The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • United States raises non-immigrant visa fees

    United States raises non-immigrant visa fees

    A FINAL Rule regarding increases to certain non-immigrant visa application (NIV) processing fees and the Border Crossing Card (BCC) has been published.

    For now, it is applicable to Mexicans age 15 and above, the United States (U.S.) Department of State said.

    According to a statement by the American Embassy in Abuja, these increases were published in the Federal Register on Tuesday and became effective from today.

    A source contacted at the American Consulate in Lagos could not clarify whether the new rule will apply to Nigerian travellers.

    The source confirmed that the announcement came from the State Department.

    The fee for visitor visas for business or tourism (B1/B2s and BCCs), and other non-petition based NIVs such as student and exchange visitor visas, will increase from $160 to $185, the statement indicated.

    It also reads: “The fee for certain petition-based nonimmigrant visas for temporary workers (H, L, O, P, Q, and R categories) will increase from $190 to $205.

    “The fee for a treaty trader, treaty investor, and treaty applicants in a specialty occupation (E category) will increase from $205 to $315.”

    NIV fees are set based on the actual cost of providing NIV services and are determined after conducting a study of the cost of these services.

    It said: “The department uses an Activity-Based Costing (ABC) methodology to calculate, annually, the cost of providing consular services, including visa services.

    “The fees for most non-petition based NIVs were last updated in 2012, and certain other NIV fees were last updated in 2014.”

    Other consular fees, according to the statement, are not affected by this rule, including the waiver of the two-year residency required fee for certain exchange visitors.

    It stated that visas for work and tourism are essential to President Biden’s foreign policy, “and we recognise the critical role international travel plays in the U.S. economy”.

    Fee information can be found on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, travel.state.gov, and on the websites of U.S. embassies and consulates.

    The Department of State restated its commitment to facilitating legitimate travel to the U.S. both immigrant and non-immigrant travellers.

  • Satisfaction in Christ Alone (4)

    Satisfaction in Christ Alone (4)

    • Text: “The woman then left her water pot…..and saith to the men, Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did…” (John 4:28-29)

    By Venerable Henry O. Adelegan

    The Samaritan woman in the passage of our text lived a life which was engrossed in gross dissatisfaction. When she had an encounter with Jesus Christ however, her eyes of understanding were enlightened, she dropped her water pot, went into town proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ and consequently won many souls to Christ – she became a great Evangelist! Beloved, you need to surrender your life, family, ministry and assignments to Jesus Christ today. When you surrender to Him, He would satisfy you with His mercy, as He did for the woman with the water pot and gave her a new beginning. In Psalms 90:14, the Psalmist said that, “O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days”. Unstoppable and everlasting happiness is a mirage without His mercy. When God intervenes for you with His mercy, He cancels whatever judgment that had been placed on your life and eternal happiness shall become your testimony (James 2:13). When God satisfies you, whatever judgment or embargo placed on your family line shall be stopped with your generation and you shall effortlessly get to the zenith of your commission. 

    Besides that, whenever Jesus Christ steps in, He satisfies with His favor. Deuteronomy 33:23 says that, “And of Naphtali he said, O Naphtali, satisfied with favour, and full with the blessing of the Lord: possess thou the west and the south”. When you are satisfied with favour, your capacity for lift up shall be elevated, laws and rules shall be suspended for your lift up, your level of operation and testimonies shall be expanded and you shall be elevated beyond your level of competence. When God satisfies with favour, He reverses status quo as He did with Moses, Esther, Daniel and Joseph. Not only that, He said in Job 38:25-27 that, “God satisfies the desolate and waste ground and causes the bud of the tender herb to spring forth.” In other words, when God satisfies you, He releases greatness on you and the position you never imagined or dreamt about shall be vacated for you. The Prophet Samuels of this world shall be sent to look for you. They will disqualify others to qualify you and shall refuse to sit down until your arrival for anointing.

    In addition to divine favour, God also satisfies with goodness (Jeremiah 31:14). When you are satisfied with His goodness, everything that is good shall locate you and follow you all the days of your life and wherever you turn to (Psalm 23:6 cf Deut. 28:6). The Psalmist while highlighting the goodness of God in Psalm 107:8,9 spoke very eloquently about God’s works of wonders to human creation and that He must be hallowed for His mission of satisfaction and His commission to give as many that came to Him the grace to live their lives to the fullest (John 4:37). The Psalmist said that, “Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness”. From this passage, the Psalmist said that the celebration of His goodness is not predicated only that He satisfied the longing soul but that He is still in the business of satisfying of longing souls. This is sufficient to state that His willingness and capacity to satisfy is the same as it was yesterday, today and forever (Heb. 13:8). It also confirms the fact that all powers belong to Him (Psalm 62:11) and that, He can qualify the unqualified and make a way where there was none.

