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Germany has launched an online portal for foreign workers seeking to relocate and work in the country to apply for an opportunity card.
The government of Germany on its official website disclosed that the initiative is part of efforts to address the country’s labour shortage with skilled foreign workers, just as it indicated that interested persons do not need to secure a job before applying but would find employment on arrival in Germany.
According to the notice, the opportunity card is aimed at attracting skilled workers from non-European Union (EU) countries.
“It is a type of residence permit that allows individuals from third countries—nations outside the EU—to enter Germany to seek employment.
“The opportunity card operates on a points-based system with the completion of a degree or at least two years of training recognised by the state of issuance as part of the prerequisites.
“German language proficiency of least level A1 or English proficiency at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Sufficient financial means to cover living expenses for the duration of the stay in Germany.
“The card is valid for up to one year and can be extended if the individual finds qualified employment, enabling them to obtain a subsequent residence permit for further job searching or employment,” it revealed.
The notice further said that applicants must have their professional qualifications recognised in Germany or their country of origin.
“While searching for jobs, opportunity card holders can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week and engage in trial jobs for up to two weeks to evaluate potential employment.
“Applicants for the Opportunity Card must visit Germany’s diplomatic missions in their country for visa applications,” it stated.
Two of Kwara State intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, Salihu Mohammed and Hawawu Mohammed, have died in Madina, Saudi Arabia.
This was disclosed by the Executive Eecretary, Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims’ Board, AbdulSalam AbdulKabir, in a statement on Sunday.
AbdulKabir said Saliu Mohammed died in an intensive care unit of a public hospital in Madina after sudden illness while Hawawu Mohammed died, “following what Saudi authorities have investigated and found to be an unfortunate suicidal episode from the rooftop of her apartment in Madina.”
“Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Board sends heartfelt commiserations to the families of two of our pilgrims who returned to their Lord in Madina, Saudi Arabia.
“Saliu Mohammed, who arrived with Batch 3 of the state contingent, died in an intensive care unit of a public hospital in Madina after suddenly falling ill; while Hajia Hawawu Mohammed (Batch 9) also died following what Saudi authorities have investigated and found to be an unfortunate suicidal episode from the rooftop of her apartment in Madina.
“The pilgrims’ board deeply regrets these sad events, but submits totally to the decree and ultimate knowledge of Allaah in all affairs.
“The board sends profound condolences to their families and asks Allaah to grant them comfort and forgive the deceased,”the statement said.
The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is carrying out a survey on eight areas capable of bringing possible changes to the Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) programme for international students.
These new reforms are being considered to align international students with labour market needs just as it would reduce the overall volume of PGWP holders, the official website of IRCC has revealed.
It also disclosed that these new changes to eligibility criteria are being considered to be implemented for international students already in Canada as well as future cohorts.
The PGWP programme has been an important component in attracting international students since it provides work opportunities after the completion of a study program.
Recall that Canada has made major changes to the program this year to crack down on abuse of the system but the new move based on the 8-point survey indicates that further refinement of this programme is under consideration.
Based on questions asked in the survey to colleges and universities, it looks like students would be required to complete programs that are associated with labour shortages and satisfy new language requirements in order to qualify for PGWP after completing their study.
This would suggest programs that are designed to satisfy the educational prerequisites of the positions that are anticipated to experience labour shortages in the future.
According to the official website, this initiative would suggest programmes that are designed to satisfy the educational prerequisites of the positions that are anticipated to experience labour shortages in the future, adding that study programmes would be classified in accordance with Canada’s national occupational classification (NOC).
One part of the survey suggestted that study programmes corresponding to occupations eligible for category-based selections in the Express Entry draw are more likely to be there.
The second question of the survey is anticipated to be aimed at deciding exemptions if new PGWP eligibility criteria are set, such as for students with a high level of French proficiency or certain degree programs.
