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U.S. Visa Interview Rules Get Stricter – Avoid This Critical Error

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U.S. Visa Interview Rules Get Stricter – Avoid This Critical Error

New U.S. Visa Rule Could Derail Travel Plans in 2025

If you’re planning to apply for a U.S. visa in 2025, brace yourself for a major policy shift that could make or break your travel plans. The U.S. Department of State has unveiled significant changes to the visa interview process, set to take effect in April 2025. This sweeping reform impacts all visa categories, including student, work, tourist, and immigrant visas.

Stricter DS-160 Barcode Requirement One of the most critical modifications is the strict enforcement of barcode verification on the DS-160 visa application form. According to the new guidelines, applicants must ensure that the barcode number on their DS-160 matches the one used to schedule their visa appointment. Failure to comply with this requirement will lead to immediate denial of entry into the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for their visa interview.

Previously, applicants could make modifications to their DS-160 form even after securing an interview appointment. However, as of March 18, 2025, this will no longer be permitted. Under the new rules:

  • The visa appointment must be scheduled using the same barcode number on the DS-160 form.
  • If the barcode numbers do not match, applicants will be refused entry to the Embassy or Consulate.
  • To correct a mismatch, applicants must reschedule their appointment using a DS-160 form with the correct barcode number.

Increased Scrutiny and Responsibility on Applicants While these measures are designed to streamline the visa process and minimize errors, they place a heavier burden on applicants to ensure accuracy from the outset. Mistakes that may have previously been rectified with minor adjustments could now result in serious delays, affecting travel, work, and study plans.

How to Avoid Delays and Denials To navigate these stricter requirements, visa applicants must take proactive steps, including:

  • Double-checking that the DS-160 barcode number matches the one used to schedule the interview.
  • Printing and bringing the correct DS-160 confirmation page to the interview.
  • Rescheduling immediately via the official U.S. Visa Appointment website if any barcode mismatch is detected.

Consequences of a Barcode Mismatch A mismatched barcode is not a trivial issue. In countries with already lengthy visa interview wait times, this error could push appointments back by weeks or even months. This could lead to students missing enrollment deadlines, workers losing job opportunities, and tourists having to rethink their travel plans.

With these new requirements looming, prospective U.S. visa applicants are urged to be meticulous in their applications. Ensuring that all details match precisely could mean the difference between a smooth approval process and a frustrating delay.

 

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From Vision to Empire: How Mujahid Turajo Built Til Group into a Multisector Giant

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*From Vision to Empire: How Mujahid Turajo Built Til Group into a Multisector Giant*

What started as a single company with a bold vision has grown into one of Nigeria’s most dynamic business conglomerates. Founded by the visionary Mujahid Turajo, Til Interiors began as a modest interior design company, bringing elegance and functionality to residential and commercial spaces.

Today, that vision has expanded far beyond design—Til Interiors has evolved into Til Group, a powerful conglomerate spanning food production, construction, global trade, and beyond.
With Til Foods, Til Interiors, Til Construction, and Til Global under its umbrella, Til Group is now a driving force in Nigeria’s economic landscape, fostering job creation, innovation, and industrial growth.

Til Interiors: The Foundation of an Empire
The journey of Til Group began with Til Interiors, a company that set out to revolutionise interior design and space transformation in Nigeria. Through innovative designs, premium materials, and expert craftsmanship, Til Interiors quickly gained a reputation for creating luxurious, functional, and aesthetically superior spaces for homes, offices, and commercial properties.

“Til Interiors was our foundation—it taught us the importance of detail, innovation, and excellence. Those same principles now define everything we do across all sectors,” says Mujahid Turajo.

Til Foods: Feeding Nations, Empowering Farmers
As Til Interiors flourished, Mujahid identified a critical need for self-sufficiency in food production and distribution, leading to the creation of Til Foods, which has now grown into a leader in Nigeria’s agribusiness and food industry.

Til Foods is dedicated to sustainable agriculture, food processing, and distribution, ensuring that Nigerians have access to high-quality, locally produced food products. The company oversees the entire value chain, from farming and production to retail and exports.
Within Til Foods, two major brands stand out:
Tomatil – A multi-billion naira state-of-the-art tomato processing factory in Kano, transforming fresh tomatoes into premium tomato paste and products, reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imports.

Til Grills & Restaurant – A high-end restaurant located in Ahmadu Bello Way, Kado, offering a unique dining experience that blends traditional flavours with modern culinary expertise.

“Til Foods is not just a business—it’s a mission to achieve food security, support local farmers, and put Nigeria at the forefront of global agribusiness,” says Mujahid.
Til Construction: Building the Future, One Structure at a Time
Recognising the urgent need for quality infrastructure and housing solutions in Nigeria, Til Construction was established to provide innovative, durable, and sustainable building solutions.

