News
North Korea to Reopen Borders to International Tourists in December
In December, North Korea is set to reopen its borders to international tourists, focusing initially on the northeastern city of Samjiyon, according to tour operators.
This development suggests that the isolated nation is preparing to allow larger groups of foreign visitors after maintaining strict COVID-19 border restrictions for several years.
Beijing-based Koryo Tours announced on Wednesday that it had received confirmation from local partners about the resumption of tourism in Samjiyon and potentially across other parts of the country starting in December 2024.
This marks a significant shift, as North Korea has largely been closed to international travellers since the onset of the pandemic in 2020.
Although international flights to and from North Korea resumed last year, and a select group of Russian tourists were allowed a private visit in February, the country has not fully opened its doors to broader international tourism.
Koryo Tours expressed enthusiasm about the development, noting that after a four-year wait, they are eager to welcome tourists back to North Korea.
The company highlighted that its local partner would soon provide more details regarding travel itineraries and specific dates.
Samjiyon, located near the Chinese border, has been a focal point for North Korean development efforts.
The city is being transformed into what North Korean officials describe as a “socialist utopia” and a model of a “highly-civilized mountain city.”
This transformation includes the construction of new residential areas, hotels, a ski resort, and various commercial, cultural, and medical facilities.
The development project has faced scrutiny, leading to the recent dismissal or demotion of senior officials by Kim Jong Un due to what was termed as “irresponsible” management of the Samjiyon initiative.
KTG Tours also confirmed that they would be offering trips to Samjiyon starting this winter, signalling a broader reopening of North Korean tourism.
LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and Los Angeles Lakers star, has announced a temporary break from social media.
The 39-year-old made the announcement on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram after sharing a post by Rich Kleiman, agent to NBA star Kevin Durant, criticizing the media’s focus on negativity.
Kleiman wrote, “With so much hate and negativity in the world today, it confuses me why some of the national sports media still think that the best way to cover sports is through negative takes… I, for one, find it all a waste of breath.” James shared the post, adding a simple comment: “AMEN!!”
In a follow-up post, James confirmed his social media hiatus, writing, “And with that said, I’ll holla at y’all! Getting off social media for the time being. Y’all take care.”
James, known for his strong presence on and off the court, is taking this break amidst ongoing discussions about the role of media in shaping public perceptions of athletes.
Lagos State Governor, Sanwo-Olu presents 3 Trillion Naira as the budget for the proposed Appropriation Bill for 2025 to the house of assembly. The assembly meeting was led by Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa. The budget is themed Budget of Sustainability and will be a blue print for the commitment to Lagosians.
The ceremony was held in the state house, Alausa, Lagos. With this proposed bill the state government is focusing on environment, education, technology, security and public safety.
Former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke has filed a motion to amend her lawsuit challenging the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) order for the final forfeiture of her seized assets.
At a Federal High Court hearing in Abuja presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo, Alison-Madueke’s counsel confirmed filing the amendment motion and serving the EFCC. Notably, no EFCC representatives appeared in court.
The embattled ex-minister also sought an extension of time to contest the EFCC’s public notice regarding the sale of her confiscated properties, claiming she was denied a fair hearing during the forfeiture proceedings.
The EFCC, however, rejected Alison-Madueke’s allegations, maintaining that the forfeiture cases were lawfully adjudicated over time.
Justice Ekwo adjourned the case to February 17, 2025, to consider the motion to amend the originating process.
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