going to be lost?
JOIN THE CONVERSATION– → Telegram | X/Twitter | Facebook | WhatsApp|WhatsApp Channel|Mobile App|Instagram
“You go to the market now; we see herbal teas and herbal cures imported from China. How do we know that those things work? What’s wrong with our traditional ones here?” She queried.
Exercepted from Punchng
President Tinubu honoured 50 Nigerians on Democracy Day 2026, including Dasuki, Joe Igbokwe and Dele Alake. See the full list and what it means.
On 12 June 2026, President Bola Tinubu conferred national honours on 50 Nigerians described as key figures in the country’s pro-democracy struggle.
The announcement was made during the 2026 Democracy Day address, which commemorates the annulled 12 June 1993 presidential election. Honourees include journalists, civil rights activists, and military officers.
President Bola Tinubu conferred national honours on 50 prominent Nigerians on Friday, 12 June 2026. The honourees were recognised as central participants in the nation’s pro-democracy movement, a campaign that opposed military dictatorship throughout the 1990s.
The announcement formed part of the president’s nationwide 2026 Democracy Day address. Democracy Day marks the anniversary of the 12 June 1993 presidential election, a poll widely regarded as the freest in Nigerian history before its annulment by the military government of the period.
READ ALSO: Why I Refused To Align Any Political Party In Nigeria—Yakubu Gowon
This article outlines the context of the awards, identifies the categories of honourees, names notable recipients such as Sambo Dasuki, Joe Igbokwe, and Oladele Alake, and explains the next steps in the conferment process.
Why did Tinubu confer the national honours on 12 June 2026?
The conferment is tied directly to Democracy Day, an annual observance commemorating the 12 June 1993 presidential election. President Tinubu used the occasion to recognise individuals identified as central figures in Nigeria’s transition from military rule to civilian democracy.
In his address, the president stated that the honourees suffered persecution in the course of the pro-democracy struggle. He noted that many endured indignities, exile, incarceration, and, at times, solitary confinement so that Nigeria could enjoy democratic governance today.
The recognition therefore functions as both a historical acknowledgement and a formal state honour, linking the sacrifices of the 1990s to the present democratic order.
Who are the notable recipients of the national honours?
The honours list comprises several categories of recipients, including journalists, civil rights leaders, legal practitioners, and senior military officers. Among the most widely recognised names are the following:
- Oladele Alake, a long-standing public figure in Nigerian governance and media.
- Joe Igbokwe, a prominent political activist and commentator.
- Colonel Sambo Dasuki, a senior military officer included in the soldier-democrats category.
- Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, a recognised civil rights campaigner.
- Dr Arthur Nwankwo (posthumous), honoured for his role in the democratic struggle.
- Ben Charles-Obi (posthumous), recognised among the journalists and activists.
The inclusion of posthumous awards reflects the state’s intention to acknowledge contributors who did not survive to witness the present democratic dispensation.
What categories of honourees were recognised?
The honours list is organised into two broad groupings. The first comprises journalists, lawyers, academics, and civil rights leaders. The second comprises military officers designated as “soldier-democrats”.
