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4 Horror Travel Stories That Make Travel Insurance Non-Negotiable

Sometimes the most stressful part of travelling isn’t trying to squeeze your luggage under the airport’s weight limit. It’s dealing with everything that can go wrong once you leave home. We asked four travellers to share their biggest travel horror stories, and what they told us is enough to make you think twice before travelling abroad without Travel insurance.

1. ‘My luggage went on holiday without me.’

I landed, got to the baggage carousel, and waited for so long. My suitcase never showed up.

The airline said it was left at another airport and would hopefully arrive in a few days. I had to buy clothes, toiletries, and essentials because they never arrived.

The lesson: Lost or delayed luggage can turn a carefully planned holiday into an unexpected expense.

2. ‘I got sick thousands of kilometres from home.’

Three days into my holiday, I fell ill and had to pay for a doctor, tests, and medication. It would’ve been cheaper at home. I regretted not having travel insurance.

The lesson: Medical emergencies abroad can be costly. Travel insurance can help you prepare.

3. ‘My flight was cancelled. So was my itinerary.’

I had planned everything down to the hour. Then my flight was cancelled.

The next flight was the following day, leaving me with an unexpected hotel, extra transport, and expenses I hadn’t budgeted for.

The lesson: Travel disruptions can get costly. Travel insurance can help cover certain unexpected expenses.

4. ‘I missed my connecting flight.’

My first flight was delayed. By the time I landed, my connecting flight had already departed.

I was stuck in an unfamiliar airport trying to figure out where I would sleep and how I would get to my destination.

The lesson: Sometimes one unexpected delay is all it takes to throw an entire trip off course.

If there’s one thing these stories prove, it’s that travellers need the right Travel insurance.

That’s why Leadway Travel Insurance comes highly recommended. It helps you prepare for the unexpected, with cover designed to support you when things don’t go according to plan.

Leadway Travel Insurance covers Medical emergencies, lost or delayed baggage, trip delays, and flight cancellations.

For Nigerians travelling abroad, having the right Travel insurance for Nigerians means you can focus on the trip instead of worrying about every ‘what if?’

Because the goal isn’t to expect the worst. It’s to be prepared if the worst happens.

Messi scores 100th Inter Miami goal as Miami beats Cruz Azul

Lionel Messi scored the 100th goal of his Inter Miami career and Casemiro added another as Miami defeated Cruz Azul 2-0 on Wednesday night to win the Campeones Cup.

Messi opened the scoring in the 24th minute, heading in a cross from Luis Suárez for his 100th goal in 115 appearances across all competitions with Miami.

The milestone came against the same club Messi scored his first Inter Miami goal against. He scored on a stoppage-time free kick to beat Cruz Azul 2-1 in his Miami debut in July 2023.

Casemiro made it 2-0 in the 81st minute, heading in a corner from Messi.

The Brazilian midfielder has scored four goals, all headers, in his last five matches after scoring in three consecutive games against CF Montreal, Atlanta United and Chicago before being held scoreless Saturday against Nashville.

The victory gave Inter Miami another trophy three years after Messi’s arrival. Miami won the Leagues Cup in 2023, the Supporters’ Shield in 2024 and MLS Cup in 2025.

Inter Miami returns to MLS play Sunday when it hosts San Diego FC at Nu Stadium. Miami enters the match second in the Eastern Conference standings.

P74-M facility to boost Cabanatuan rice processing

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has opened a new P74.4-million rice processing facility in Cabanatuan to improve postharvest processing in Nueva Ecija, the country’s top rice-producing province.

The facility, inaugurated on Thursday, includes a multi-stage rice mill that can process 4 to 5 tons per hour, along with three recirculating dryers, each capable of handling up to 12 tons per batch.

In addition, the equipment will help the facility speed up drying and milling, reduce postharvest losses, improve rice quality, and increase farmers’ net income. It could also reduce farmers’ reliance on selling their palay immediately after harvest.

According to the agriculture department, the project is expected to benefit about 4,060 farmers in Cabanatuan, covering nearly 9,000 hectares of rice land in the city alone. Cabanatuan is part of Nueva Ecija, considered the rice granary of the Philippines.

In the second quarter, Nueva Ecija produced 752,751 metric tons (MT) of palay, down 2.76 percent from the same period last year.