Another condition being added to the PGWP eligibility criteria has it that students will have to submit proof of a job offer in order to continue working on PGWP. This seems not to be universal, but only for study programs that will be aligned with the occupational shortage list mentioned in the first question.
Similarly, labour market-based changes to PGWP eligibility could be announced this year and the immigration department is considering whether to exempt existing students or not while
the department is asking stakeholders to determine the frequency of revisions of occupations in demand and when they should be effective.
On another hand, a survey question is aimed at determining whether the new eligibility criteria for post graduation work permits will be able to retain students in the region or province of the educational institution for the long term while another aspect of the survey seems to ensure that students are set up for a pathway to permanent residency and are proactively aligned with the eligibility requirements of the provincial nominee program (PNP) of a particular province.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has vowed to sanction hoteliers across the country that harbour teenagers and underage girls in their facilities.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, read the riot acts on Saturday at the ‘Unlock Training and Grants’ ceremony held in Abuja.
The programme, where 200 young entrepreneurs received N100m, was organised by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education, Abiola Arogundade.
It could be recalled that in January 2023, some students of Federal Government College in Ijanikin, Lagos, were caught absconding from school to lodge female classmates in hotels for sexual romp.
The students, who were all boarders, were said to have on different occasions scaled the school’s fence with their female counterparts and stayed out of school for days.
Findings revealed that the students involved in the act were between the ages of 14 and 17.
In a similar vein, in April 2022, a video clip of a 15-year-old boy who was accosted while trying to lodge two girls and another guy in a hotel room went viral on social media.
The teenage schoolgirls, however, took to their heels when the voice behind the camera attempted to probe them on their mission.
But the Minister assured that it would no longer be business as usual just as she disclosed that hoteliers, especially in the Federal Capital Territory, have been directed to mount a signpost outside their hotels warning prospective clients to lodge any underage girls in their premises.
She also extended the riot acts to proprietors of schools across the country, warning that they should ensure that no student is allowed to be bullied by either teachers or students.
“Nigeria must be better. From 20th (June), we have directed hotels to put a sign outside from the Ministry of Women. No lodging of underage girls.
(Otherwise) what happened in Niger State will be an understatement of what will happen in the FCT and I mean it.
“No more lodging of underage girls and no more bullying in schools,” the Minister insisted.
She announced to journalists that the FG has commenced a probe into the distasteful viral clip of 10 Nigerian teenagers who were rescued from neighbòuring Ghana where they were trafficked for prostitution.
“Three of the victims, ages between 15 and 16, were said to be from the same parents.
They were reportedly beaten, molested and forced into prostitution without pay,” she added.
While explaining their plights, the Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said the girls were rescued after a tip-off by NIDO, the umbrella body of Nigerians living in Ghana.
Kennedy-Ohanenye, however, promised that the government would take decisive action on the matter next Monday.
“Women are suffering in this country. Today, we have talked about the need to allow the poor to breathe in this country.
“Meanwhile I am sure you saw the video circulating about our girls taken to Ghana. Did you see it? Very good. Action will start on Monday. You will hear about our action first thing on Monday morning. That is the first thing I am going to approach and see what we can do about it,” she fumed
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the final forfeiture of all assets of a private university to the Federal Government.
The institution, NOK University, is located in Kaduna State.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, in a judgment on Friday, held that the promoter of the university, Anthony Hassan failed to prove, with convincing evidence, that he did not acquire the assets with proceeds of crime.
Also to be forfeited by Hassan, a former Director of Finance and Accounts (DFA) in the Federal Ministry of Health, are three other investments – Gwasmyen Water Factory, Gwasmyen International Hotel and Gwasmyen Event Centre, all located in Kaduna.
The physical assets of the university forfeited include Senate building, ICT building, Faculty of Medicine building, Science Deanery building, two Academic buildings, a Faculty Hall and other buildings.
Justice Abdulmalik rejected the claim by Hassan and his company, KYC Inter-Project Limited that the school was built with funds sourced from other investors.
