Headline

Nigeria’s Situation Better Than Venezuela’s, FG Replies PDP

Published

1 year ago

February 14, 2024

The Federal Government on Tuesday slammed the Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum for comparing Nigeria’s current economic challenges with that of Venezuela.

The Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, on Monday said Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government was almost on the path to becoming like Venezuela.

Venezuela is currently facing challenges such as political corruption, persistent scarcities of food and medicine, shutdowns of businesses, high unemployment rates, decreased productivity, violations of human rights, severe economic mismanagement, and heavy reliance on oil, all of which have exacerbated the crisis.

There has been a notable increase in abduction cases and various other crimes in the Federal Capital Territory and other regions of Nigeria recently. Additionally, prices of foodstuffs have been rising, making it challenging for the majority of Nigerians to afford.

Reacting, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in a statement on Tuesday said though Nigeria is facing different challenges, its situation is nowhere near what is happening in Venezuela.

Idris noted, “As critical stakeholders and leaders at the sub-national level, the PDP governors certainly have the right to state their position on national concerns as is expected.

“However, as leaders in the country who are members of two important constitutional organs of government – the National Economic Council, which is the highest economic management organ of the country, and the National Council of States, we believe the PDP governors did not conduct themselves in a manner befitting their roles as leaders.

“It is far-fetched when PDP governors, who are supposed to be major players in driving economic growth and prosperity for our citizens in their respective states, mischievously and falsely compare our current economic challenges to Venezuela.

“We want to state categorically that though our country is going through some rough patches, which are being addressed by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our situation is nowhere near what is happening in Venezuela.”

Giving reasons why the PDP governors were mischievous in their comparison, the minister explained, “The Nigerian economy is still very strong and is expected to record a three per cent Gross Domestic Product growth this year.

“The economy is meeting financial obligations to lenders at home and abroad. The Nigerian government is running effectively, and our government can pay all its bills while maintaining a healthy trade balance with trading partners worldwide.

“Since President Tinubu assumed office, the revenue available to the three tiers of government has more than doubled. All 36 states, including the 774 Local Governments, have been receiving significantly larger allocations on the back of the reforms being pursued by President Tinubu to reposition our national economy.”

Idris added that the PDP owed Nigerians an account of increased allocations.

“Nigerians should ask PDP Governors how far and how well they have utilised the increased revenue to better the lives of Nigerians in their respective states.

“It is on record that most States controlled by PDP owe workers and pensioners months of unpaid salary and pension arrears. The PDP Governors have defaulted in paying gratuities to their retired workers. It is also a fact that many of the PDP Governors have not paid N30,000 minimum wage to their workers since it took effect more than four years ago. All of these anomalies in their states contribute significantly to the economic pressure their citizens face.

“If PDP governors are genuinely interested in the living conditions of Nigerians and are not just stirring up disaffection and ill-will towards the federal government, we urge them to meet their obligations to workers, pensioners, and local contractors and see the multiplier effect,” he said.

He assured all that the APC-led administration is working hard to address the current challenges.

The minister added, “The President is working with his security chiefs to eliminate all security threats wherever they exist within our borders, and we are getting results in the number of terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers that have either been killed or arrested in the past few weeks. The success of the efforts is also reflected in the over 700 abducted Nigerians who have been rescued from captivity.

“The Central Bank is addressing the problem of volatility in the exchange rate, and we are beginning to see stability that will eventually lead to the naira gaining its actual value against the dollar and other convertible currencies.”

He urged the PDP governors “to join their colleagues in the Nigerian Governors Forum, who are collaborating with Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima to revamp the economy for Nigerians’ collective well-being.”

Headline

US Diverted 20,000 Anti-drone Missiles From Ukraine To Middle East -Zelensky

Published

16 hours ago

June 9, 2025

Editor

President Volodymyr Zelensky has revealed that the United States, under the administration of President Donald Trump, redirected 20,000 anti-drone missiles that were originally intended for Ukraine to American forces stationed in the Middle East.

In an interview published by ABC News on Sunday, Zelensky said Ukraine had relied on the missile delivery to bolster its defence against ongoing Russian drone assaults, particularly swarms of Iranian-designed Shahed drones.

