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NAPTIP retracts report of Akwa Ibom clinics engaging in organ harvesting

Published

3 months ago

January 13, 2025

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The Zonal Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, (NAPTIP), Akwa Ibom State command has faulted the media report that hospitals and Clinics in the state involve in organ harvesting.

The agency’s Head of Public Enlightenment in the state, Mrs Eme Ukpabio made the denial in a statement on Monday following media reports credited to her during the 2025 National Human Trafficking Awareness Day in Uyo that “one person had been arrested in connection with organ harvesting and that some clinics and hospitals were engaged in the business of organ harvesting in the state.”

While noting that her response to the question on organ harvesting as asked by the media was misinterpreted; she said it was aimed at drawing the attention of stakeholders to the dynamism and evolving nature of human trafficking in all the states in Nigeria and globally.

According to her, her remark was also intended to highlight the need for collective efforts of all stakeholders, adding that NAPTIP never accused any entity within the state of organ harvesting.

The statement read in parts, “My attention has been drawn to the publications by some national newspapers and online media organizations that clinics and hospitals in Akwa Ibom State indulge in organ harvesting and that an organ harvesting suspect was subsequently arrested in the state.

“I therefore want to put the record straight as follows: That my statement on the organ harvesting syndicate was intended to draw attention of stakeholders to the dynamism and evolving nature of human trafficking in all the states in Nigeria and globally especially

“That the statement was to highlight the need for collective efforts of all stakeholders including sister law-enforcement agencies, CS0’s, development Partners, State and Non-State Actors among others and that NAPTIP never accused any entity within the state of organ harvesting.

“That my statement translated to the fact that there is possible suspicion of organ harvesting in the state as it is in other states in Nigeria.”

She also stated that the figure of 750-1000 people being trafficked in Akwa Ibom State were obtained from UNODCS google report of June 2023 which states that; “between 750,000 to one million persons are trafficked

She said “I also want to put the records straight that the statistics or data that 750,000 to one million person trafficked yearly from Nigeria which Akwa Ibom State is part, was drawn from UNODCS google report of June 2023 which states that; “between 750,000 to one million persons are trafficked annually from Nigeria, and I added that Akwa Ibom State is one of the Nigerian States that is endemic.”

The Enlightenment Officer who highlighted the collaborative role of Akwa Ibom State government and other stakeholders in the fight against human trafficking commended the state governor, Umo Eno in setting up anti- trafficking task force through the Office of the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, and the recent creation of the Humanitarian
Affairs Ministry.

She added “NAPTIP Uyo Command makes bold to say with all sense of responsibility that it has enjoyed unparalleled collaboration and support of the State Government in the areas of tackling the issues of human trafficking.

“That His Excellency’s led administration has proved to be most responsive in addressing critical issues that affect the citizens like human trafficking. That it is demonstrated through the setting up of necessary structures and institutions in the state.

“On the Agency’s part, we shall continue to work closely with the State Government through relevant organs of the Government and as well as the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Nigerian Barr Association (NBA), NACTAL, and Religious bodies”

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India’s worst economic slowdown over, but market volatility may persist: Goldman Sachs

Published

6 days ago

March 26, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Representative Image © Provided by Asian News International (ANI)

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New Delhi [India], March 26 (ANI): The worst phase of India’s economic slowdown and earnings decline is likely over according to the global financial firm Goldman Sachs.

However, it expects market volatility to continue in the near term because of high domestic investment in small- and mid-cap stocks and global uncertainties, particularly from tariffs.

“The worst is likely behind us in terms of economic growth and earnings trajectory, and prices have corrected meaningfully,” it said.

In a recent report, the firm maintained a “MarketWeight” stance on India within the emerging markets (EM) category. It advised investors to focus on stocks with strong earnings visibility and quality growth.

The report highlighted that the NIFTY 50 index has corrected by 10 per cent from its peak in September 2024. This decline was driven by a slowdown in earnings growth due to weaker macroeconomic conditions and a sharp reduction in valuation multiples across sectors.

Analysts noted that earnings per share (EPS) expectations for FY26 have been cut by an average of 7 per cent across the market.

