News

Edo Govt, Namibia Explore Trade, Investment Opportunities In Livestock Farming, Technology, Others

Published

2 years ago

September 13, 2023

…partnership ‘ll stem protein shortfall in Nigeria – Obaseki

Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has initiated talks with the Namibian Government to explore trade and investment opportunities in livestock production, technology, and management services, among others between the Country and Edo State.

The governor disclosed this when he played host to the Namibia Ambassador to Nigeria, Humphrey Geiseb, and his wife, Lena, who were on a courtesy visit at the Government House, in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

Obaseki called for increased collaboration to drive economic growth and reap other economic benefits that lie in increased bilateral trade relations between the national and sub-national governments.

Obaseki said, “We appreciate you for taking the time to meet with us on a government-to-government basis and explore opportunities available in terms of economy and other forms of cooperation. We have had a cordial relationship with your Country in terms of the struggle for independence to date.

“We appreciate the fact that we are extending the relationship beyond national to sub-national relationships. Businesses and citizens live in the States and I am not surprised that many Countries like yours and diplomats like you go into Countries to see how to do business together, taking advantage of the bilateral agreement and other agreements already established by the two Countries.”

The governor further noted, “Namibia has a strong economy and has challenges like any other African country but has established global competitiveness in other areas and that is where we would like to collaborate with you. We believe opportunities exist in terms of services and I don’t see why we can’t work with some of your professional services firms in the areas of technology, and management services, among others.

“Most importantly, we admire the way you run your livestock industry in Namibia and it is one area, as a State, that we would be exploring opportunities to see how we can collaborate and cooperate to help us stem the protein shortfall in our Country.”

He added, “We would be counting on your support to see how you can partner with us with high-value agricultural regions in Namibia to enable us to establish working relationships with those regions to see how we begin to boost investment and trade. We believe this is the first of many visits, and we would take time out to come and see you in Abuja and commence further conversation on these areas of cooperation.”

In his response, Geiseb said the visit was to explore areas of investment in Edo State, adding, “Our cooperation between Nigeria and Namibia is very good as Nigeria has supported Namibia during its struggle for independence.

“Today, Namibia and Nigeria maintain a cordial relationship and continue to ensure strong cooperation in various areas and this year or next year, we will host the 5th session of the Nigeria-Namibia Joint Commission of Cooperation to discuss cooperation in various areas.”

He further noted, “Our visit today is aimed at strengthening the relationship between Edo State and Namibia and sharing free ideas where opportunities exist. Edo State has a lot of opportunities that Namibia business people could tap into and through that, we are hoping we can come to participate in the Benin Trade Expo taking place this year or next year. This will give us the opportunity to showcase Namibia’s products and also observe products produced in Edo State.

“There are many opportunities for cooperation and bilateral trade in various areas as the governor has expressed the readiness of the State to work with Namibia in the areas of animal husbandry as we work to produce quality beef and export same to the rest of the world.”

News

Group Protests Alleged Sale Of Workers’ Housing Estate To NAF

Published

28 minutes ago

August 2, 2025

Editor

Bauchi State Concerned Citizens group has raised alarm over the alleged sale of 270 newly built housing units along Ningi-Kano Road, Bauchi, to the Nigerian Air Force.

Addressing the press, the group’s chairman, Comrade Aliyu Ladan, on Friday described the development as “an unfortunate and illegitimate move” that threatens the rights and welfare of Bauchi residents.

“The houses were part of a 1,000-unit project initiated under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to alleviate accommodation problems for workers.”

He said the units had already been allocated to residents through a due process managed by the facility manager.

Ladan accused the Federal Ministry of Housing of negotiating with the Air Force to take over the estate, a move he described as “a complete violation of residents’ fundamental rights.”

The group called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene, warning that the decision could lead to unrest.

The group demanded the cancellation of the alleged sale and urged the government to protect residents’ rights.

Responding, State Controller of the Federal Ministry of Housing, Architect Nwamadu Herbert, stated that although negotiations are ongoing, no transfer has been made as directives are awaited from the Ministry’s headquarters.

He dismissed the protesters as “illegal occupants,” clarifying that the houses remain under the ministry’s custody pending directives from headquarters.

News

Bauchi Gov To Corps Members: Advocate For National Development, Transformation

Published

37 minutes ago

August 2, 2025

Editor

Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state has called on all the Narional Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to always advocate for national development and transformation in the country.

Mohammed, who made the call during the swearing in ceremony of the 2025 Batch ‘B’ stream 1 corps members on Friday, also urged them to take the noble call with utmost seriousness and commit themselves to achieve the scheme’s objective of national unity and development.

Represented by Mr Mohammed Umar, Head of Civil Service in the state, the governor assured the corps members that the people of the state appreciated and supported the goals and objectives of the NYSC scheme.

“Therefore, we have decided to collaborate with you in every possible way to ensure the success of the Scheme in the State.

“To this end, we have completed the renovation of corps members’ hostels and built a brand new Multipurpose Hall in the camp.

“This is the first phase of the project and the second phase, which I assure would start very soon shall include, construction of staff accommodation, a clinic and other necessary facilities.

“I can assure you that my government would continue to do anything within the limit of our resources to make the corps members and staff comfortable during orientation exercises in the camp,” he said.

Earlier, Mr Umoren Kufre, the state Coordinator of NYSC reminded the corps members that life in camp is highly regimented, adding that participants were expected to adhere to the orientation course timetable, NYSC Bye-laws, extant rules and other relevant policies.

According to him, 1,107 corps members comprising 608 males and 499 females had been successfully registered before the commencement of the swearing in ceremony out of the 1,700 corps members posted to the state.

He commended the state governor for his unwavering commitment to the realisation of the NYSC objectives in the state.

“I am indeed happy for the complete renovation of corps members’ hostels at the NYSC permanent orientation camp and the construction of a brand new Multi-purpose Hall.

“There can be no better demonstration of commitment, love and fatherly care than what we are seeing in the camp now.

“It is now clear for all to see that His Excellency is a great lover of the youths and particularly the corps members,” he said.

News

Immigration Issues Travel Advisory To Nigerians On US Visas

Published

3 hours ago

August 2, 2025

Editor

Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has issued a travel advisory for Nigerians who currently hold or intend to apply for a US visa, highlighting strict warnings regarding recent developments related to the use of US visas.

The NIS’s Public Relations Officer, ACI Akimsola Akinlabi in Abuja on August 1, stated that the NIS and US mission in Abuja have reinforced their commitment to ensuring secure and efficient visa processes.

According to Akinlabi, “The NIS has issued a travel advisory to Nigerians on the responsible use of US visas, reminding visa holders to strictly adhere to the purpose stated in their visa applications and comply with US immigration laws.”

The US government has expressed concerns regarding the misuse of US visas by Nigerians, and the NIS is working closely with the US Mission to address these issues.

Nigerian students in the US are required to maintain an active study status to avoid visa cancellation and potential future eligibility issues.

US consular officers will deny tourist visa applications if they suspect that the primary purpose of travel is to give birth in the United States to secure US citizenship for the child.

The NIS and the US Mission in Abuja are collaborating to ensure that Nigeria is not subject to expanded visa restrictions.

This joint effort underscores the commitment of both countries to maintaining secure and transparent visa processes.

“We are dedicated to ensuring that our citizens comply with visa regulations and respect the laws of other countries,” said ACI Akinlabi.