‘The true progress of agriculture measures comfort and prosperity for every farming family at their table, not just the volume of rice harvested.’ Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel said in a statement on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the facility distributes production and postharvest machinery to eligible beneficiaries nationwide, funded by the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program.

The Rice Tariffication Law established the RCEF. Amendments to the law extended its duration through 2031 and raised the annual allocation for its mechanization component from P5 billion to P9 billion.

The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) carries out the program.

Since 2019, PHilMech has found that mechanization cut labor costs by about P2 per kilogram of palay, increasing farmers’ income by around P9,000 per hectare.

In the Philippines, farmers expect palay production to drop by 15 percent in the third quarter, reaching 3.19 million MT. This decline results from a smaller harvest area, as many provinces continue to suffer from the impacts of successive typhoons, including ‘Luis,’ ‘Maymay,’ ‘Neneng,’ and ‘Pilandok,’ which have worsened the effects of the southwest monsoon.

President of Bulgaria awards state honour to Cypriot Ambassador

President of Bulgaria Iliana Iotova has awarded the Order of the Madara Horseman, First Class, to Cyprus Ambassador to Bulgaria Haralambos Kafkarides, in recognition of his significant contribution to strengthening and developing bilateral relations. The ceremony took place on Thursday at the Presidency.

President Iotova said Bulgaria and Cyprus have maintained diplomatic relations for 66 years, built on solidarity, mutual trust and friendship, and marked by a shared ambition to further develop them.

She added that Bulgaria would continue to support a settlement of the Cyprus issue within the framework of the United Nations, in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and the values shared by the two countries as members of the European Union.

Iotova also expressed gratitude for the care shown to Bulgarians living in Cyprus, which she described as particularly important in the difficult and deeply divided times people are living through.

Ambassador Kafkarides thanked the President and the Bulgarian people for the honour.

‘I accept this primarily as a sign of friendship between the two countries,’ he said.

Kafkarides said his connection with Bulgaria began long before he arrived in the country as a diplomat.

He recalled that 60 years ago his parents were students in Sofia, where they met and fell in love. They learned the language, discovered the culture and later returned to Cyprus with fond memories of Bulgaria.

The Ambassador added that he was conceived before his parents left Bulgaria for Cyprus, joking that he considers himself a ‘product of Bulgaria’.

BOC flags misdeclared P1.04-M medical devices at Cebu port

Around P1.04 million worth of medical devices were flagged at the Port of Cebu after they were misdeclared as a water purifier tube and bag, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) reported on Thursday, Sept. 17.

According to the BOC, two 40-foot containers were found carrying at least 78,720 medical devices during its examination procedures. It added that the items did not correspond with its declared description.

These include 24,000 peritoneal dialysis drainage bags, 43,200 sterile disposable intravenous infusion or administration sets, and 11,520 hemodialysis blood tubing sets that were packed in 1,800 cartons.

All of the seized items were identified as regulated medical devices subject to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) requirements.

‘The Port of Cebu remains vigilant against misdeclaration and other attempts to circumvent our laws. We will continue to strengthen our border protection measures while ensuring that regulated goods entering the country comply with the necessary requirements,’ BOC Cebu District Collector De Guzman said in a statement.

The containers remained under BOC’s custody as seizure and forfeiture proceedings continued.

The shipment allegedly violated Customs Modernization and Tariff Act under Sections 117 and 1400, in relation to Section 1113 (f) and (i), as well as FDA regulations under the importation of medical devices

Six countries offering 10-year multiple-entry visas to travellers

For frequent international travellers, a long-validity multiple-entry visa can eliminate the need to apply for a new visa before every trip.

However, a 10-year visa does not necessarily mean the holder can stay in a country for 10 years. In most cases, it only determines how long the visa can be used for repeated travel, while immigration authorities set the permitted length of each stay.

For Nigerians, the options are more limited than online lists may suggest. The United States, for example, currently gives Nigerian nationals B1/B2 visas with one entry and three months’ validity, following a 2025 change in its reciprocity policy.

Here are countries with documented 10-year multiple-entry visitor visas, including where the option applies to Nigerians and where it is restricted to certain nationalities or applicants.

1. United Kingdom

Nigerians can apply for the UK’s Long-term Standard Visitor visa, available with validity periods of two, five, or 10 years.