Goldman Sachs attributed the recent economic slowdown to cyclical factors rather than structural weaknesses. It explained that policy measures such as strict credit regulations in late 2023, a cautious monetary approach, tight liquidity due to foreign exchange outflows, and fiscal tightening had contributed to the weaker growth momentum.

The report said “the growth slowdown is cyclical rather than structural, and largely reflects policy tightness — the lagged effects of credit regulation in late 2023, cautious monetary policy and (until recently) tight liquidity amidst FX outflows”

However, the report suggested that some recent policy changes could help the economy recover in the coming months. These include income tax relief announced in the Union Budget and policy rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Goldman Sachs’ economists project that India’s real GDP growth could improve to 6.4 per cent in the second half of 2025.

Despite this optimism, the report cautioned that risks remain, particularly from potential U.S. tariffs on Indian goods, which could impact trade and economic growth.

Overall, while the worst phase of the slowdown may be behind, investors should remain cautious about market volatility and external risks affecting India’s economic outlook. (ANI)

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U.S. drops another bombshell for Nigerians overstaying their Visas

Published

1 week ago

March 24, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

U.S. Embassy in Abuja

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24th March, 2025

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The United States has issued a stern warning to Nigerians overstaying their visas, declaring that violators could face a permanent travel ban and possible criminal prosecution.

In a message released via its official X handle on Monday, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria left no room for doubt, stressing that consular officers have full access to immigration histories and would detect any past visa violations.

“If you overstay your U.S. visa, you could face a permanent ban on traveling to the United States, as well as criminal prosecution,” the statement read.

The Mission further dismissed claims of accidental overstays, stating emphatically, “There is no such thing as an ‘honest mistake’ – it is your responsibility to use your visa correctly.”

This latest warning follows increased scrutiny of immigration violations as U.S. authorities tighten regulations on non-compliant visitors.

With thousands of Nigerians travelling to the U.S. for tourism, business, and education, this development signals severe consequences for those who fail to comply with visa rules.

In recent months, reports have surfaced of Nigerians facing difficulty renewing U.S. visas due to past overstays.

Immigration experts warn that even a short overstay could trigger long-term travel restrictions, making it harder for offenders to secure future entry into America.

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ROMANIA (EUROPE/SHENGHEN) UNSKILLED WORK PERMIT

Published

2 weeks ago

March 20, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

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BENEFITS/ADVANTAGES:

Family can join you after your residence permit is obtained.
Move within the EU countries without visa.
Enjoy quality healthcare
Transit to permanent residence and become a citizen
Free and quality education for all children.
Affordable cost of living.

*AVIALABLE JOBS, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND SALARY AND PERKS:*

*OCCUPATION:*
a. Construction Worker
c. Electrician

*Job Location:* Romania

*Salary (Monthly):* From 850 Euro to 1,200 Euro
*Schedule:* 8-10 hours per day. Five days a week.
*Accommodation:* Provided by the employer.
*Age:* 21 to 45 years
*Duration of Work Permit:* 1 -2 year
*Processing Duration:* 1 to 2 Months

*REQUIRED DOCUMENTS*
a. CV/Resume (Europass format)
b. International passport valid for 1.5 years
c. Police/Criminal Clearance Certificate
d. One passport photographs on white background.
e. Academic credentials/ certificates.

*VISA REQUIREMENTS*
a. International Passport
b. Invitation and Working permit documents from employer
c. International passport valid for 1.5 years
d. Police/Criminal Clearance Certificate
e. Medical Insurance for 1 year
f. Booked Ticket (Reservation only)
g. One passport photographs on white background.
h. Financial documents (Optional)

*NOTE:* Kindly check with the embassy as requirements and visa application procedure varies by nationality of the applicant.

*PAYMENT TERMS AND OPTIONS*

*TOTAL Fee:* €3,600 Three Thousand Six Hundred Euro) with the following breakdown:

*First Instalment:* € 1,500.00 (Five Hundred Euro) advance payment

*Second Instalment:* €1,500.00 (One Thousand Five Hundred Euro) after working permit is approved ready and a copy is scanned and sent to the applicant.