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FG introduces ‘Brown Card’ for permanent residency

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The Federal Government has introduced the ‘Brown Card’, a new legal instrument for permanent residency for eligible foreign nationals.

This was as it conferred Nigerian Citizenship on 385 deserving adult foreign nationals from different countries.

In his remarks at the conferment ceremony which held at the Nigeria Correctional Service Headquarters, the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, announced the arrival of Nigeria’s Brown Card after the approval of President Muhammadu Buhari and the Federal Executive Council.

“I am happy to announce the Brown Card, as the legal instrument to Permanent Residency. The Minister of Interior is now invested with the authority to confer Permanent Residency on non- Nigerian persons, enabling such beneficiaries to live and work in Nigeria without the requirement of renewal every five years, as was the case.

“The legal instrument that would confer this newly created status is to be called the Brown Card. Those who are qualified for this new instrument of Permanent Residency are as follows: Foreign nationals of African descent who desire to make Nigeria their homeland through the ‘Privilege of Return’; Foreign nationals who desire to invest in Nigeria in line with established guidelines; Foreign nationals who had demonstrated exceptional talents, knowledge and skills in rare fields of Science, Technology, Medicine, Engineering, the Arts, Sports and other areas as might be determined from time to time; and Male foreign nationals married to Nigerian women for a minimum period of one year,” the Minister revealed.

Presenting all deserving foreign nationals to President Buhari for conferment of Nigeria citizenship, Aregbesola asserted that foreigners striving to become Nigerian citizens in their numbers, is an indication that the ongoing efforts of the Federal Government to make Nigeria a destination for investment and peaceful coexistence is yielding good fruits.

He said; “I need to state that the acquisition of the Nigerian citizenship is a great privilege and not everyone that applies becomes successful. However, that we have a high number of foreigners willing to become Nigerians is an indication that the ongoing efforts of the Federal Government to make Nigeria a destination for investment and peaceful coexistence is beginning to yield good fruits as we continue to welcome foreigners to do business here who, after interacting with us, are now desirous of becoming one of us”.

The Minister further noted that so far, the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration has produced the largest number of foreigners who have been conferred Nigerian Citizenship through naturalization or registration.

“In 2017, 335 people took up Nigerian citizenship. But last year, 286 foreigners and today at this ceremony, 385, making a total of 1,006 who have acquired Nigerian citizenship.”

Aregbesola however reminded the new citizens that they will be required to make the best contribution ever to the development of Nigeria in every area, including the defence of her territorial integrity (if need be) and promotion of the welfare of the people.

In his Vote of Thanks, the MD, Setraco Nigeria Limited, Ziad Mouannes who spoke on behalf of the new citizens, appreciated the Federal Government for an opportunity to be conferred citizens of the country.

He pledged that the new Nigerians will live peacefully as law abiding citizens, who would make efforts to contribute positively towards the growth and development of the country.

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Eriscofood to sue customer for N5 billion over defamation post

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Eriscofoods is gearing up to take legal action against Chioma Egodi, over “defamatory content” about the company.

They plan to sue her for a substantial sum of N5 billion.

Eric Umeofia, Eriscofoods’ founder and President, revealed this during an interview with Arise News on Thursday.

Their decision to pursue this lawsuit is rooted in Chioma’s failure to issue a public apology on social media, thereby harming the company’s reputation, an agreement he claims was reached by both parties.

Umeofia emphasized the significant challenges Eriscofoods faced due to these “baseless accusations” and underscored the importance of receiving a public apology.

He stated, We will be suing her for N5 billion. I have a credit line of $15 million from two customers that is now suspended by a Chinese company. They claim that I may not be able to repay the credit they extended to me. So, I am suing her for not posting the apology letter. If she refuses to comply, we will meet in court.”

Umeofia expressed his frustration, asserting that Chioma had never been a customer of Eriscofoods and challenging her unsubstantiated claims.

He recounted how he sought the help of the Inspector General of Police to locate Chioma, leading to a meeting with her and her family.

She eventually admitted to wrongdoing and offered a written apology, although Umeofia did not have a copy at the time.

In a heated address, Umeofia highlighted the challenges his company faced, including stiff competition and unwarranted criticism.

He criticized the situation where smaller entities could oppress larger ones without repercussions, lamenting the lack of support for larger companies.

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Independence Day: FG declares next week Monday public holiday

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The Federal Government has declared Monday, October 2 as a public holiday in commemoration of the 63rd independence celebration.

Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, announced this on behalf of the government in Abuja.

Also, he congratulated all Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora on the occasion.

He pledged the government’s unwavering dedication to addressing the country’s ongoing challenges.

It is today a known fact that difficult Socio-Economic and Security challenges are global, and Nigeria is not isolated,” the Minister said in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Dr. Oluwatoyin Akinlade.

He also stated that;“Our warm welcoming spirit and love as well as our unbounded human capital and the richness of our land makes Nigeria unarguably the leading black Nation in the World being Africa’s pride and beacon of hope for the Renewed Hope of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR

“While wishing the citizens a memorable independence celebration, the Minister recalled that our founding fathers, despite the differences in faith, tribe, and tongue, came together for Nigeria’s freedom which we enjoy today.

“The Minister assured that this Administration through the Renew Hope Agenda will ensure a better Nigeria for all citizens, as a befitting tribute to our heroes past”, the statement added.

Tunji-Ojo said the greatness ahead of the country was achievable if all citizens worked together in unity.

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NIMET warns of 48-hour heavy rainfall across 24 states

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The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has issued a notice to residents in various states, including the Federal Capital Territory, Edo, Kwara, and 22 other states, warning of 48 hours of heavy rainfall set to commence on Thursday.

In their weekly heavy rainfall forecast report released on Wednesday, the agency also alerted residents to the likelihood of flash floods in these areas.

The affected states are Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Plateau, Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, Kaduna, Niger, Nasarawa, Kogi, Enugu, Delta, Bayelsa, Abia, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ebonyi, Kwara, and Benue.

According to the bulletin,“Moderate to heavy rainfall is anticipated between Thursday, September 28th, and Friday, September 29th, 2023, in parts of Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Plateau, Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, Kaduna, Niger, Nasarawa, Kogi, Enugu, Edo, Delta, and Bayelsa.”

“Abia, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ebonyi, Kwara, Benue State, and the Federal Capital Territory.”

NiMet, in its advisory, cautioned that other regions of the country would experience light to moderate rainfall. Regarding the expected impact of the rains, NiMet warned that “the anticipated moderate to heavy rainfall could lead to flash flooding in the affected areas.”

The agency also noted that strong winds would accompany the rains, with the most powerful winds expected in parts of Adamawa, Borno, Gombe, Bauchi, Yobe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi State.

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Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.

She has widespread experiences across different professions and skills, which includes experiences in; Marketing, Media, Broadcasting, Brand and Event Management, Administration and Management with prior stints at MTN, NAPIMS-NNPC, GLOBAL FLEET OIL AND GAS, LTV, Silverbird and a host of others

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