₦airaland Forum

@Kingsglove. Congrats. Best of luck in Canada

@Zerra and Dfodio.

I understand you(one of you, maybe) referred a question about usask to me earlier. I am sorry I missed it. Would you kindly do again, if unresolved.

When Ghana’s Michael Essien was substituted yesterday, January 05, 2014, during the third rounds of an English FA Cup match between Derby and Chelsea, it was to Nigeria’s Mikel Obi he handed over the captain’s band.

The Special one later said he had expected the Ghanaian to pass on the leadership mantle to left-back, Ashly Cole, but Essien probably had other things in his mind. Essien’s action gestures towards another instance of the comradely possibilities which can exist between Nigeria and Ghana, despite growing subtle political and economic rivalry. Besides African literature that evince the criticality of sharedness and brotherly solidarity between the two West African countries, the match showed again that individuals and nations can be friends despite differences.

Football fans recall the 2009 Champions league semi-final against Barca, in which Essien, having scored a long-range goal, evaded all his team mates on the pitch and ran to the Chelsea bench to hug Mikel, who had predicted before match start that Essien would score a goal. Such solidarity, on and off the pitch, has been consistent with many black players in the EPL. The Ghana-must-go saga of the 80s may still be fresh among a generation of our West African neighbours, yet this cannot be a justification of continued hostility towards Nigerians in Kumasi or Accra; neither should we continue to condone the many insalubrious tensions between some Nigerians and naive Ghanaians on many internet forums.

Calling ourselves names and not facing the unnecessary possibility of enmity between us is not good enough. There are many Nigerians in Ghana, and they have found a home there. Some even report experiencing more love from Ghanaians than from their Nigerian legion there. Similarly, there are in Nigeria citizens from Ghana whom some of us love, and are proud to call friends. This should continue. The emergence of Ghana as an economic powerhouse in West Africa should be a pride to Nigeria, and other countries in the region.

As it stands now, Mourinho prefers Mikel to Essien in the Chelsea first eleven, and even when many coaches have come and gone in the team, Mikel, unlike Essien, has commanded a consistent presence in the starting eleven. This has not soiled their friendship. Africans have more reasons to be united than to be envious of one another. The Nigeria-Kenya internet squabble of last year was not needful. If the colonial project sowed seeds of discord many years ago, we cannot continue to water them with the acidic liquids of rivalry.

South Sudan and Central African Republic may be far from us, but we have brothers and sisters there who are currently being ravished by ruthless sympathies of the gun. It is time to say a prayer, and remember friendship. And dialogue!

rilly2000: Abegi... This one weh una dey fear -10, -15 degrees temp, wetin you want me weh dey go SASKATCHEWAN do..., Our own dey reach -40 deg *Temp Tabua* (in @chrigos voice)

Abeg, I need Bigtime Orientation from My Oga's or anybody that's already in Regina or Saskatoon Sharpally, because I no wan run back inside plane if I don reach Saskatoon for January o

I am in Saskatoon. You will be fine. Just learning to keep warm is the secret. Best of luck.

TRV_IJN: I think you should apply to join him (open work permit) and not visit and yes you will need to show proof of funds (most likely by bank statement). What school does he attend and what level of studies is he undergoing? These questions may seem unnecessary, but I think that they may influence the outcome (I am not an expert) e.g. if your hubby is doing a Phd, the chances that you will be granted an open work permit may be significantly higher than with other levels of studies (Again read my words carefully). Do you have any kids? I think if you do it will bolster your application. Canada respects spouses and their union so even though it is so stressful in Nigeria to get these things, I believe that you will get the work permit if you dot your Is and cross your Ts. Best of luck and sample opinion from others who have been in your situation at a time.http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/nigeria/visas/spouses-conjoints.aspx

@Trv. Are you saying that PhD students have more chances? Do they have to present any financial statement if they are on scholarship?

Hey folks, I think somebody may find this useful.

"International Students: Bring Your Loved Ones with You to Canada"

Canada’s commitment to family unification means that international students and their families have the opportunity to experience Canadian life together. Whether it is for a few months or for several years, international students will be comforted to know that their loved ones can be nearby as they pursue their dreams of obtaining a Canadian education.
“Canada is home to some of the most distinguished colleges and universities in the world,” said Attorney David Cohen. “Aside from putting money into the Canadian economy while studying, many international students remain in Canada after graduation and become valuable members of our workforce and general society. It is only natural that the Canadian Government has established generous laws that allow them to stay close to their families and feel welcome in their new home.”

