Foreign
Prisoner Exchange: Tinubu Sends Delegation To UK Over Ekweremadu’s 9-Year Jail Term
The Federal Government has opened discussions with the United Kingdom (UK) over the possible transfer of former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, who is currently serving a nine-year sentence in a UK prison for organ harvesting.
The Daily Voice understands that a high-powered Nigerian delegation arrived in London on Monday to engage British authorities on the matter.
The delegation included the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, and the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.
Both officials held a closed-door meeting with senior representatives of the UK Ministry of Justice.
After the meeting, the officials were received by Ambassador Mohammed Maidugu, Acting High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, at the Nigerian High Commission in London.
Diplomatic sources told Daily Trust that the visit is part of President Bola Tinubu’s effort to secure either an early release or a lawful review of Ekweremadu’s sentence based on humanitarian considerations.
Officials familiar with the negotiation confirmed that the Nigerian government is exploring different legal avenues under UK law, including prisoner-transfer agreements, compassionate parole, or more lenient relief options.
We are working on an appeal for a prisoner exchange for him to serve the remainder of his term in Nigeria,” a top Ministry of Foreign Affairs official disclosed.
“Consultations are still ongoing with the UK authorities.”
The Daily Voice reports that Ekweremadu, a long-serving legislator and three-time Deputy President of the Senate, was convicted at the Old Bailey in March 2023 alongside his wife, Beatrice, and a medical doctor, Obinna Obeta.
They were found guilty of conspiring to exploit a young Nigerian, David Nwamini, for the removal of his kidney to treat Ekweremadu’s daughter, Sonia.
The former senator was sentenced to nine years and eight months in a UK correctional facility — the longest sentence ever handed down in the UK for an organ-harvesting-related offence.
The latest diplomatic push signals renewed efforts by the Nigerian government to renegotiate the terms of Ekweremadu’s imprisonment, even as officials tread carefully to respect UK judicial processes.
The Federal Government is expected to update the public as consultations with UK authorities continue.
Foreign
BREAKING: Ambassador to US Sacked
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday dismissed his ambassador to the United States, Olga Stefanishyna, in a move that had been expected following a government reshuffle last month.
The sacking, announced by decree, happened, however, as Kyiv was lobbying Washington hard to obtain more Patriot air defence missiles to block Russian strikes.
In a Facebook post in which she also posted a letter asking to be relieved of her duties, Stefanishyna said the decision was her own and “dictated by personal circumstances”.
She called her posting to Washington “the greatest honour” of her life.
“We increased the supply of American weapons and maintained support precisely when the political climate in Washington was shifting against us,” she added.
Stefanishyna, a former deputy prime minister and justice minister, was nominated as ambassador in July last year.
The role is crucial for Ukraine, which depends on US arms deliveries and intelligence-sharing in the conflict against Russia.
Relations between Zelensky and his US counterpart Donald Trump have been strained and, at times, stormy.
But the billionaire Republican former real estate mogul has recently been more encouraging towards the Ukrainian leader.
According to Ukrainian media, Stefanishyna is under investigation by the country’s anti-corruption agency on suspicion of wrongdoing, although she has not been formally accused.
Zelensky, who made a controversial government reshuffle in July, has not yet announced who will replace Stefanishyna as ambassador in Washington.
Business
UK Lists 10 Requirements Nigerians Need To Secure Work Visa
The UK Home Office has set out detailed requirements that foreign nationals, including Nigerians, must satisfy before they can qualify for a Skilled Worker visa.
The requirements, published on the UK government’s official website, apply to overseas professionals seeking to work in eligible jobs with approved employers across the United Kingdom.
According to the Home Office, applicants must meet employment, salary, language and documentation requirements before a visa can be granted. Additional evidence may also be requested depending on an applicant’s circumstances.
1. Have a job offer from an approved employer: Applicants must first secure a job offer from a UK employer licensed by the Home Office to sponsor foreign workers.
The employer must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which contains details of the job being offered.
2. Work in an eligible occupation: The job must appear on the UK’s list of eligible occupations for the Skilled Worker visa. Applicants must know the correct occupation code assigned to their role before applying.
3. Meet the minimum salary requirement: Most applicants must earn at least £41,700 per year or the “going rate” for their occupation, whichever is higher.
Most applicants must earn at least £41,700 per year or the “going rate” for their occupation, whichever is higher. Lower salary thresholds may apply for some healthcare workers, graduates, younger applicants and certain PhD holders.
4. Prove English language ability: Applicants must show they can speak, read, write and understand English. This can be done through approved English language tests or recognised educational qualifications taught in English.
5. Hold a valid passport: Applicants must provide a valid passport or another accepted document proving their identity and nationality as part of the visa application.
6. Show proof of financial support: Most applicants must demonstrate they have at least £1,270 available to support themselves after arriving in the UK unless their employer confirms it will cover those costs.
7. Pay visa fees and healthcare surcharge: Applicants must pay the visa application fee, the Immigration Health Surcharge for each year of their stay, and meet any other required charges before their application can be processed.
Partners and children of Skilled Worker visa holders may apply as dependants. Supporting a partner requires showing at least £285 in available funds, £315 for one child, and £200 for each additional child
8. Submit supporting documents: Applicants must provide supporting documents, including their Certificate of Sponsorship reference number, salary details, occupation code and employer information. Depending on individual circumstances, additional documents may also be required.
9. Provide extra certificates where required: Some applicants may need to submit additional documents such as tuberculosis (TB) test results, criminal record certificates, Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificates or proof of overseas qualifications.
10. Apply within the required timeframe: Applicants must submit their Skilled Worker visa application within three months of receiving their Certificate of Sponsorship from their employer.
The Home Office also advises applicants to complete identity verification and provide all required documents before a decision can be made.
Additional documents may be requested
The UK government stressed that meeting the eligibility requirements does not automatically guarantee visa approval. Immigration officials may request further documents or information to verify an applicant’s eligibility before making a final decision.
For Nigerians and other foreign professionals hoping to work in the UK, understanding these 10 requirements can help them prepare a stronger Skilled Worker visa application.
Full breakdown of the rules can be downloaded here.
Business
Canada Publishes 2 Official Websites to Find Jobs, Says Over 2,000 Vacancies Are Posted Daily
Canada has made it easier for unemployed individuals and foreigners who wish to live and work in the country to find jobs that can help them live comfortably and meet their basic responsibilities.
On the official Canadian government website, two links are provided to websites where job seekers can find available jobs in Canada
According to the Canadian government website, applicants who apply for jobs through these platforms can get hired by different companies, as more than 2,000 jobs are posted every day.
Aside from these two websites, the Canadian government explains that individuals can also use employment agencies to help them find jobs that match their skills.
A job seeker can also ask friends or family members if there are job openings or vacancies, as not all positions are advertised on these websites.
1. Job Bank
The Canadian government explains that thousands of jobs are advertised on this platform every day by organisations and companies. The link to access the website can be found in the detailed post published on the Canadian government website.
2. Jobs GC
Another website where foreigners who wish to work in Canada or Canadian citizens can find government jobs is the Jobs GC website. Federal public service jobs are advertised on the website, alongside several other opportunities that may match an applicant’s skills.

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