Author: Ugochukwu Oha-Ema

In a bid to strengthen its immigration system, Canada has introduced significant changes to its temporary residence programs. The government aims to reduce the intake cap for international student study permits by 10% for 2025, from 485,000 to 437,000, and maintain this cap for 2026 ¹. This move is part of a broader effort to align Canada’s immigration policies with evolving economic and humanitarian needs. *Key Reforms* – _International Student Programme_: Reducing intake cap by 10% for 2025 and 2026 – _Post-Graduation Work Permit Programme_: Updating to match immigration and labour market needs – _Work Permit Eligibility_: Limiting to spouses…

The Federal Government has emphasized the importance of adhering to the newly implemented N70,000 minimum wage, warning that any deviations will not be tolerated. This directive was given by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Kachollom Daju, at the 13th Annual General Meeting of the Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria in Ikeja, Lagos. Daju, represented by Director of Employment and Wages John Nyamali, stressed that the minimum wage is now law, making it a punishable offense for employers to pay less than N70,000 to their workers. “The private employment agencies should make it compulsory in…

The highly anticipated Champions League kicked off on Tuesday night with an expanded format, featuring exciting fixtures across Europe. Defending champions Real Madrid made a stunning comeback to defeat Stuttgart 3-1 at the Bernabeu, after initially trailing. The match began with Kylian Mbappe scoring the opening goal for Real Madrid, but Stuttgart’s Deniz Undav quickly equalized with a header. However, Antonio Rudiger and Endrick sealed the victory for Madrid with their impressive goals. In other thrilling matches, Liverpool also staged a remarkable comeback in Milan, conquering their opponents 3-1 after conceding an early goal. Bayern Munich, meanwhile, dominated Dinamo Zagreb…

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has fired back at Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, labeling him a “frustrated politician” over his threat to cause chaos in states governed by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors. Wike’s threat came after PDP governors showed solidarity with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Mohammed’s response was delivered while receiving members of the PDP National Working Committee in Bauchi, where he emphasized that in-party disagreements should not be misinterpreted as personal attacks. He confidently asserted that Bauchi is resilient enough to handle any challenges, downplaying Wike’s comments as a product of frustration. Mohammed clarified that…

Barcelona’s preparations for their UEFA Champions League match against Monaco on Thursday have been dealt a significant blow, as forward Dani Olmo has been ruled out for four to five weeks with a hamstring injury. In a statement released on the club’s website on Monday, Barcelona confirmed the extent of Olmo’s injury. “Tests conducted this Monday morning on Dani Olmo have revealed that the FC Barcelona forward has injured his right hamstring. He is expected to be unavailable for the next four to five weeks.” The injury means Olmo will miss six crucial matches, including the Champions League tie against…

The Dangote Group has dismissed claims that it sold Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) at N898 per litre, describing the allegation as “misleading and mischievous”. In a press release issued on Sunday evening, Anthony Chiejina, Chief Branding and Communications Officer of the Group, stated that the claim seeks to undermine the company’s efforts in addressing Nigeria’s energy crisis. According to Chiejina, the statement attributed to NNPC spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, is aimed at derailing the progress achieved towards alleviating energy insufficiency and insecurity. “Our attention has been drawn to a statement attributed to NNPCL…

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, commenced loading Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) into Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) trucks on Sunday. Refinery Capacity: $20bn facility equipped with 86 gantries for simultaneous loading. Initial Supply: 25 million litres per day to begin distribution. NNPC’s Role: Sole buyer of petrol from refinery, to sell to marketers. Minister’s Assurance: “All agreements in place” for smooth distribution. Quote: “I am glad to announce that… loading of first batch of PMS will commence on Sunday, September 15, 2024.” – Minister Wale Edun Pricing Concerns: Marketers unaware of pricing template, matrix. Industry Reactions: IPMAN, PETROAN…

The Federal Government has declared Monday, September 16, 2024, a public holiday to commemorate Eid-ul-Mawlid, the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Interior Minister’s Message: Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo congratulated Muslim Ummah, urging prayers for peace and prosperity. Call to Reflection: Tunji-Ojo encouraged Muslims and Nigerians to embrace patience, sacrifice, and resilience. Eid-ul-Mawlid Significance: Commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), promoting unity and spiritual reflection. National Unity: The holiday aims to foster harmony among Nigerians, regardless of faith. Federal Government’s Wishes: Dr. Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, announced the declaration. Dates to Remember: September 16, 2024: Eid-ul-Mawlid public holiday…

Pop icon Justin Timberlake has been sentenced to community service after pleading guilty to driving while alcohol-impaired. Arrest Details: Timberlake, 43, was arrested June 18 in Sag Harbor for running a stop sign and swerving between lanes. Initial Plea: In August, Timberlake pleaded not guilty to driving while intoxicated. Revised Charge: He later pleaded guilty to driving while alcohol-impaired. Sentence: Sag Harbor Village Justice Court sentenced Timberlake to community service. Police Report: Officer described Timberlake’s condition: “bloodshot and glassy eyes, strong alcoholic odour, slow speech, unsteadiness.” Public Statement: Timberlake ordered to make public statement as part of sentence. Consequences: Timberlake’s…

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has issued a stern warning to fleet operators, commercial drivers, and private vehicle owners to avoid night trips due to increased risks. Corps Marshal’s Alert: Shehu Mohammed, FRSC Corps Marshal, cited poor visibility, driver fatigue, excessive speed, and falling asleep at the wheel as night travel dangers. Recent Tragedies: Two major accidents claimed 55 lives: 37 in Lapai, Niger State (September 8), and 18 on Abuja-Kaduna road (September 12). Night Travel Risks: “Crashes that occur at night are more fatal than those happening during the day,” Mohammed stressed. Economic Pressures: Mohammed acknowledged economic reasons…