News
Intending Migrants Told A Dash into Unknown Territory Spells Doom
Intending Migrants Told A Dash into Unknown Territory Spells Doom
By: Michael Mike
Nigerians have been advised to take time out to learn about the country they may be planning to migrate to as a dash into an unknown territory could spell doom and further set the migrant back.
Legal migration pathway was at the front burner of discussion at the two days seminar organised by European Union (EU) in collaboration with International and Ibero-American Foundation for Administration and Public Policies (FIIAPP) to curb the excesses of irregular migration as well as orientate those who have intention of migrating to Europe.
The resource person at the seminar , Comrade Ositadinmma Osemene said: “For someone to migrate legally, you need to know and understand the principle and regulations of the country you want go to, as we all know that different country have different policies and guidelines that guide the migrant. So If you are migrating, first things you should have in mind is the migration policy of the country you’re going and the directives.
“Like EU they have seven directives pathway policies that covered EU countries and the opportunities that migrant can tap into which will give them guarantee of living in any of EU countries.”
He added that: “If you understand over the period of years, we have been talking about issues of irregular migration, Human Trafficking Prevention people have been campaigning and yet you will see increase in irregular migration, people still embark on dangerous journey, people still acquire fake documents, people still get deceived by traveling agents instead of giving them visa for stay, they give them visa for visiting or tourist. So you will now find out that there is a vacuum in providing the real information about what you need to know before you can acquire this and travel to these countries.
“And these things you need to know are to be provided by the countries that you are going to, not by Nigeria, or not by the third countries, as being pronounced by EU countries. So the EU countries now have come up with this programme, a seminar on legal pathway to regular migration. And they have come up by giving us and providing us the general framework and also providing us with the directives, these directives are those requirements, those policies, those articles that you need to look at what is involved.”
Osemewe further explained the need to follow these seven pathways as it applies to the migrant. And they are, family reunification, employment as seasonal workers, intra cooperative transfer, au pairs, long term mobility permit, single permit and researcher/student directives.
He added that: “Even though you are a regular migrant there are criteria you will need to meet up with either you want to extend your stay or apply for any of these legal migration pathway. The benefit of this to the society at large is that, if you are willing or going to “JAPPA” you will be well informed, it will also enable you to follow the right way as the case may be”.
The seminar which includes twenty five selected members of the civil society organisations (CSOs) in all six geo political zone in Nigeria in partnership with FIIAPP are given mandates to disseminate this information to the grassroot and is expected to yield positive impacts.
The objective of the seminar is to concentrate on stepping it down to the local community, so that everyone will be aware of the danger of irregular migration and the opportunities that are available in case you are planning to travel to any of EU countries.
One of the participants , Mr Samuel Orovwuje, who spoke to journalists, said that: “One of the challenges in migration and development is that people don’t have sufficient information that will prepare them to use the normal channel. So, this opportunity of migrants save for legal migration is a welcome development and we think we can exploit this opportunity to improve on migration to Europe, particularly the European Union.
“But what is key from this seminar is that you have legal migration pathway that helps you to properly migrate to Europe, and that we have to reduce the negative impacts of irregular migration”.
An expert migration matters, Dr Tola Winjobi, in a comment, said government needs to pay a major role to dissuade members of the public from irregular migration.
Intending Migrants Told A Dash into Unknown Territory Spells Doom
News
Transcorp Hilton Abuja Curates All-Inclusive Valentine Weekend Experience
Transcorp Hilton Abuja Curates All-Inclusive Valentine Weekend Experience
By: Michael Mike
As Valentine’s Day approaches, Transcorp Hilton Abuja is set to transform into one of the capital’s premier destinations for romance and social experiences, unveiling an all-inclusive lineup of activities designed for both couples and singles.