He noted that the plan, developed under President Joe Biden’s administration and coordinated with then-Defence Secretary, Lloyd Austin, was meant to deliver a cost-effective and specialised missile system to counter aerial threats.

“We have big problems with Shaheds… we will find all the tools to destroy them. We counted on this project, 20,000 missiles. Anti-Shahed missiles. It was not expensive, but it’s a special technology,” Zelensky stated.

According to a June 4 report by The Wall Street Journal, the Trump administration ordered the diversion of the munitions, including special fuzes for the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System, citing an urgent need to supply American forces in the Middle East.

The decision, reportedly communicated to Congress through a classified Pentagon message, was made under current Defence Secretary, Pete Hegseth.

A source from Ukraine’s military intelligence agency told The Kyiv Independent that Russia is preparing to escalate drone warfare, potentially launching more than 500 long-range drones in a single night as Moscow accelerates drone production and expands its launch capacity.

Since the beginning of Trump’s second term in January, his administration has halted the approval of new US military aid packages to Ukraine.

Trump has voiced reservations about prolonged military support for Kyiv and briefly paused shipments earlier this year.

Deliveries resumed after Ukraine agreed to a ceasefire framework during peace negotiations held in Jeddah on March 11.

Headline

Los Angeles Invaded By Illegal Aliens, Criminals, Says Trump

Published

17 hours ago

June 9, 2025

Editor

National Guard troops were deployed to Los Angeles on Sunday amid ongoing protests against immigration raids, despitethat California Governor Gavin Newsom’s objections.

Newsom formally requested the Trump administration rescind the order to deploy the troops.

The governor requested a letter to Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, which he then shared on X.

“We didn’t have a problem until (U.S. President Donald) Trump got involved.

“This is a serious breach of state sovereignty – inflaming tensions while pulling resources from where they’re needed,” Newsom wrote.

“Rescind the order. Return control to California.”

Trump signed a memorandum on Saturday deploying 2,000 National Guardsmen “to address the lawlessness that has been allowed to fester,” the White House said.

An expert cited by The New York Times said this is the first time in 60 years that a president has deployed a state’s National Guard without the governor’s consent.

The last instance was in 1965, when President Lyndon B Johnson used troops to protect predominantly Black demonstrators during the civil rights movement in Alabama.

The protests began on Friday after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers executed search warrants across the city as Trump pushed forward with his goal of mass deportations of undocumented immigrants.

Newsom appealed to protesters to remain peaceful and not give the government an excuse to act.

“Trump is trying to manufacture a crisis in LA County — deploying troops not for order, but to create chaos,” he wrote on X.

“Don’t take the bait. Never use violence or harm law enforcement.”

Los Angeles Police said protests continued on Sunday, even when authorities had declared it an unlawful, gathering.

Protesters had blocked traffic on a freeway and had gathered outside the Metropolitan Detention Centre where soldiers had formed a perimeter around the building.

“Officers are reporting that people in the crowd are throwing concrete, bottles, and other objects. Arrests are being initiated,” police wrote on X.

Cars had also been stopped and set alight on roads, the police said.

An Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Guard “has deployed approximately 300 soldiers to 3 separate locations in the greater Los Angeles area, the U.S. Northern Command posted on X.

“They are conducting safety and protection of federal property and personnel,” it added.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Los Angeles had been “invaded and occupied by Illegal Aliens and Criminals.”

“Now violent, insurrectionist mobs are swarming and attacking our Federal Agents to try and stop our deportation operations. But these lawless riots only strengthen our resolve,” he wrote.

He had directed his officials “to take all such action necessary to liberate Los Angeles from the Migrant Invasion, and put an end to these Migrant riots,” he said.

“Order will be restored, the Illegals will be expelled, and Los Angeles will be set free.”

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said the city would “always stand” with those who call it home.

“Deploying federalised troops on the heels of these raids is a chaotic escalation,” she wrote on X.

“The fear people are feeling in our city right now is very real – it’s felt in our communities and within our families and it puts our neighborhoods at risk.

“This is the last thing that our city needs, and I urge protestors to remain peaceful,” Bass said.

“Los Angeles will always stand with everyone who calls our city home.”