The judge also rejected the claim by one Barrister Victor Olisah that he owned the six plots of land on which Gwasmyen International Hotel was erected, on the grounds that he failed to establish his ownership of the land with credible evidence.
The judgment was on an application for final forfeiture brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to which the court had in 2022 granted an interim forfeiture order in respect of the assets.
Justice Abdulmalik held that the EFCC, through its lawyer, Ekele Iheanacho effectively established, with suffecient evidence, that Hassan acquired the said assets with proceeds of crime.
The judge held that Hassan and KYC failed woefully to show with cogent documentary event the financial trails of how they sourced funds to acquire the assets.
The EFCC had, in an affidavit supporting the application for final forfeiture, stated that its investigation showed that Hassan, who has always been a civil servant, used its position to confer undue advantage on himself.
The EFCC stated that Hassan, “who was a civil servant, rose through the ranks to become a Director in the Civil Service of the Federation.
“In the course of his career, he was posted to the Federal Ministry of Health from 2001 to 2008; Federal Ministry of Women Affairs from 2009 to 2015; Ministry of Niger Delta in 2015; Ministry of Youth and Sport Development from 2015 to 2016; Ministry of Health from 2016 to 2019; and Ministry of Works and Housing from 2019 to 2020.”
It added that Hassan “was the Director of the Finance & Accounts Department (DFA) in the Ministry of Health between 2016 and 2019 and was in charge of running the day to day activities of the Finance & Accounts Department of the Ministry.
“The first respondent (Hassan) is the owner of the NOK University Ltd (the university) Kachia, Kuduna State.
“The university was incorporated on 6th October, 2021 with the wife and children of the first respondent as the directors and guarantors of the university but without the first respondent’s name.
“Apart from the funds deposited to secure the bank guarantee of the university, the first respondent funded the acquisition of the land on which the University was built as well as the buildings and structures on it.
“The first respondent is also the owner of Gwasmyen International Hotel Events & Recreational Centre Ltd and Gwasmyen Water and Juice Company Nig. Ltd.
“While registering the Hotel with the Corporate Affairs Commission, he used his wife and son as the directors and shareholders of the companies.”
The European Commission has announced a 12% increase in Schengen visa fees for non-European Union countries which will increase from €80 to €90 for adults and €40 to €45 for children.
The Commission attributed the rise to inflation, with the fee adjustment following a 3-year review by the Commission, adding that the directive will take effect from the 11th of June.
The fee increase was proposed by the Commission on February 2, following a December meeting where member states overwhelmingly supported the revision.
Additionally, the Commission has suggested allowing external providers of Schengen visas to raise their fees following this revision.
Despite this hike, the Commission considers these fees “relatively low” compared to other countries, noting that visa costs start at €134 in the UK, around €185 in the US, and €117 in Australia.
The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has sworn in Mr. Olanrewaju Ogunyinka, Mr. Adekunle Oyesanwen, Engr. (Mrs.) Olanike Ogunbona and Mrs. Arinola Adetayo, as Permanent Secretaries into the state’s Civil Service.
Recall that the governor had earlier in April, approved the appointments of Mr. Oyesanwen, Engr. (Mrs.) Ogunbona and Mrs. Adetayo.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony at the Exco Chambers of the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun said the appointment was in recognition of their dedication, commitment, as well as exemplary service to the state and well-deserved.
Expressing confidence in their abilities to lead with integrity and vision, the state’s helmsman, pointed out that their role was pivotal as they are the accounting officers overseeing the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
He charged the new appointees to work in harmony with their Commissioners and other political appointees, just as he urged them to unite all departments in their various agencies to achieve the shared goals of building a better future for the state.
Abiodun, who noted that the state’s Civil Service is noted for its core values of integrity, discipline, loyalty and passion for excellence, stressed that his administration was committed to strengthening the public service by ensuring that the service remains efficient, transparent and accountable in executing government activities.