More here:
http://www.cicnews.com/2013/10/international-students-bring-loved-canada-103021.html


Meanwhile, to the recent forumites with medicals and trvs, Cheers.

earthgreeners: NUENDO I HAIL OOOOOOOOO

Abeg make una bring cloths from Nigeria ooo (plus akube as the case may be, no b everybody b OBO)..clothes are expensive here oohh as par say dat naija mind still go dey, u go dey change every dollar price to naira (normal tin, but wt time, u wld get used to the dollar tin, and dose expensive stuffs wld look cheap).. just make sure u buy the thick ones (I brought enough cloths from Nigeria and i no regret am)..... Since I came here, I have been wearing nice shirts (TM shirt inclusive, akube like new) to class... the only things is that I wear sweat shirt/ pull overs on top then when I enter class its warm and i pull d sweat shirts..... even my supo hail me one day say I look nice........ people wey give u 46kg (26kg each) for luggage know say u go need something... bring food stuffs as welll, atleast to survive the first month without buyin thing out..till u get used to their market structure here... u go shock say them get akube for Canada (thrift stores and co), all na sameee except u wan form Dangote first son

As for school tins, this Canadians wan turn me to olodo but God pass dem..dem talk too fast bikoooo, my bangladeshi friend begin dey learn advance english... u just gatta be attentive in class, ask questions when u dont understand, and try as much to be hardworkin (even if na gbanko levels) cos dem go almost kill u with assignment, most of which you have no clue....

Money matter, abegiii come with enough cash ooo... everything here na money ooooo... and plz dnt expect say that ur naija friend wey dey here go help u.... (though we have alot of lovely n nice Nigerians around as well).....BTW, cook ur own food, no dey copy copy....all fingers are not equal oooo...ur own time dey come...wait for ur time, cut cost as much as u can even if u have to share apartment....

oyinbo no send u ooo, if u like drive bugatti, wear prada, ferragamo, versace, VL, curtis,.... u and dat boy wey wear rag na the same...na ur personality matter oo... u go even see prof dey wear short..... one day me and my prof. follow enter public transit oooo.....

U can start cutting cost right from ticket purchase.... As for me I be pako boy, so na egypt here I pursue, and it cost me less than 250K to Winnipeg from Lagos, as against 355k on KLM ( see the difference?)... u wan know the trick?, use ur wise...KLM, ethopia, egypt ooo,,, all na the same...no let them foool u. (ask dommakavelli, we fly together).......na same stop overs, na same timin.....if dem no dey fly direct to ur province...book am enter toronto, book connecting flight urself online.. patapata dem go tell u to pay extra luggage of just $20CAD..... a good site to do that is www.expedia.com.......


make I cut short....any question my people.....

lobatan o! tori don finish himsef. Thanks, Earthgreeners. Kinda left early. We could not hook up. I came via Egyptair. Business class yet cheep. 235k. I guess the Thanksgiving thing means a number of us can come online to relieve our growing experience and show face on the forum. Saskatchewan is fine, and I really like it. Everything you have said is on point.

austinemar: Hello all... Av been followin dis thread for somtym now although from d syds. Its been very inspiring. Am sorry if am derailin dis thread but pls guys I seriously need ur inputs into diz...

I finished frm a prestigeous federal uni in mec engineerin wif a cgpa of 3.16 and I wish 2 further my edu in canada. If dat grade can't provide me an msc admission, I wouldn't mind a pgd program. But I would like to be briefed wif a break down of the followin..

1. Do I hav a chance to do msc in mec eng? If not, wot skul can anyone suggest for pgd wif low tuition
2.Wot is the total amount I shuld have in my account if personally funded?
3.Must I have d exact amount dat will cater 4 everyfin or can I pay instalmentally?

Tanx all as I await ur response

Hello boss,

It is always good to start somewhere and folks could meet you halfway. You may want to Google schools in Canada, understand the programs some of them offer, and even contact them. A number will respond, depending on the wording of your email. I know 2:1 gives your application a lot of leverage, but a 2:2 is not totally irrelevant. A lot depends on the strength of other documents (references, statement of intent, and even your transcript). The point is you can get information as regards these issues on institutions' website too.

Chei, the last question pass me o..., but I suspect say at the embassy level, installment payment na voicemail o. Let others give you more info on that. Good luck.

Siga: ...Had a solid prayer for all applicants at church today... from fresh to Medical hopefuls, to Visa and to all those who have landed and in school.... Well...the Good Lord that made you guys decide to pick Canada as your destination is not a liar... He has gone before everyone to perfect ur ways... Nothing happens without God's anticipation... so.. no shaking... Enough good news this week... #BelieveinGod

@Oga Siga. Thanks o. Dem say na thanksgiving weekend; so make I thank you for the prayers na, and den reach out to all applicants to remain hopeful and thank God for the sure mercies ahead. God no dey sleep. If you are coming towards Usask, u could PM me if there is a need for info or related things. There are other NL forumites here sha, and they may also be glad to give useful info too.

galala123: More Good news in the house. Ancient1 just received his meds instruction via e-mail!

Congrats!

Wow, good news! Congrats to him!