Trump’s administration has threatened to deploy regular armed forces domestically, which would represent an even greater breach of norms.

Hegseth stated that, if necessary, U.S. Marines stationed in California could also be mobilised.

Newsom condemned Hegseth’s threat to deploy U.S. soldiers against its own citizens on U.S. soil, calling it “deranged behavior” in a post on X.

Hegseth responded to Newsom on X stating that the National Guard “and Marines if need be” stood with ICE.

“There is plenty of room for peaceful protest, but ZERO tolerance for attacking federal agents who are doing their job,” he wrote.

The U.S. Northern Command said about 500 Marines were “in a prepared to deploy status” should they be needed.

(NAN)

Headline

10 Countries Hiring Nigerians, Other Foreign Workers In 2025 With Easy Visa Process

Published

1 day ago

June 8, 2025

Editor

In 2025, the global race for skilled talent is intensifying as many countries grapple with labour shortages across key industries, prompting changes to visa policies to attract and retain foreign professionals.

In response, countries such as Canada, Japan, Australia, and Germany are expanding their immigration and visa pathways to attract foreign professionals.

According to TravelBiz, sectors like technology, healthcare, construction, and caregiving are seeing especially high demand in top destinations.

These countries aren’t just offering jobs—they’re also providing opportunities for long-term residency or even a pathway to citizenship.

Top 10 Countries Hiring Foreign Workers in 2025

1. New Zealand

New Zealand is streamlining immigration to address urgent gaps in its workforce.

In-demand roles: Civil Engineers, Registered Nurses, Plumbers, IT Professionals
Visa Pathway: Green List Straight to Residence Visa – direct pathway to permanent residency for critical occupations.

2. Spain

Spain has simplified work visa procedures to combat labour shortages.

Top roles: Construction Workers, Agricultural Labourers, Hospitality Staff
Visa Programs: Seasonal Worker Visa, General Long-Term Work Visa

3. Singapore

Asia’s innovation hub is actively hiring digital and biomedical professionals.

High-demand jobs: Biomedical Scientists, Software Developers, AI & Machine Learning Experts
Visa Options: Employment Pass (for professionals), S Pass (for mid-skilled workers)
Applicants should check the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website for guidelines.

4. Romania

Romania is scaling up its workforce by issuing thousands of visas to foreign workers.

Key sectors: Construction, Agriculture, Hospitality
Visa Update: 100,000 annual guest worker visas approved for citizens of Nepal, Bangladesh, and India.
No university degree? No problem—these roles often don’t require one.

5. Estonia

Estonia is emerging as a digital economy leader with simplified work visa options.

Hiring in: Software Development, Web Design, IT Support
Visa Options: D-Visa (short-term employment), Digital Nomad Visa (for remote workers)

6. Ireland

With a booming economy, Ireland is opening its doors to international professionals.

Jobs in demand: Nurses, Chefs, Childcare Workers, Data Scientists
Visa Programs: Critical Skills Employment Permit, General Employment Permit

7. Japan

Japan is overhauling its immigration system to welcome more foreign talent.

Hiring for: Caregivers, Factory Operators, IT Engineers, English Instructors
Visa Options: Specified Skilled Worker (SSW), Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa

8. Germany

Germany is making migration easier with a points-based system and international partnerships.

Top roles: Mechatronics Engineers, Technicians, Healthcare Workers, IT Specialists
Visa Type: Opportunity Card – a new system designed to simplify skilled migration
Knowing basic German is a plus; apply via the official Make it in Germany portal.

9. Canada

Canada remains one of the most immigrant-friendly countries, actively recruiting in multiple sectors.

In-demand jobs: Nurses, Truck Drivers, Welders, Software Engineers
Visa Options: Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), International Mobility Program (IMP)
Workers can switch jobs immediately after filing a new permit—no need to wait for approval.

10. Australia

Australia tops the list, thanks to booming demand in infrastructure and tech.

Top jobs: Construction Managers, Electricians, Cybersecurity Analysts, Aged Care Workers
Visa Route: Skills in Demand Visa, launched in December 2024, targets essential trades and high-growth fields
Apply early due to processing delays. Visit Home Affairs Australia and ensure your job title aligns with the official ANZSCO codes.