News
US Govt announces opening of Visa Lottery application, bars Nigeria
US Govt announces opening of Visa Lottery application, bars Nigeria
The United States has opened application for its 2025 Diversity Visa Programme, the popularly known as visa lottery. In a statement published on its website and obtained by Legit.ng, US department said application will close on Tuesday, November 7, 2023.
The statement reads:
“The online registration period for the DV-2025 Program begins on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at 12:00 noon, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (GMT-4) and concludes on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at 12:00 noon, Eastern Standard Time (EST) (GMT-5).
“It is free but Submission of more than one entry for a person during the registration period will disqualify all entries for that person.”
Nigeria barred from US visa lottery 2024
While nationals from 53 African countries are qualified to apply, Nigerians are once again barred. The U.S. Department of State, in a 21-page document said:
“In Africa, natives of Nigeria are not eligible for this year’s Diversity Visa program.” The document also revealed that 21 countries are not qualified for the US visa lottery including Nigeria over high rates of immigration.
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The statement continues:
“For DV-2024, natives of the following countries and areas are not eligible to apply because more than 50,000 natives of these countries immigrated to the United States in the previous five years: Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China (including Hong Kong SAR), Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Republic of Korea (South Korea), United Kingdom (except Northern Ireland) and its dependent territories, Venezuela, and Vietnam. Natives of Macau SAR and Taiwan are eligible.”
Other options for Nigerians
US government states clearly that to apply one must be born from an eligible country regardless of present country of residence.
This move has left many Nigerians seeking U.S. immigrant visas with limited options.
For those in Nigeria still wishing to apply, there are two options are available, provided certain conditions are met.
The first option allows applicants to claim chargeability to the country of birth of their derivative spouse, assuming that the spouse was born in an eligible country.
Other options for Nigerians
US government states clearly that to apply one must be born from an eligible country regardless of present country of residence.
This move has left many Nigerians seeking U.S. immigrant visas with limited options.
For those in Nigeria still wishing to apply, there are two options are available, provided certain conditions are met.
The first option allows applicants to claim chargeability to the country of birth of their derivative spouse, assuming that the spouse was born in an eligible country.
Under this scenario, eligibility is contingent upon the spouse also being eligible for and issued an immigrant visa.
Furthermore, both the applicant and their spouse must enter the United States together, using their Diversity Visas (DVs). This provision extends to minor dependent children, who can be “charged” to a parent’s country of birth.
The second option permits individuals to be “charged” to the country of birth of either of their parents, as long as neither parent was born in or was a resident of the applicant’s country of birth at the time of their birth.
The document added: “Applicants who choose to claim alternate chargeability through either of these options must provide a detailed explanation on the E-DV Entry Form, particularly in question 6.
“It’s crucial to ensure accurate information is provided, as listing an incorrect country of eligibility or chargeability, to which a valid claim cannot be established, will result in ineligibility for a Diversity Visa.”
To apply if qualified use this link.
News
Tinubu jets out to France on three-day visit
Tinubu jets out to France on three-day visit
President Bola Tinubu will travel to France today (Wednesday) for a three-day state visit at the instance of the French president.
A statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this.
It said, “The Nigerian leader’s three-day visit, which will focus on strengthening political, economic, and cultural relations and establishing more opportunities for partnership, particularly in agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement and employment, innovation, and energy transition, promises significant benefits for Nigeria.”
Onanuga said Tinubu and Macron would harmonise positions on stimulating more interest in exchange programmes that focus on skill development for youths and improving their competencies in automation, entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership.
“Both leaders will participate in political and diplomatic meetings highlighting shared values on finance, solid minerals, trade and investments, and communication,” he added.
“They will also witness a session by the France-Nigeria Business Council, which oversees private sector participation in economic development.”
The presidential adviser stated that the Nigerian first lady and her French counterpart would discuss solutions for empowering women, children, and the most vulnerable through the Renewed Hope initiative.
News
Yahaya Bello reports to EFCC office with lawyers
Yahaya Bello reports to EFCC office with lawyers
A former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, on Tuesday visited the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to honour another invitation extended to him over alleged misappropriation of funds.
Bello went to the anti-graft office with his lawyers in the morning.
The ex-Kogi governor reportedly drove himself to the EFCC’s office in a black Toyota Hilux van with some lawyers.
He was said to have been taken by some operatives of the agency and are currently being grilled.
This is coming after the Supreme Court judgment which dismissed a suit brought by some state governments challenging the constitutionality of the agency.
The EFCC at the last hearing on November 14, sought the adjournment till November 27 in the fresh case it instituted against Bello.
It stated that the 30-day window was still running for the summons earlier issued.
News
Just in: Ebonyi governor suspends two commissioners, Perm Sec for misconduct
Just in: Ebonyi governor suspends two commissioners, Perm Sec for misconduct
Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has announced the immediate suspension of two commissioners with a permanent secretary among others for gross misconduct.
Those suspended are the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development Francis Ori, and the Commissioner for Health, Moses Ekuma, with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health.
The suspension followed an incident on Saturday night, when the governor reportedly visited the Ministry of Health’s premises and was said to have found six officials diverting government materials.
Others suspended for three months are the Executive Secretaries of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency and the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency
The suspension order was announced by the state Commissioner for Information, Jude Okpor, who cited alleged misconduct and dereliction of duties as the reasons for the disciplinary actions.
Okpor made the disclosure on Tuesday during a press briefing on the outcomes of the State Executive Council meeting held on Monday at the New Government House in Abakaliki, the state capital.
“Following cases of gross misconduct and dereliction of duties by some government officials and matters related thereto, the Chairman of Council directed the indefinite suspension of the Honourable Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development and three months suspension of the Honourable Commissioner for Health, respectively
“In view of the development, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Primary Health was directed to take charge of the ministry in the absence of the suspended commissioner.
Governor Nwifuru directed the suspended government officials to hand over all government properties in their possession including vehicles to the Secretary to the State Government.
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