    By His grace and divine intervention, you shall get a decent job, even in a season of economic recessions such that “when men are chorusing a cast down, you will have a testimony of lifting up” (Job 22:29). God will bless you with a good husband, He will decorate your life with a good wife, build you a house of your own, give you good cars for easy movement and enlarge your family with very good children etc. It doesn’t matter what is going on in the world, if you decide to obey divine instruction, God will position your Joseph at His Goshen (Gen. 47:27) and your Isaac shall be domiciled at His Gerar (Gen. 26:1-13). In Isaiah 58:11, God had promised that, “I shall satisfy your soul in time of famine and make fat your bones: and you shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not”. The Psalmist said in Psalms 37:19 that, “They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.” Joel 2:26 says that, “you shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied”.

    Please return to God today, surrender your life to Him during this Lenten season, drop your water pot of sin and carnality, and ask Him to take full charge of your life and allow Him take over the driving seat of your life while you sit beside Him. As He lives, your life will not be the same again and you shall continue to live in the satisfaction that is only available in Him, in the name of Jesus

    Prayer: Lord, take the water pot of sin and flesh from me. Please take me from where I am to where you had destined for me in the name of Jesus.

  • Elections credible, fairly conducted, says Adeyeye

    Elections credible, fairly conducted, says Adeyeye

    National Coordinator of South West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA) Senator Dayo Adeyeye has rated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) above average in the conduct of the general election.

    Adeyeye recommended the commission for commendation for conducting a free and fair Presidential/National Assembly and Governorship/State Assembly polls between February 25 and March 18.

    According to him, the opposition erred by taking delay in uploading election results on the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV) for discrepancies.

    He said INEC, rather than being criticised, should be commended.

    Adeyeye said the opposition was creating a wrong impression that the election was flawed because results were not uploaded on IReV.

    He said that those doubting the credibility of the polls were out to plunge throw the country into chaos and anarchy.

    Speaking in a chat on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, Adeyeye said: “We have to change the narrative that the presidential election was manipulated. Tinubu did not win one per cent of southeastern votes. INEC conducted a free and fair election.

    “The commission cannot be blamed for pockets of violence which ensued. The BVAS worked very well. This is the best election in Nigeria’s history. Those who have contrary opinion should go to court and prove that the election was manipulated. I am confident that the election will be validated by the court.”

  • Exhibition to expand into 4th show hall

    Exhibition to expand into 4th show hall

    Food & Beverage West Africa, the continent’s largest food and drink trade exhibition, is set to expand into new space at the Landmark Centre in June.

    The trade show is due to run from June 13 to 15 and will see exhibitors from more than 30 countries. Among 10 country pavilions will be new pavilions featuring foods, drinks, equipment and services from India, Dubai, the capital of United Arab Emirate and Russia, while United Nation’s International Trade Centre (ITC) organisation will send a delegation of West African producers, including delegates from Gambia and Liberia. Indonesia will also send a delegation.

    Food & Beverage West Africa is organised by BtoB Events, which has become Africa’s largest trade event organiser with an expanding exhibition portfolio in Nigeria. Its Managing Director, Jamie Hill, is delighted to see demand growing for more exhibition space.

  • Akeredolu, others to inaugurate hospital

    Akeredolu, others to inaugurate hospital

    ONDO State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, Minister of State for Transportation, Ademola Adegoroye, and monarchs will, on Saturday, inaugurate  the 50-bed Deborah Multi-Special Hospital and Diagnostic Centre at KM 5 Akure-Owo road, Oba-Ile, Akure.

    The centre said Akeredolu is special guest while Gbadegesin Ogunoye 111, Olowo of Owo, and Agunbiade Otutubiosun 111, Oloba of Oba-Ile are fathers of the day.

    Founder, Chief Remilekun Ibidapo, said she was motivated to contribute to health care following ’’my passion as American trained nurse in New Jersey…” Mrs Ibidapo said.

    Chairman, Prince Rotimi Ibidapo, said the hospital is equipped with modern facilities with best consultants, insisting Nigerians will enjoy best of treatment at the centre.

    He said the centre has a good partnership with hospitals in America and Europe.

  • ‘Nigeria blessed to have Tinubu’

    ‘Nigeria blessed to have Tinubu’

    Plateau South Senator, Prof. Nora Daduut, has congratulated the president-elect, Bola Tinubu, on his 71st birthday.

    She described him as a versatile and dynamic leader.

    In a statement, Senator Daduut said: “On this occasion of your 71th birthday, I salute your efforts and dedication to nation-building.

    “I celebrate our president-elect, Bola Tinubu, on his 71st birthday. Tinubu has proved  to be an uncommon democrat.”

    Daduut explained that under a Tinubu-led administration, the country would witness good governance.