The 10-year visa permits multiple visits throughout its validity period. However, it does not allow the holder to live in Britain for 10 years. A Standard Visitor can generally stay for up to six months on each visit.

Applicants must show a genuine need to visit the UK regularly and meet the requirements for a visitor visa.

2. Canada

Canada may issue visitor visas as multiple-entry visas valid for up to 10 years.

The Canadian government states that an immigration officer determines the actual validity period, which may be shorter. The visa can also expire earlier if the holder’s passport or biometrics expire.

A multiple-entry visa allows travellers to visit Canada repeatedly while it remains valid. Most visitors are normally allowed to stay for up to six months per visit, although a border officer may authorise a different period.

For Nigerians: Yes, but a 10-year visa is not automatic.

3. Mexico

Mexico offers a Long-Term Visitor Visa valid for up to 10 years.

The visa permits multiple entries, with each visit generally allowing a stay of up to 180 days. It is available to foreign nationals who require a visa and meet the applicable requirements.

Mexico lists eligible categories including frequent travellers, applicants with sufficient economic solvency, prominent individuals and certain family members of Mexican citizens or residents.

For Nigerians: Potentially yes, provided the applicant meets the relevant requirements.

4. Brazil

Brazil allows visitor visas with a validity period of up to 10 years where reciprocal arrangements apply.

According to the Brazilian Federal Police, a visit visa is generally valid for one year and permits multiple entries. However, its validity can extend to 10 years where reciprocity arrangements apply.

The 10-year validity is therefore not a standard option available to every foreign national.

For Nigerians: Applicable validity depends on Brazil’s reciprocity arrangements with Nigeria, so applicants should confirm current requirements with the Brazilian mission before assuming they qualify for a 10-year visa.

5. United States – for some nationalities, but not currently Nigerians

The United States issues 10-year B1/B2 visitor visas to nationals of certain countries, but visa validity is determined by nationality under the U.S. visa reciprocity system.

For instance, U.S. reciprocity schedules provide for 120-month, multiple-entry B1/B2 visas for nationals of countries including China and Brazil.

Nigerian nationals, however, currently do not receive the same 10-year validity. The U.S. reciprocity schedule for Nigeria lists B1, B2 and B1/B2 visas as one-entry visas with three months’ validity.

For Nigerians: No, under the current reciprocity schedule.

6. China – 10-year visas for certain nationalities

China has entered into reciprocal arrangements that allow nationals of certain countries to obtain long-term multiple-entry visas.

For example, China and the United States have agreements providing tourist and business visas valid for up to 10 years for each other’s citizens. China and Canada also have reciprocal arrangements providing multiple-entry visas valid for up to 10 years for business, tourism, and family visits.

The 10-year option is therefore dependent on nationality and bilateral agreements rather than being a standard visa available to all foreign nationals.

Barau, Women Affairs Minister, others to grace Peace Achievers Awards

Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, and other prominent personalities are expected to attend the 16th Peace Achievers International Awards 2026.

The annual event, now in its 16th edition, is scheduled to hold on November 7 at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

The ceremony will bring together humanitarian and political leaders, business executives, entrepreneurs, professionals, philanthropists, entertainers, media practitioners, civil society actors and other stakeholders to celebrate individuals and organisations making meaningful contributions to society.

The convener, Amb. Dr Kingsley Amafibe, said in a statement that the 2026 edition would recognise achievements in peacebuilding, leadership, humanitarian service, social development, entrepreneurship, public service, education, healthcare, entertainment, media and community development.

Amafibe said the awards were not solely about professional accomplishments but also about the impact individuals and institutions had made in their communities and society at large.

He said the event would honour people whose work reflected values such as peace, integrity, innovation, compassion, service and excellence, while encouraging others to contribute positively to society.

According to him, peace goes beyond the absence of conflict, as it also involves inclusion, dialogue, mutual respect, opportunity and the ability of people and communities to work together towards common goals.

Amafibe said the 16th edition would therefore serve both as a celebration of achievement and a platform for conversations on peace, unity and responsible leadership.

He added that the event would highlight the contributions of individuals from different generations and sectors, describing the platform as an avenue to inspire young people to pursue excellence, overcome challenges and use their talents and influence for the good of society.

He said reaching the 16th edition reflected the enduring relevance of recognising individuals and organisations contributing to peace, development and social progress.

Amafibe added that this year’s edition would build on the legacy of previous editions, with renewed emphasis on leadership, impact, service and excellence.