He pledged his administration’s commitment to public servants’ welfare and the development of all sectors of the economy, just as the Governor restated his determination to continue to create an ambiance for optimal development of the state,
The state’s helmsman advised friends, well-wishers and family members of the new appointees to create a conducive atmosphere that would enable them adhere to their oath of office and carry out the onerous task ahead without fear or favour.
Speaking during an interview, one of the new Permanent Secretaries, Mr. Ogunyinka, thanked Governor Abiodun for his appointment, promising to contribute his quota to the development of ‘ISEYA’ mantra of the present administration in the state.
Pan television service provider, Multichoice Nig. Ltd has been fined N150 million by the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT) for disobeying its order on subscription rates hike for DStv and Gotv packages.
The tribunal, sitting in Abuja, also ordered the PayTv operator to give a one-month free subscription to all its Nigerian subscribers on the DStv and Gotv platforms, for flouting its order.
The three-member tribunal chaired by Thomas Okosun in a ruling, found Multichoice culpable of contempt, by flouting its earlier order restraining the PayTv operator from implementing hike in its subscription rates for DStv and GOtv.
The three-member tribunal chaired by Thomas Okosun in a ruling, found Multichoice culpable of contempt, by flouting its earlier order restraining the PayTv operator from implementing hike in its subscription rates for DStv and GOtv.
The CCPT had, on April 29, restrained MultiChoice from increasing its tariffs and cost of products and services scheduled to begin on May 1.
The tribunal gave the interim order following an ex-parte motion moved by Ejiro Awaritoma, counsel for the applicant, Festus Onifade.
Onifade, a legal practitioner and subscriber had approached the tribunal contending that the 8-day notice given by Multichoice for a price hike was insufficient.
Respondents in the case were MultiChoice and Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
He urged the tribunal to restrain Multichoice from implementing the tariff hike from May 1 as planned, pending the hearing determination of the petition.
The tribunal granted the ex-parte motion of the applicant and stopped the PayTv operator from going ahead with the price increase in the interim.
However, in defiance of the tribunal’s order, MultiChoice hiked its subscription rates for DStv and Gotv packages on the scheduled date (May 1).
Following the price hike, Onifade, on May 7, commenced contempt proceedings against Mr Mohammed Sani, Manager of Abuja office of MultiChoice Nigeria Ltd, over alleged disobedience to the order made by the CCPT.
The Notice of Consequence of Disobedience to Order of Court (Form 48) marked: CCPT/OP/02/2024 dated and filed on May 7 by Onifade, warned Sani against disregard to the tribunal order.
MultiChoice, through its lawyer, Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, filed a preliminary objection praying the tribunal to decline jurisdiction in the suit.
Onigbanjo argued that such price dispute case had been decided before, in favour of his client.
Onifade, in his response, urged the tribunal to discountenance the company’s objection and direct it to pay the sum of N10 billion or any amount the panel might deem fit in the circumstance for deliberately disobeying and failure to comply with the interim order.
The lawyer argued that the issue he brought did not border on price regulation or increase.
He explained that what he placed before the court was whether the company gave adequate notice in respect of the May 1 subscription price increase.
“It is our submission that the 8-days notice issued by Multichoice Nigeria Ltd is insufficient in law.
“A monthly subscriber should be given at least a month,” he said, praying the tribunal to dismiss the preliminary objection for being a waste of time of the court
Delivering the ruling, the Thomas Okosun-led tribunal agreed with Onifade’s submission, prompting the panel to affirm its jurisdiction and rule against the company.
The tribunal subsequently fixed July 3 for hearing of the substantive suit of the claimant.
Northern senators and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) have rejected a bill seeking the establishment of ranching as the only viable alternative for cattle breeding in Nigeria.
The National Animal Husbandry and Ranches Commission establishment Bill scaled second reading on the floor of the Senate yesterday after an intense debate.
The bill aims to establish ranches for herders in their states of origin, replacing the current practice of open grazing.