This was disclosed in a statement issued at the weekend by the hotel’s Communications and Marketing Manager, Ms Ijeoma Osuji, who said the iconic hospitality brand will host a three-day “Valentine Weekend Package” from February 13 to 15.
According to the statement, the experience is designed to cater to a wide range of guests, from long-term couples seeking a romantic getaway to individuals looking to connect and celebrate the season of love in a vibrant social setting.
For visitors seeking a complete escape, the hotel is offering a bespoke room package that combines luxury accommodation with carefully curated romantic add-ons, promising a serene retreat from the city’s bustle alongside world-class hospitality.
The weekend programme features a diverse mix of entertainment and lifestyle experiences. Among the highlights is the “Signature Couples Event,” a grand and intimate gathering featuring a specially curated Valentine menu, games, music, and comedy performances.
Guests can also look forward to “A Night of Humour,” a comedy showcase featuring top-tier entertainers, aand“Theatre Magic on Stage,” a specially curated romantic stage play designed to engage audiences through powerful storytelling and emotional connection.
For culinary enthusiasts, the hotel will host Dual Restaurant Experiences, with its signature outlets; Zuma Grill and Bukka Restaurant, offering exclusive Valentine-themed dining packages tailored to diverse tastes.
Breaking away from the traditional focus on couples, the hotel is also introducing a Poolside Party for Singles, providing a chic, lively atmosphere for Abuja’s social crowd to mingle under the stars, accompanied by music and refreshing cocktails.
To help guests capture lasting memories, professional couples’ photography sessions will also be available, allowing visitors to document their special moments against the hotel’s scenic backdrops.
“We wanted to create a weekend that wasn’t just a meal, but a memory,” the hotel’s management said in the statement. “Whether it’s through laughter at our comedy special or a beautiful moment captured during a photo session, our goal is to celebrate love in all its forms.”
Reservations for the Valentine Weekend Package are now open, with organisers confident that guests will experience a memorable, immersive celebration at what remains one of Abuja’s most vibrant social hubs.
Transcorp Hilton Abuja Curates All-Inclusive Valentine Weekend Experience
News
APC E-Registration: Ambassador Jidda Leads Committee to Bama, Konduga to Strengthen Party Base
APC E-Registration: Ambassador Jidda Leads Committee to Bama, Konduga to Strengthen Party Base
By: Michael Mike
The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) E-Registration and Reconciliation Committee in Borno State, Ambassador Baba Ahmad Jidda has led a high-powered delegation on a working visit to Bama and Konduga Local Government Areas as part of efforts to deepen grassroots participation in the party’s ongoing electronic registration exercise.
The tour, aimed at monitoring progress and galvanising party members, brought the committee into direct engagement with local government officials, lawmakers, traditional institutions, and party executives across the two councils.

Members of the committee on the visit included Hon. Tijjani Umara Kumalia, Mohammed Makinta, Hon. Busami Ardoram, Hon. Babakura Shettima, Hon. Mohd Maina Tar, Hajiya Mairo Bunu Lawan, Alh. Zanna Mahdi, Alh. Yusuf Adamu, Barrister Ba’ande Imam, and the committee’s Secretary, Dr. Babakura Mamman Gadai.
In Bama, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Shehu of Bama, His Royal Highness Alhaji Dr. Shehu Umar Ibn Kyari, where Ambassador Jidda expressed appreciation for the traditional ruler’s support and the warm reception accorded the team. He described Bama as a community with which he shares deep personal and political ties.

Addressing party leaders and stakeholders at the Bama Government Lodge, Ambassador Jidda recalled the overwhelming support he received from the people of Bama during the 1999 governorship election, describing it as a testament to the area’s enduring commitment to progressive politics.
He reaffirmed that Borno remains a stronghold of the APC, noting that the party’s decisive victories in the 2023 general elections reflected unity, discipline, and effective leadership within the party. According to him, the leadership of Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, and Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, mni, has been instrumental in sustaining the party’s dominance and credibility in the state.
Ambassador Jidda emphasised that the ongoing e-registration exercise is a strategic political process that goes beyond record-keeping, explaining that it determines legitimate membership, internal participation, and eligibility for leadership and elective positions within the party.
Speaking on behalf of stakeholders in Bama, Hon. Aji Kolo Ali Gujja, the Matawali of Bama, urged party members to take full advantage of the exercise and ensure total participation. The Chairman of Bama Local Government Area, Hon. Babagana Bagados, also assured the committee of the council’s full support to guarantee a smooth and inclusive registration process.

In Konduga Local Government Area, the committee was received by the council chairman, Dr. Abba Saje Mohd Nur, the area’s representative in the Borno State House of Assembly, and the Executive Secretary of the Borno ICT Development Agency, Hon. Engr. Kabir Wanori, alongside other party stakeholders.
The delegation inspected the APC e-registration centre in the area and expressed satisfaction with the level of coordination and turnout recorded. Local party leaders pledged continued mobilisation to ensure that all eligible members are captured before the close of the exercise.
Ambassador Jidda described the extension of the e-registration exercise as a critical opportunity for APC members in Borno State to reaffirm their loyalty, unity, and numerical strength. He called on ward, local government, and zonal leaders, as well as youth and women groups, to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the February 8 deadline.
He assured party members of a transparent, inclusive, and credible process, urging all APC supporters to participate fully and contribute to strengthening the party’s structure from the grassroots level.
APC E-Registration: Ambassador Jidda Leads Committee to Bama, Konduga to Strengthen Party Base
News
200 vigilantes deployed from Nasarawa to bolster security in Ibbi, Niger state
200 vigilantes deployed from Nasarawa to bolster security in Ibbi, Niger state
By: Zagazola Makama
About 200 vigilante men from Nasarawa State have arrived in Ibbi, Niger State, to support local security agencies in maintaining law and order, the Niger State Police reported.
The vigilante were deployed at about 4:18 p.m. on Feb. 8 that the vigilantes were deployed in compliance with directives from the Executive Governor of Niger State.
The arrival of the additional security personnel aims to strengthen joint operations with local vigilantes and police to manage security challenges in Ibbi and its environs.
Monitoring of the situation is ongoing, and further developments will be communicated.
200 vigilantes deployed from Nasarawa to bolster security in Ibbi, Niger state
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