Congrats to those who have been called for medicals. Best wishes.

oyero1: I need help on hw to apply for Ph.d @ MUN canada.area of I had M.Sc in mathematics @ Unilag. Tnx

In addition to what Huzzie has said. It is vital u get to the website of the proposed dept and do a mail to the grad coord. Describe your research profile and in what areas u want to so a PhD. He should link u with profs with similar interests. U could also identify such faculties and send emails to them directly.

[quote author=mistur_chris]please oh i have applied to MUN since tuesday and they have not sent me any mails yet.....i wonder wat the problem is [/quote


They should acknowledge your application soon, bro. Just give them some time more.

@ deebla and britiko. Congrats!

Ooops!
That was some journey. I am in Saskatoon, house. So grateful to God. And to the heroes on the thread - Oga Fhemmmy, Oga Siga, and other bosses. And yes, there is a country here. Hoping God will bring others,who must need go throuh this Samaria,down to Canada

dommakavelli: when r u jetting out bro. I jes got my ticket (EGYPTAIR) 185k

This afternoon.

@ All,

Greetings o. I hail all my ogas at the tops. Like to confirm if anyone has traveled aboard Egyptair in the last one week. I am traveling via Cairo to Toronto, and I like to know the security status of that end. I have called a representative of theirs in Lagos, but I thought I could use the first-hand testimonies of folks who know about Cairo.

Many thanks.

rilly2000: good evening to all nairalanders

1). I submitted my application at the vfs office in ikeja on 7th July, but, i was told not to add the return courier envelope when submitting.. but that one aside...........
the koko na say, since that July 7th, i haven't heard anything from them...
hope i'm still good or something is wrong


2). the resumption date stated on the admission letter i submitted is 5th of September, but they wrote it boldly there that IF YOU CANT MEET UP THE SEPTEMBER RESUMPTION, CONSIDER THIS LETTER AS YOUR OFFICIAL ADMISSION LETTER FOR JANUARY RESUMPTION ALSO. So, i called the school sometimes last week to help me defer my admission till January, and they've replied with a deferment letter.
so guys, will i have to go to Lagos to show them this letter or i'm still good



2). all University of Saskatchewan students in the house.... i applied for the school residence space on 12 June, and since then, whenever i check my residence portal, i do see 'application pending' on the application tab... and since then, i haven't heard anything from them
so, i checked the application sometimes last week to check for any changes...., unfortunately, i didn't see the 'application pending' again....
so guys, is it that i will have to make a new application or my previous application is still pending

A quick response to this 3 questions will be appreciated.

Hello boss, as regards Usask. My understanding is that there are still a number of residence options. I suspect some applications were cancelled while some students got alternatives. You should be able to get one. Just send in another application, or send then an enquiry. Uche is already on ground. He should help with more specifics. Best wishes, brother.

dommakavelli: yes, I've received mine through email today. If you received an email notification from them during medical call, Don't worry, yours, The email go enter soonest

Thanks Dom. True words, Oga Fhemmmy. Enjoy ur gala. @Shayi, how far? I sent cdhc a mail, asking about the intro letter this morning. They sent it about two hours later. U have yours now?

For the records:
Submitted May 6
Called for Medicals Aug 6
Medicals on Aug 14
Medicals sent Aug 19
CDHC called me on Aug 28 to renew passport
TRV: Sept 2.


I have seen from all of these that CDHC expects that you do the right thing, and the precess will be fine. The folks I saw there on Tuesday were calm despite the pressures from volumes of applications. Understand the process and play your part. They are not the sadist people some folks think they are. They call u if they have to. They answer questions and could be extremely professional as expected. Then, u cannot take out God's plan in these all. I pray those who were denied medicals will find direction and refire strategically. God's delay is not a denial indeed.

shayi12: Congrats bro...quick question pls...was a "letter of introduction included in d documents returned 2 u"? A friend of mine alsso got his own 2day and d letter was included.jst wanted 2 knw If u got urs cos I dint get anyone inside it.thanks

@Don, Pwunmi and others. Many congrats on your trv. Praying for more. @huzzie, speaking for myself; I guess it will be a privilege to serve the house from there. What Oga Siga and Fhemmmy does here inspires me a lot. Who doesn't want to follow in the path of greatness?

Meanwhile, Shayi12 asked about a letter of introduction. We collected our trv same day at cdhc, and I wasn't given one. Just saw that my passport was stamped. Is this letter of intro an absolute to enter? Would the passport and letter of acceptance/admission not be sufficient?

Hoping to hear from someone..thanks aplenty!

Thanks peeps for all the congratulatory wishes. Beyond tracking, keep doing the mails; storm cdhc, pray. God no de sleep.

shayi12: Hey my beautiful pple,just gt ma trv after waiting 4 several hours @chdc 2day.gt here around 9am.it does take a lot of patience wid ds pple.if u avbt heard 4rm dem in a while pls storm deir office.am sure mine had been issued since 4eva.dey jst left it. Thanks 2 yall 4 ur advices.my guy chrigo,am expectin u. In lambton!!!