If enacted, the commission would oversee the management, preservation and control of ranches nationwide.
Nigeria has struggled with herders-farmers conflicts for years, leading to losses of lives and property.
In his lead debate, the bill’s sponsor, Senator Titus Tartenger Zam (APC, Benue), said creating ranches in pastoralists’ states of origin would prevent conflicts and promote peaceful coexistence.
“The bill proposes that ranches be established in the pastoralists’ state of origin without forcing it upon other states or communities that do not have pastoralists as citizens.
“The bill proposes that interested parties in livestock business must seek and obtain approvals of their host communities to establish ranches for peaceful co-existence,” said the sponsor, Zam said.
He said banning open grazing through legislation would resolve the frequent clashes between farmers and herders.
He said the absence of a regulatory framework or legislation on pastoralism and livestock mobility had created a chaotic scenario of survival of the fittest between sedentary farmers and nomadic herders in Nigeria.
“Now is the time to bring a law to stop open grazing. It is old fashioned, hazardous, burdensome and must be discarded,” he said.
Before the bill scaled second reading, it had faced strong opposition from some northern senators, who insisted that herders should have the freedom to reside anywhere in Nigeria, as guaranteed by Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution.
Senator Adamu Aliero (PDP, Kebbi) maintained that confining herders to their states of origin violates their constitutional rights.
“This bill proposes that the pastoralists should be confined to their states of origin. This is against the constitution because they are Nigerians and should be allowed to move freely in Nigeria,” he said.
Aliero also said ranches should be established as private businesses that do not require the involvement of the federal government by establishing a commission.
He said the only reason he would support the bill was to expunge the provision restricting the ranches to the states of origin of herders.
Senator Mohammed Goje (APC, Gombe) described the bill as discriminatory, noting that cattle rearing is more prevalent in the North.
He emphasised that legislation should benefit the entire country, not just a specific region.
Senator Suleiman Abdulrahman Kawu (NNPP, Kano) also expressed concerns about the bill infringing on herders’ rights.
“The bill will even compound the problems of the herders and the farmers. You can’t propose a law to attend to a particular group or section of the country only. This bill is not holistic, and we will fight it till the end,” Kawu said
Senator Hussein Babangida Uba (Jigawa North-West), called for caution in passing the bill, given its trail of controversies in the past.
All Nigerians have right to live anywhere in the country– Barau
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin reiterated that all Nigerians have the constitutional right to live anywhere in the country.
He said asking herders to return to their states of origin was unconstitutional. He suggested the bill be revised to align with the constitution
Barau said, “There is a snag in this bill, there is a problem because you cannot stop any Nigerian from living in any area that he so wishes. Now, to tell them to move to their state of origin, where is their state of Origin?
“Mr President, I will tell you some of these Fulanis; if you ask them where is their states of origin, they have even forgotten; they look at themselves as Nigerians. We should address the issue to reflect wherever someone is, it’s his place, and he can do his business there.”
While urging that the bill be stepped down, he said: “I advise my friend Senator Zam to stand this bill down for a consultation, for better drafting, so that it goes in consonance with our constitution.”
However, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA, Abia) supported the bill as a potential solution to the farmers-herders clashes, but recommended constitutional and Land Use Act amendments for better land management.
Abaribe noted that while some herders were peaceful and engaged in legitimate animal business, there were also criminal elements sponsored to destabilise communities.
“Farmers are under threat, and what that has led to is the food crisis that we face in Nigeria today,” he added.
Senator Sunday Karimi (APC, Kogi) proposed that each state should establish ranches to address the national problem effectively.
“I appreciate my colleague for introducing this bill. This is a national problem, and we all know this. We can’t just sit and do nothing as responsible parliamentarians.
“All states must be ready to establish cattle ranches,” Karimi said.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio called for a public hearing to include input from all stakeholders, including cattle rearers and state governments.