Journalists, lawyers, and civil rights leaders
This grouping recognises individuals who advanced the pro-democracy cause through media, advocacy, and legal channels. Named recipients include:
- Barrister Ayoka Lawani
- Tunde Fagbenle
- Oladele Alake
- Olatunji Bello
- Louis Odion
- Segun Babatope
- Sam Omatseye
- Sir Ademola Osinubi
- Bola Bolawole
- Lade Bonuola
- Femi Kusa
- Debo Adeniran
- Chief Ayo Opadokun
- Chief Ralph Obiora
- Ose Osayande
- Barrister Osa Director
- Professor Sylvester Odion-Akhaine
- Dr Arthur Nwankwo (posthumous)
- Dr Osagie Obayuwana
- Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin
- Barrister Titus Mann
- Joe Igbokwe
- Richard Akinnola
- Ben Charles-Obi (posthumous)
- George Mbah
- Dr Niran Malaolu
- Major-General Ishola Williams (retired)
- Femi Aborisade
- Jenkins Alumona
- Gbemiga Ogunleye
- Muyiwa Adekeye
- Babajide Kolade-Otitoju
- Ike Okonta
Soldier-democrats
This grouping recognises military officers associated with resistance to military dictatorship. Named recipients include:
- Major-General M. A. Garba
- Brigadier-General Lawal Jaafaru Isa
- Colonel Umar Farouk Ahmed
- Colonel Sambo Dasuki
- Colonel Lawan Gwadabe
- Brigadier Jonathan Ndam Temlong
- Colonel Musa Shehu
- Major-General Chris Eze
- Major-General Harris Dzarma
- Colonel Isa Jibrin
- Major-General Joseph Oshanupin
- Colonel Olusegun Oloruntoba, Olugbede of Gbede Kingdom
- Lieutenant-Colonel Happy Kefas Bulus
- Colonel J. Okai
- Colonel Emmanuel Ndubueze
- Lieutenant-Colonel Yakubu Muazu
- Brigadier Yahaya Abubakar, the current Etsu Nupe and existing holder of the CFR title
When will the awards be formally presented?
The president stated that the formal presentation and conferment of the awards will be carried out in the coming days. According to the address, the full honours list will be released within the next few days.
The announcement therefore represents the declaration stage of the process rather than the formal investiture, which is scheduled to follow.
What does this conferment signify for Nigeria?
The 2026 Democracy Day honours connect the historical pro-democracy struggle to contemporary national recognition. By including journalists, activists, lawyers, and military officers, the awards acknowledge a broad spectrum of contributors to Nigeria’s civilian transition.
The presence of posthumous awards further underlines the state’s intention to honour participants across generations, including those who did not live to see the present democratic order.
Frequently asked questions
How many Nigerians received national honours on Democracy Day 2026?
President Bola Tinubu conferred national honours on 50 Nigerians during the 2026 Democracy Day address on 12 June 2026.
Why is 12 June significant in Nigeria?
12 June marks the anniversary of the 1993 presidential election, which was annulled by the military government of the time. The date is now observed as Nigeria’s Democracy Day.
Who are the most notable recipients of the 2026 national honours?
Notable recipients include Oladele Alake, Joe Igbokwe, Colonel Sambo Dasuki, and Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, alongside posthumous honourees such as Dr Arthur Nwankwo and Ben Charles-Obi.
Were any awards conferred posthumously?
Yes. Posthumous honours were conferred on Dr Arthur Nwankwo and Ben Charles-Obi in recognition of their contributions to the pro-democracy struggle.
When will the national honours be formally presented?
President Tinubu stated that the formal presentation and conferment will take place in the coming days, with the full honours list to be released shortly after the announcement.
A short-statured Ghanaian woman has sparked online debate after making contentious remarks regarding her romantic relationship preferences.
During a recent interview with De God Son TV, the diminutive lady expressed her aversion to dating guys of shorter height despite her diminutive Ghanaian woman. She remarked that short men do not match her “specifications” for relationships.
When questioned about her explanation, she stated that she sees shorter men as resembling infants, even though they are adults.
“I have a 7-year-old son, so dating a short man feels like dating my son,” she explained, finding parallels between her personal and romantic lives.
Watch the video below.
Once again, Nigerian singer Davido has made headlines for proving his status as a rich man with two luxury cars entering Nigeria: a Rolls-Royce and a Tesla Cybertruck.
The musician posted a picture of the trip on social media, his pure white Rolls Royce parked on the runway, ready for shipment.
Another photo depicted the Tesla Cybertruck being loaded into an aircraft to verify the truck’s arrival in Nigeria.