@Shayi,

Congrats. Are u sure I didn't see u today? I was the one in suit and tie; afro hair.

Hello house.

I just left cdhc too. I don chop visa o. So grateful to God. Thanks to everybody for being 'dear'. Thanks to Ogas Fhemmmy, Siga and others. May other trv awaitees receive their good news too.

ChriGo: lagos@internertional.gc.ca

I think you should copy this too:
re-lagos@internertional.gc.ca
It costs nothing to include this always. One will receive it. My take.

efewhoa: Hurry up so they can give you your trv bro. Congrats in advance

Thanks boss. On my way now. How far with ur trip? I am sure say u don port by now. Safe trip.

Siga: ...Nope...

Thanks, boss. Meanwhile I have collected the renewed passport, and should be at cdhc later this morning. Thanks for your support. I pray they issue the trv today or before week runs out.

@all. Does one need a transit visa to fly through Frankfurt to Calgary on Lufthansa? Thank u.

femianiyi: I still strongly believe, that positive response will come from cdhc between now and sept.16th for the fall medicals and trv hopefuls. Our God is God of possibilities.My sch already extended resumption till sept 16 for those having delays in getting der trv
I'm taking a proactive step by storming the embassy on tuesday myself, just need to get my tracking details from my agent.Maybe, this step will change the phase of my application.

Submitted 9th of May, medicals and trv hopeful.

I share this view too. Most of these schools know that visa is being delayed in many countries because of the foreign service strike- this was the reason the grad admin in my dept at Usask gave on my behalf to profs who are commencing classes this week. She did that when telling them I might arrive late. Talk to your school; storm the embassy. Pray more. God no dey sleep.

daimler: This TRV palava na God's favour oooo,a lady I know did medicals with me on the 20th august,went to the embassy on the 29th august and picked up her TRV... How do u explain this,TRV awaitee's?

Well, I guess this is a question that bothers on processes we don't fully grasp. We know in parts jare. Meanwhile, it also takes a swipe at the so-called France route of medicals. I don't doubt medicals are sent there; but since it's called e-medical, I expect that in about a week or less, it should be back at cdhc. May the new month usher in fresh tinz for all. Cheers.

kjbobo: Prophet Chrigo! Why are you misfiring now
TRV Knocking bawo?
Oga Shadams. ..don get TRV since na....

Haa, oga ke! Me be small boy o. How can u call me oga when my oga on top (Siga, Phemmy), and those at the top (Galala, Bumdish, Gboyega) are there.

Well, I have my TRV by faith. The renewal process of my passport shold be completed by Monday. I plan to take it to cdhc on tuesday. I am trusting God to get it before the end of the week. I could travel Saturday. Baba God decides.

kjbobo: @chrigo
Thanks for the compliments! I totally agree with you on the mail sent by earthgreeners' s supervisor making an impact. ...I totally hate to believe in co-incidences.......I believe things happen when consistent and deliberate steps are taken!
I think quite a number of us don't enjoy doing mails.....
I was sharing with someone yesterday that mails can go a long way to speed up your application!
Just three days ago...I missed CDHC call and I quickly sent a mail to them to please call back and they responded in 3mins.
I also sent a mail that I wanted to know if my passport has been dispatched to VFS. ..They replied in less than 20mins!
You know what that means? They see all those mails we send...they just choose not to respond! So that's why I always advise to keep sending compassionate mails every day if possible. ..hoping that one will touch the official's heart with prayers!
I believe this...so strongly!
If you have submitted all needed stuff as TRV awaitee or expecting medicals....be persistent with your requests....you never know!
Scripture says cast your bread upon waters. ..morning and night. ...you never know which seed will yield increase!

Well said. Kjbobo. I believe in the idea that God uses anything - including mails and strategic communication skills- to facilitate his plan for our Canada trip. Two day ago, I mistakenly sent Cdhc 6mails (two from my gmail and 4 from my usask.mail) and all within 15mins; the next day, they called on phone to ask for my opinion about my passport- renewal or stamp. When I told the woman to allow me renew, I felt a long pause from the other end. This told me that she could have felt the persistence of my mails, plus content did not affirm the decision to renew first. That is another issue, though.

So, to corroborate your point. They read the mails. I hope someone here will find this useful. Meanwhile, best wishes to us all. Happy weekend. God reigns. Forever!

uchi4jah:


Hello Guys, its been ages. I missed the discussions and help here. Canada has been very good. Anyone coming to the University of Saskatchewan? If u have challenges u can msg me.... hope to see u guys in canny soon

Hey Brother, I am headed for USask too. I sent you a mail. Cheers.