The 16th Peace Achievers International Awards 2026 is expected to bring together stakeholders from different sectors to celebrate contributions to peace, development and social progress.

New era of PH volleyball seeks growth spurt via Asian Games stint

It was far from the start Alas Pilipinas wanted for its women’s team in the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games-but neither was it unexpected.

So the nation’s brightest volleyball stars are milking the result for whatever they can get from it.

‘[W]e came into this tournament very excited, very ready to learn, and very ready to be put out of our comfort zone,’ said team captain Jia De Guzman in an interview with local Games broadcaster One Sports after absorbing a 25-18, 25-22, 25-8 defeat at the hands of nine-time Asiad champion China on Wednesday.

For the Alas women, the Asian Games stint provides a perfect competitive laboratory to begin building the future of the national volleyball program.

‘All of the things that happened the past year have really led to us coming into this moment,’ added De Guzman. ‘And it doesn’t stop here. We’re really trying to absorb all of the experience that we can because this is a stepping stone for all the plans in the future for the Philippine national volleyball team.’

There’s little consolation in a defeat, but the silver lining shone brightly. The Filipino women gave a good account of themselves against a team that is aiming for a third straight Asiad crown.

The Philippines stayed in step with China for two sets, much to the delight of the crowd at Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park Gymnasium, which turned 25 years old this month and is located in the castle town of Okazaki in Aichi Prefecture, some 43 kilometers southeast of Nagoya.

The nationals even tied the count at 20 in the second set, before China rallied through and then cruised in the third.

‘I think it just shows what kind of potential this team has that when we really believe in ourselves, whoever we face, we will fight until the end,’ said De Guzman, the long-time national team setter.

Xin Tang led China with 19 points, all from attacks, while Yushan Zhuang chipped in 17 from 15 kills and two blocks.

Top performers

The Philippines’ young stars contributed heavily for the country’s cause, with La Salle’s Angel Canino making her Asiad debut with 14 points off 13 kills and former University of Santo Tomas star Eya Laure chipping in 10. Alyssa Solomon, the ex-National U standout who has played internationally as an import, added nine points.

‘There’s no better way to learn or to know our current level, except to put everything on the court, whether it’s a win or a loss, as long as we leave everything on the floor,’ said De Guzman, who leads the young Alas crew now after being one of the young standouts in the 2018 Asiad squad that featured Alyssa Valdez, Jaja Santiago-Minowa, Aby Maraño, Mylene Paat and Majoy Baron.

‘And I think we really had fun in this game because we were challenged, but at the same time we were pushed to our limits. And it will help in our game tomorrow,’ she added.

The Philippines battles Kazakhstan on Thursday and National coach Taka Minowa said the game against China provided a ‘good warmup’ to the crucial duel that could book a quarterfinal berth for the country.

Bring back new Wagon R manufactured in Japan

Since the domestic market was opened for vehicle imports, I and other fans of the Wagon R manufactured in Japan have been visiting the AMW showroom several times and pressing managers to import the latest models; however, they have refused to do so even when offered foreign exchange payment with all duties.

AMW, presently owned by a Dubai group, prefers Indian-manufactured vehicles, which are not popular and have to be dumped here at low prices. This strategic mistake by AMW led to the market opening up for other dealers to bring in nearly new Wagon Rs manufactured in Japan under the ‘reconditioned’ window, and such vehicles are sweeping the market, such is the popularity of this vehicle both for quality and reliability. So why is AMW complaining?

It is not too late even now; will AMW, as the Suzuki agent in Sri Lanka, once again bring new Wagon Rs manufactured in Japan into Sri Lanka?

5 football players who excelled in multiple positions

Versatility has become one of football’s most valuable assets, and while some players spend their entire careers mastering a single position, others have built legendary reputations by thriving in several roles.

These footballers gave their managers tactical flexibility, solved injury crises and often changed games simply by switching positions.

From defence to midfield and attack, these stars proved that intelligence, technical quality and adaptability can be just as important as pace or goals.

Here are five of the greatest multi-position footballers in history.

Philipp Lahm (Germany)

Few players embodied versatility like Philipp Lahm. Although widely regarded as one of the greatest full-backs of all time, Lahm also excelled as a defensive midfielder under Pep Guardiola at FC Bayern Munich.