He assured that efforts would be made to reach a consensus on the bill, including necessary amendments to the Land Use Act.
The bill was referred to the joint Senate Committee on Agriculture, Judiciary, and Legal Matters for further review, with a report due within four weeks.
MACBAN says bill driven by emotions
In an interview with Daily Trust yesterday, the Director of Strategic Planning of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Adamu Toro, called on the Senate to reject the bill promoting ranching as the primary method for cattle breeding.
MACBAN said the bill contradicts the constitution which allows Nigerians to reside and conduct business anywhere in the country.
Toro said the bill was driven by emotions rather than practicality. He suggested that state governments focus on addressing herders-farmers conflicts.
Toro said, “If herders are required to return to their states of origin, then all individuals conducting business outside their home states should be asked to do the same. This bill is nonsensical and too emotional.
“The Nigerian Constitution guarantees free movement and the right to live anywhere. Violations should be addressed through existing laws, not by introducing unnecessary legislation.
“The National Assembly should prioritize more serious issues instead of this bill,” he said.
Ranching will end farmer-herder clashes – AFAN
Meanwhile, the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) backed the proposed ranching law, believing it would enhance the development of the livestock subsector.
AFAN’s National President, Architect Kabiru Ibrahim, in a telephone interview with Daily Trust yesterday, noted that the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) endorses ranching as the best method for animal husbandry.
He emphasized that ranching would lead to higher milk yield, efficient weight gain, and increased beef production.
Ibrahim said: “AFAN supports the bill and urges Mr. President to assent to it.
Ranching will put an end to the farmer-herder clashes across the country. However, implementation should not be restricted solely to the state of origin.”
He further noted that the commission overseeing ranching should include knowledgeable stakeholders to ensure effective implementation, stressing that there is no need for premature disagreements before the bill is signed into law.
The US government has filed a civil forfeiture action to recover $5.3 million linked to a business email compromise (BEC) scheme that defrauded a Massachusetts workers union.
In January 2023, a spoofed email led the union to transfer $6.4 million to a fraudulent account.
The funds were then routed through various international banks and cryptocurrency exchanges.
US authorities have seized money from seven domestic accounts connected to the scheme.
These were stated in a Wednesday press release obtained from the United States Attorney’s Office, District of Massachusets website on Thursday.
“BEC fraud schemes present a serious threat to businesses and individuals nationwide, causing significant financial and emotional harm to victims by exploiting trusted communication channels they rely upon every day.
“Today’s civil forfeiture action demonstrates that when victims report such misconduct to the authorities there may be steps we can take to recover stolen funds.
“We hope today’s action helps restore some level of stability and justice for those impacted by fraud,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy.
Issued in Boston, the statement also admonished that “members of the public who believe they are victims of a cybercrime – including cryptocurrency scams, romance scams, investment scams and business email compromise (BEC) fraud scams – should contact USAMA.CyberTip@usdoj.gov.”
According to the press release,the fraudulently obtained funds were then transferred through a series of intermediary bank accounts, with some funds transferred, or attempted to be transferred, to a cryptocurrency exchange or various bank accounts located in Hong Kong, China, Singapore, and Nigeria.
“The United States filed a civil forfeiture action today to recover approximately $5,315,746 alleged to be proceeds of a business email compromise (BEC) scheme targeting a Massachusetts workers union, as well as property involved in money laundering.
“The complaint alleges that in January 2023, a workers union located in Dorchester received an email requesting a change of payment information from someone it believed worked at an investment consulting firm.
“The complaint also alleges that the email came from what initially appeared to be the consulting firm’s true email address but was in fact a spoofed email address that had been changed by one letter. The spoofed email instructed the workers’ union to make a $6,400,000 transfer to a different bank account than had been previously arranged, which the workers union did, in fact, do.
“The spoofed email, however, was a fraudulent communication intended to mislead the workers union into unwittingly transferring funds to an account controlled by someone other than the intended recipient.
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