By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Canada’s immigration authorities have clarified that seeking asylum does not provide an automatic exemption from immigration laws.

The Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) emphasised that individuals seeking asylum must demonstrate that returning to their home country would subject them to serious harm in order to avoid deportation.

The asylum system is designed to offer protection to those fleeing threats such as torture, persecution, and inhumane treatment.

IRCC has reiterated that the asylum process is not a shortcut to entering the country.

Applicants must provide verifiable evidence of persecution and undergo multiple checks, including medical examinations, biometric data collection, and security screenings.

The statement reads, “It is a rigorous process to determine whether you have a legitimate need for refugee protection according to Canadian and international laws. Our rules-based system will determine the validity of your claim. It’s important to understand that not all claims will be accepted. If you make an asylum claim in Canada, you will need to:

Have health, criminal, security and other background checks
Get a medical exam
Provide personal and biometric (photo and fingerprints) information
Provide concrete evidence of persecution and the risks of being in your home country
Declare on your application if you are working with a representative, even if you’re not paying them
“Providing false information on your refugee claim application is considered lying, and your application may be refused.

“You’ll be removed from Canada if you don’t have a legitimate claim or are not eligible to make a claim in Canada. It can take a long time to get a final decision on your asylum claim. There’s no guarantee that you will be allowed to stay in Canada.”

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered restriction of vehicular movement from 5am to 5pm on Saturday 22nd February 2022 across Osun state.

The directive of the State Governor was sequel to the statewide local government elections that are scheduled to be held tomorrow across the state.

Governor Adeleke who reiterated his commitment to peace and security said the movement restriction is necessary to prevent importation of hoodlums into the state amidst local elections.

He therefore directed security agencies to enforce the restriction and only allow voters and accredited media and civil society organizations for the continued peace and security of Osun state.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has unearthed loads of vaccines, including those for Yellow Fever, Diphtheria, Dano Anti-Tetanus, and Measles, hidden under a staircase in the popular Idumota Drug Market in Lagos State.

According to NAFDAC, the vaccines were uncovered on Thursday during an operation carried out as part of a routine surveillance exercise targeting illegal drug distribution networks.

The Agency noted that the suspect was supplying the vaccines to neighbouring West African countries including Liberia

In a post on its X page on Friday, NAFDAC said, “Yesterday at the Idumota Drug Market, NAFDAC officials discovered a stash of vaccines, including Yellow Fever, Dano Anti-Tetanus, Measles, and Diphtheria vaccines, hidden under a staircase.

“Preliminary investigations revealed the suspect was supplying these products to neighbouring West African countries like Liberia.”

The agency added that the premises where the vaccines were uncovered was equipped with CCTV cameras, suggesting active monitoring.

“The suspect has been apprehended and is currently in detention,” it added.

Dr. Mojisola Adeyeye, Director-General of NAFDAC, had condemned the reckless handling of sensitive vaccines, stressing that the agency would intensify crackdowns on unauthorised drug dealers.

Recently, NAFDAC has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health and urged Nigerians to report suspicious drug distribution activities to authorities.

The agency has also promised to continue its efforts to rid the country of fake drugs.