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Strengthening UK-Nigeria Relations: UKVI Global Director’s Official Visit to Nigeria
Strengthening UK-Nigeria Relations: UKVI Global Director’s Official Visit to Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The Director of United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI), Mr. Marc Owen was in Nigeria this week for his first official visit to the country in this role.
A statement on Thursday by the Senior Communications & Public Diplomacy Officer, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, British High Commission, Onyinye Madu said as one of UK’s largest visa markets, Nigeria remains pivotal to the UKVI’s global operations.
During his visit, Marc Owen engaged with key stakeholders in Abuja and Lagos and reiterated the UKVI’s dedication to fostering strong relationships and ensuring efficient, customer-focused visa services.
In Abuja, he met with Ambassador Asari E. Allotey, Director for Legal, Migration and Consular Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where he highlighted important UK visa developments including the global eVisa rollout and how to maintain the integrity of the UK’s immigration system.
He also met the Vital Registration and Digitisation Lead at the National Population Commission (NPC), Mr. Makama Taala as well as Dr. Penelope Miremba, Migration Health Officer at the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) where he emphasised the benefits to both UK and Nigeria of digitising records such as birth and death certificates and TB test certificates respectively, enhancing how records are stored, transmitted, and verified.
At the British Council office, the UKVI delegation toured the English language test centre, and engaged with a range of student councillors and UK university agents.
In Lagos, he met with stakeholders from the UK Joint Border Task Force (JBTF) and key business leaders. He also visited the newly inaugurated UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Ikeja, operated through the UK’s new commercial partner, VFS Global, to engage with teams on service delivery to ensure our services meet the highest standards of convenience and efficiency.
Throughout his time in Nigeria Marc also addressed the challenges posed by visa fraud and fake travel agents and cautioned visa applicants to be vigilant and reiterated the importance of using only official UKVI channels when applying for UK visas. This step is vital to safeguarding applicants and maintaining trust in the visa process. His visit marks a new chapter in UK-Nigeria collaboration, with promises of greater engagement and impactful outcomes.
Strengthening UK-Nigeria Relations: UKVI Global Director’s Official Visit to Nigeria
Buni commends Balarabe for his humanitarian contributions in Yobe
By: Yahaya Wakili
Yobe State Governor Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON, COMN, has commended the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Sologuru Nigeria Limited, Alhaji Abdullahi Balarabe DJ Nguru, for his extraordinary humanitarian contribution to the reconstruction and modernization of Rugar Balarabe in the Nguru local government area of Yobe State.
Governor Buni made the commendation in a letter of appreciation personally written by him to Balarabe DJ, saying, “Your selfless decision to transform the site of the burnt Fulani settlement into a state-of-the-art community is a landmark achievement in private philanthropy.”
According to Buni, the comprehensive nature of the facilities provided, including modern two-bedroom residences, a functional clinic, a community mosque, solar-powered boreholes, and full solar electrification for both houses and streets, is truly commendable.
“By donating these essential amenities entirely free of charge, you have not only restored the dignity of the displaced families but have also significantly advanced our administration’s rural revitalization agenda,” Buni said.
“Your forward-thinking approach to sustainable infrastructure sets a high standard for civic leadership in Yobe State, and I thank you for your unwavering patriotism and commitment to the welfare of our citizens.
He revealed that it is my hope that your generous spirit serves as an inspiration to others.
Buni commends Balarabe for his humanitarian contributions in Yobe
Troops neutralise 16 terrorists, recover cache in Borno ambush
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Joint Task Force North-East (JTF-NE) under Operation Hadin Kai and Operation Desert Sanity V have neutralised 16 suspected terrorists during an ambush in Borno State.
Zagazola learnt that the operation was carried out by troops of Sector 1 in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), Hybrid Forces and local hunters.
According to the sources, the ambush was sprung at about 8:10 p.m. on Sunday at Komala Exchange Point, following a failed attack on Auno and credible intelligence on the movement of the same terrorist logistics elements.
“The troops, working with CJTF and other local components, successfully neutralised 16 terrorists and recovered a cache of arms, ammunition and logistics items,” the source said.
Items recovered from the scene included 62 wrappers, 76 pairs of shoes and slippers, 18 bicycles, 275 sachets of detergent, 50 packs of sweets, assorted local fragrances, milk sachets, vaseline, washing soap, groundnuts, seasoning, fruit drinks, palm oil and groundnut oil, mats, spaghetti, thread, matches, cups and spoons, sieves, flour, salt, bicycle tyres and equipment, sugar, cosmetics, local herbs and a cooler, among other items.
The sources said the recovered items were believed to be logistics supplies meant to sustain terrorist elements operating in the area.
Troops neutralise 16 terrorists, recover cache in Borno ambush
Bandits injure four in Maradun, Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Four people have been injured following an armed bandits’ attack on Kaya Faru Village in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Sources said that the incident occurred on Feb. 10 at about 6:00 p.m.
According to the sources, the attackers shot and injured one Bello Yari and three others before fleeing to their hideouts.
“On receipt of the report, operatives visited the scene, and the injured victims were rushed to the General Hospital, Talata Mafara, for medical treatment,” the sources said.
Bandits injure four in Maradun, Zamfara
Buni commends Balarabe for his humanitarian contributions in Yobe
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Troops neutralise 16 terrorists, recover cache in Borno ambush
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