Cubana Chief Priest, another close associate and entrepreneur, also saluted the new cars with an Instagram image. He congratulated Davido on his feats, dubbed him the “GOAT,” and hinted at a festive December with new vehicles added to the singer’s collection.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION→ Telegram | X/Twitter | Facebook | WhatsApp|WhatsApp Channel|Mobile App|Instagram
Download Blood Sisters Season 2 (Complete)
Download Michael (2026)
President Tinubu Confers National Honours on 50 Pro-Democracy Figures
Download Wura Season 4 (Episode 25 Added)
Download Behind the Scenes (2025) – Nollywood Movie
Nigeria: Reps Push FG to Reverse Ban on Togo, Benin Republic Degrees
Samsung Galaxy S26 Update Removes Perplexity’s ‘Hey Plex’ Voice Command
Galaxy Buds 4 Introduce AI‑Enhanced HD Voice to Transform Call Quality
Caviar Unveils 24K Gold Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra For $11,490, Limited To Just 76 Buyers.
Orí: Rebirth (2025) – Nollywood-Yoruba-Movie
MC Oluomo Is No Longer A Valid NURTW Member; Tinubu Should Call Him To Order—Lekan Salami
Close President Putin’s Ally, Vladimir Egorov Plunges To Death From Third-Floor Window
”I Entrusted $9 Billion To Dauda Lawal, The Then FBN Executive Director. I Need To Seek Forgiveness From The Nigerian People And President Tinubu”-Diezani
”We Endorsed APC Muslim-Muslim Ticket In 2023, But Now We’re Suffering. What We Used To Buy N200 Now N2000”.- Supreme Council For Sharia Cries Out Over Hardship
”Sim Fubara Has Been Castrated, Now a Puppet Governor”-Nigerians Reacts Over Peace Deal With Predecessor, Nyesom Wike
Yahaya Bello Visited Our Office In A Convoy With The Sitting Governor- EFCC Revealed Why He Was Turned Back
Dele Momodu Pins Blame On President Tinubu Amidst the Protests
Reinstated Kano Emir Muhammadu Sanusi Gets Another Court Removal Verdict
Resurfaced 1995 Video Of Kamala Harris And Willie Brown Sparks Reactions
Our Economy Is Recovering Steadily And Gradually- President Tinubu Tells Traditional Rulers.
Watch This Blogger Home Is An Airy Inspiration
Hipster Yoga at the End of the World
Illinois’ financial crisis could bring the state to a halt
The final 6 ‘Game of Thrones’ episodes might feel like a full season
New Season 8 Walking Dead trailer flashes forward in time
Mod turns ‘Counter-Strike’ into a ‘Tekken’ clone with fighting chickens
Meet Superman’s grandfather in new trailer for Krypton
Disney’s live-action Aladdin finally finds its stars
Who are the early favorites to win the NFL rushing title?
The old and New Edition cast comes together to perform
-
News2 years ago
MC Oluomo Is No Longer A Valid NURTW Member; Tinubu Should Call Him To Order—Lekan Salami
-
Viral Gists2 years ago
Close President Putin’s Ally, Vladimir Egorov Plunges To Death From Third-Floor Window
-
Viral Gists2 years ago
”I Entrusted $9 Billion To Dauda Lawal, The Then FBN Executive Director. I Need To Seek Forgiveness From The Nigerian People And President Tinubu”-Diezani
-
Viral Gists2 years ago
”We Endorsed APC Muslim-Muslim Ticket In 2023, But Now We’re Suffering. What We Used To Buy N200 Now N2000”.- Supreme Council For Sharia Cries Out Over Hardship
-
Viral Gists2 years ago
”Sim Fubara Has Been Castrated, Now a Puppet Governor”-Nigerians Reacts Over Peace Deal With Predecessor, Nyesom Wike
-
Politics2 years ago
Yahaya Bello Visited Our Office In A Convoy With The Sitting Governor- EFCC Revealed Why He Was Turned Back
-
News2 years ago
Dele Momodu Pins Blame On President Tinubu Amidst the Protests
-
Viral Gists2 years ago
Reinstated Kano Emir Muhammadu Sanusi Gets Another Court Removal Verdict