    She further said the country is blessed to have Tinubu as the next elected president because he would propel the country to greater heights.

    She also lauded the incoming Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her support to her husband.

  • ‘Tinubu is a game-changer’

    ‘Tinubu is a game-changer’

    NATIONAL Coalition of All Support Group has described the president-elect, Bola Tinubu, as a game-changer who can  change our dreary  fortunes.

    It spoke after a meeting by delegates in Ikeja.

    A communique signed by Director-General, Akintola Oluwasayo, said Tinubu is qualified to lead the country.

    The group praised those who worked for the victory of Tinubu and his deputy, Kashim Shettima.

    Deputy Contact and Mobilisation Director in Southeast, Anyaehie Simeon, thanked Nigerians for voting for the Tinubu-Shettima ticket.

    Simeon, who is from Imo State, praised northern governors, ‘who stood by the fairness and equity to ensure return of power to South’.

    “It will be inappropriate for people to use what happened in some states during the governorship to judge the presidential election which the European Union and other observers accepted as most peaceful since inception of democracy in Nigeria.”

  • Deceased’s families get insurance benefits

    Deceased’s families get insurance benefits

    Lagos State has paid N189, 613 million as insurance death benefits to 97 families of deceased workers of local government and State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB).

    This brings to N2,744,019 Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration has paid for 1,802 deceased workers of SUBEB and council in the last four years.

    Special Adviser on Local Government and Community Affairs, Bolaji Robert, presenting the benefits, stressed the state’s commitment to workers’ welfare.

    Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolanriwa, urged beneficiaries to use the money well.

    “It is my prayer you prosper with whatever you invest these benefits into and Lagos State continues to prosper and lead among others,” she said.

    The insurance benefits were processed by LASACO Assurance and Haggai Insurance.

    Beneficiaries thanked Sanwo-Olu for keeping his promise of ensuring prompt payment of benefits.

  • Fed Govt begins e-registration of medical laboratories

    Fed Govt begins e-registration of medical laboratories

    Federal Government, through Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), has announced commencement of online registration of medical laboratories.

    It urged stakeholders to use the opportunities offered by the framework to enhance service delivery.

    Council’s Registrar and Chief Executive Office, Dr Tosan Erhabor, noted this would scale up efficiency, effectiveness, transparency, service delivery, as well as data collation and management.

    Speaking with stakeholders, and consultants, led by Prof E. Akpan of University of Calabar, in Abuja, the registrar noted that the meeting was to enable stakeholders witness ongoing digitalisation of the  registration process.

    Erhabor said: “Despite its meagre resources, MLSCN has transformed other processes: Licensure, Examination, Indexing, Accreditation, and External Quality Assurance (EQA) etc…

    “I’m pleased to note automation has raised our profile, and we must commend the consultants for a job well done. Henceforth, stakeholders would not have to come to headquarters to register their facilities.”

    Urging medical laboratory proprietors to continue working with the council to enhance service delivery, he hoped proprietors would register their laboratories seamlessly without visiting headquarters in Abuja.

    Responding, lead consultant hailed the council for scaling up manual processes into the digital environment to enhance service. “My team and I are proud to be associated with MLSCN and we encourage other agencies to emulate you,” he said, expressing confidence stakeholders would also be proud of the council’s efforts.

  • Bayern join big scramble for Osimhen

    Bayern join big scramble for Osimhen

    Bayern Munich has joined the league of top European teams jostling for the signature of Victor Osimhen as the German Bundesliga champion is ready to break banks for the Nigerian.

    Osimhen has been on the radar of Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid in recent times following his goal scoring form in the Serie A which has aided Napoli in their run for their first title in 30 years this season.

    The Nigerian is being touted as one of the best strikers in the world, known for his speed, clinical finishing and athleticism. In his 23 appearances in the Serie A this season, Osimhen has netted 21 goals with Napoli leading by 15 points in the Serie A with just five wins from claiming their first title since 1990.

    According to Tuttosport, Bayern Munich have shown strong interest in Osimhen.

    “Bayern Munich is in very strong pressure on the Nigerian striker, willing to go crazy. With the Bavarian club there is a more than open discussion on a monstrous figure of 120 million plus bonuses Impossible to resist, “the paper wrote.

    Also, Chelsea are making frantic efforts to beat others to the signature of the Nigerian who has been considered as the right plug-in for the Blues in their quest to end their scoring form in the EPL.

    Manchester United are also not giving up on Osimhen as the striker remains a priority signee for the EPL giant.

    Meanwhile, Napoli are not ready for Osimhen’s possible exit in the summer following the interest from big clubs in Europe.

    The Serie A side are working on the possible replacement of the Serie A top scorer, with the duo of Rasmus Hojlund and Victor Boniface in the race to step into the shoes of the Nigerian