Health
Canada, others seek more bi-lateral trade with Nigerians
Canada, Europe and some Caribbean countries hjklare seeking more bi-lateral trade with Nigerians to boost mobility and migration.
They disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja at “The Investment Migration West Africa Roadshow 2024” organised by Henley and Partners, a global leader in residence and citizenship by investment.
Mr Ryan Guy, the Regional Director and Programme Managaer, Canadian Startup Visa Services, said that Nigeria was doing well business-wise and its economy growing rapidly which was an incentive for its citizens to expand into the Americas via Canada.
“We bring high net worth business people and their whole entire families to Canada to set up businesses to do bilateral trade with Nigeria and Canada.
“We actually accept more people from Nigeria into Canada than any other country and it is the third largest country that we bring into Canada.
“So for a lot of people, it’s access to capital and to education and the great thing about this is that when they get educated, they come back.
“So it’s a great way to do bilateral trade by education, by funding, and by opportunities. There’s a lot of things that Canada wants from Nigeria and West Africa”, Guy said.
The Managing Partner, Henley and Partners, UK, Stuart Wakeling, urged Nigerian investors to take advantage of investment opportunities abroad.
According to him, the company is giving opportunities to people who are open to change and who want to explore new opportunities, without forgetting their original heritage.
“Nigeria is a country rich with culture, opportunity and it’s own its fair share of uncertainty and limitations.
“If you are interested in exploring what we do, you are indeed in good company. We are growing steadily, because having a ‘plan b’ residence, or having greater global mobility via an alternative citizenship, or even increased business and lifestyle opportunity, is now paramount in an increasingly fractured and volatile world.
“It is a very simple fact that nobody can choose where they are born, it is indeed your own individual passport lottery.”
Wakeling said that along with the company’s partner firms, Henley and Partners offer additional or alternative citizenship and residence in the world’s leading jurisdictions.
“We are in fact the global leaders in investment migration and have over 25 years experience in revolutionising the industry and providing unparalleled levels of options and client satisfaction.”
The Executive Vice President, Mecan, Mehdi Kadri, said that the world of investment migration was increasingly dynamic and changing.
“Just this year, we have witnessed a large increase in costs for the Caribbean. Lately Portugal has removed its real estate entry point, Ireland has closed down, Montenegro closed down, Malta increase its prices along with Greece and Turkey and others.
“This means that now is the time to move forward because, as we have heard, demand for alternative or additional residence or citizenship is increasing dramatically and with that the prices and difficulties will follow”, he said.
On her part, the Founder of Bridge and Partners, Fatma Cayir, said her firm gives advice on full relocation, assisting investors and families relocating to the UK and setting up their businesses.
“As a firm, we handle all the legal work when it comes to UK immigration, we work with partners, businesses, entrepreneurs globally.”
She also advised that when considering expanding to the UK, what was important was understanding the UK market, understanding the legal system and working with professionals in specialised fields like immigration, tax, accountancy, real estate.
“So it’s really important to first know what the objectives are and what the requirements are before taking that first step.”
The Legal Consultant, Range Developments, Siobham Lloyed said the roadshow was a great opportunity for Nigerian investors who were interested in obtaining a second citizenship or passport to get first hand information about what obtains in the Caribbean.
The roadshow is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to present investment migration opportunities to wealthy individuals and business owners across the region.
NAN
Health
Many Nigerian Talents Wasted Due to Mental Health Challenges — Everight Diagnostic and Laboratory Services Boss
Joel Ajayi
The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Everight Diagnostic and Laboratory Services, Dr. Everest Okpara, has expressed concern over the number of talented Nigerian athletes whose careers are cut short due to poor mental health support and inadequate medical care.
Dr. Okpara spoke on Thursday in Abuja during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the All Federal Capital Territory Sports Associations (AFSA) and Everight Diagnostic and Laboratory Services.
The event was attended by representatives of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, officials of various FCT sports associations, and other stakeholders.
He noted that Nigeria continues to lose promising athletes not because of lack of talent, but due to weak healthcare systems, especially in the area of mental health and early diagnosis.
“Our athletes face a lot. Some have underlying health conditions that go undetected. If diagnosed early, many of these challenges could be managed or prevented,” he said.
Dr. Okpara stressed that leading sporting nations invest heavily in preventive healthcare and performance science, a model Nigeria must adopt to remain competitive.
“Across the world, top sporting countries prioritize preventive healthcare. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, many gifted athletes fall short of their potential due to poor mental health conditions and lack of access to proper care,” he added.
He explained that the partnership with AFSA is aimed at reversing this trend by providing athletes with access to quality healthcare services, including mental health support, early diagnosis, and continuous medical monitoring.
According to him, the collaboration will create a sustainable pathway for athletes in the FCT and beyond to improve both their physical and psychological wellbeing, ultimately enhancing performance and career longevity.
“This initiative marks a turning point in Nigeria’s sports development. It is about building a healthier sports ecosystem where athletes can thrive and compete globally,” he said.
Also speaking, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, who was represented by Hon. Albert Atsonka commended Everight Diagnostic for its vision and commitment to national development.
Atsonka described the facility as a centre of excellence, noting that investments in such healthcare infrastructure would significantly reduce medical tourism and strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system.
He said the MoU represents a strategic step toward improving athlete welfare and advancing sports development in the Federal Capital Territory.
“This partnership goes beyond business; it is a contribution to national growth. Everight’s name will be remembered in the history of sports development in the FCT,” he said, while also appreciating stakeholders like Mr. Clinton Agbor for their dedication to sports development.
In his remarks, the Director General of AFSA, Mr. Clinton Agbor, described the partnership as timely and crucial, especially in addressing issues such as doping, poor medical records, and inadequate athlete preparation.
He noted that AFSA, which oversees 48 sporting associations, is focused on grassroots development and believes early medical screening is essential for nurturing young talents.
“We must start from the grassroots. Athletes with proper medical history and care perform better. Many opportunities are lost due to failed medical tests, especially for players seeking contracts abroad,” he said.
Agbo added that the partnership would also provide subsidized healthcare services for athletes, sports officials, and journalists, while promoting education on health and fitness.
He revealed that the agreement, expected to last for an initial three years, would focus on comprehensive healthcare delivery, anti-doping awareness, and long-term athlete development.
The MoU signals a renewed commitment to integrating healthcare into sports development, with a strong focus on prevention, performance, and longevity—key factors needed to reposition Nigeria as a competitive force in global sports.
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