Today, it stands as a major player in real estate development, civil engineering, and large-scale construction projects.

One of Til Construction’s flagship projects is Concord, a residential development located in Life Camp, Abuja. Designed to redefine modern living, Concord features premium residential blocks that blend contemporary architecture with luxury, comfort, and sustainability. The project is set to transform Abuja’s skyline, offering state-of-the-art amenities, top-tier security, and elegant living spaces tailored for families and professionals alike.
“We are not just building structures; we are creating communities where people can thrive. Concord is a testament to our commitment to quality and innovation in Nigeria’s real estate sector,” notes Mujahid.

Til Global: Connecting Nigeria to the World
To support the group’s expansion into international markets and cross-border trade, Til Global was established as the conglomerate’s trade and logistics arm. This division ensures that African goods, resources, and services reach the world stage efficiently and competitively, fostering stronger trade relationships and expanding market access for Nigerian products.

A Legacy of Growth, Excellence, and Impact
From a single interior design company to a multisector empire, Til Group’s journey is a testament to strategic vision, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Under Mujahid’s leadership, the company continues to expand, innovate, and set new benchmarks in food production, design, construction, and global trade.
“Our story is about growth, impact, and transformation. We started with a passion for design, and today, we are shaping industries and changing lives across multiple sectors,” Mujahid affirms.
As Til Group enters its next phase of expansion, the company remains committed to its core values of innovation, sustainability, and economic empowerment, ensuring that its legacy continues for generations to come.

*About Til Group*
Til Group is a diversified Nigerian conglomerate with subsidiaries in food production (Til Foods), interior design (Til Interiors), construction (Til Construction), and global trade (Til Global). The group is dedicated to driving industrial and economic growth through innovation, sustainability, and excellence.

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TRANSCORP POWER RELEASES UNAUDITED RESULTS FOR THE Q1 ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

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TRANSCORP POWER RELEASES UNAUDITED RESULTS FOR THE Q1 ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

 

 

 

Transcorp Power Plc (NGX: TRANSPOWER), one of the power subsidiaries of Africa’s leading and listed conglomerate, Transnational Corporation Plc (“Transcorp Group”), has announced its unaudited results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.

 

Key Highlights:

 

  • Robust Revenue Growth

 

o    An impressive 55% year-on-year increase in revenue, rising from 67.9 billion to 105.4 billion.

 

o    This strong performance was primarily driven by an increased available capacity of 625MW compared to 500MW in Q1, 2024. This growth has been achieved notwithstanding the liquidity challenges in the sector, showcasing our commitment to closing the power supply gap in the country. 

 

  • Significant Growth in Profit Before Tax

 

o    Profit before tax grew by 50%, from 28.8 billion in Q1, 2024 to 43.3 billion in Q1, 2025.

 

o    This substantial growth reflects not only higher revenues but also continued improvements in cost efficiency and operational excellence.

 

 

MD/CEO of Transcorp Power Plc, Peter Ikenga, comments:

 

“We delivered a strong performance in Q1 2025, reflecting our disciplined execution, reliable operations, and unwavering focus on efficiency. Despite the challenges impacting the sector, we continue to optimise our generating capacity from 500MW in Q1 2024 to 625MW in Q1 2025. We remain firmly committed to delivering long-term value for our shareholders while powering progress across Africa”.

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Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun Salutes Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing at 50

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Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun Salutes Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing at 50

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun Salutes Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing at 50

The Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, has congratulated real‑estate titan Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing, Chairman and CEO of ADRON Homes & Properties, on his 50th birthday.

“Reaching fifty in good health and remarkable professional standing is a testament to God’s grace,” the governor said.

Governor Abiodun lauded Aare Adetola’s “exceptional journey and unwavering commitment to excellence,” noting that ADRON Homes has expanded under his leadership from modest beginnings to a leading national developer that has broadened access to home-ownership for countless Nigerians.

“As governor of your home state, I am proud of your accomplishments,” Governor Abiodun added.

The Governor highlighted Aare Adetola’s deep‑rooted investment in people and the local economy, describing it as a reflection of faith in Nigeria’s limitless potential. He credited the celebrant’s “strategic foresight and community‑driven initiatives” with lifting the country’s real‑estate sector to new heights.

On behalf of his family and the people of Ogun State, Governor Abiodun wished EmmanuelKing continued health, wisdom, and impact, extending heartfelt congratulations to his family, friends, and associates on this golden jubilee milestone.

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun Salutes Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing at 50

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