General
Firm Launches US1 EB-5 Visa Investment Program in Nigeria
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A company known as Atlantic American Partners (AAP) has commenced helping potential applicants for the United States EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program in Nigeria.
This visa programme is a convenient way to assist potential investors in Nigeria to secure a hassle-free immigration process to live, work, and attend school in the United States, while also getting a reasonable return on their initial investment.
The EB-5 visa creates opportunity for foreign investors to invest in the United States and become legal permanent residents in the ‘God’s own country’ with a green card, along with several other benefits including the ability to travel to one’s homeland from the United States without a visa, ability to sponsor family members for a green card after becoming a citizen, access to low or no cost- high-quality primary and secondary public education; and thereafter public or private colleges and universities for participants and their children (21 years old and under, unmarried) at the same cost as US citizens.
Down the road, if the applicant desires, he can apply for US Citizenship and sponsor other family members to move to and live in America.
During a business meeting to attract investors from Nigeria, Managing Director of Atlantic American Partners, Mr Daniel Ryan, explained in great detail the EB-5 investor visa program, along with its remarkable benefits.
He stated that “the EB-5 visa was introduced in 1990 by the United States Congress and has since enabled a large number of families to live the American dream by granting them permanent residency through investments made in ‘trophy’ new commercial real estate investments such as luxury hotels, luxury rental apartments/flats, and most recently; high-quality student rental housing at American Universities.
“The EB-5 program requires each EB-5 investor to invest $500,000 in the United States with projects that Atlantic American Partners oversees as ‘trustee’ that will yield at least 10 permanent jobs, per applicant, for United States citizens.”
Mr Ryan also said it was important to note that “dual citizenship” between USA and Nigeria is available, adding another tangible benefit to invest in this program.
AAP partners with the highest quality property developers in the US. Annually, AAP reviews over 300 investment request submittals from high-quality property developers, and chooses only 3-4 per year, due to strict underwriting criteria and conservative financial strategic investing.
According to Mr Ryan, acquiring the green card under the EB-5 investment program is a two-part process, with the first step referred to as the “I-526” which is taking about 18-24 months at present for approval; after the $500,000 investment has been made, along with a $45,000 administrative fee payable to AAP which covers the cost to provide audited financial statements and all administrative needs for the investor throughout the entire EB-5 process, including quarterly newsletter updates. In addition, AAP will assist the applicant in hiring a top-notch international immigration EB-5 law firm, based in USA, that is familiar with African culture and provides excellent legal consultation and processing of the actual USCIS application documentation.
The immigration attorney will assist in filing the paperwork in this first step in the process, referred to as the “I-526”.
He said, “Following approval, a conditional green card is then issued, which provides the full benefits of an actual green card, pending in due time the job creation requirement is proven. After 21 months from I-526 approval, the investor with the guidance by AAP and the immigration attorney can file for the second part of the application process referred to as the ‘1-829’. Once the 1-829 application is approved, the conditional green card would then be converted into a permanent green card.”
Atlantic American Partners works for investors by engaging and investing in projects that will ensure job creation, thus enhancing the opportunity of permanent residency. AAP also offers investors an array of solutions to ensure a profitable and successful investment portfolio including a diversified fund model which enables an investor to own an equal share in a fund invested in multiple projects; not just one commercial real estate investment project, as many of AAP’s competitors provide, lowering the investment risk.
This unique model by Atlantic American Partners not only diversifies investment risk; but also precludes the loss of capital, which in turn helps investors get their money back with profit made through capital gains, along with a 2 percent annual interest rate paid to the applicant each year (equal to $10,00 per year), when the diversified properties held in each “fund” are liquidated (sold).
AAP is unique in the EB-5 investor visa industry by including a “sunset” clause in the investment document agreements that state it has the right to sell the assets no later than 6 years after the project has begun. This is another advantage to investing with Atlantic American Partners.
Atlantic American Partners is part of a 45-year old investment banking firm (www.ceaworldwide.com) that had been involved more than $40 billion in equity and debt transactions in a variety of industries and fields in over 100 countries around the world.
It commenced operations in Africa in early 2018 and has recorded tremendous success in South Africa, Kenya and Ghana; with numerous applications exceeding projection before coming to Nigeria.
To date, Atlantic American Partners has helped over 600 families with their EB-5 immigration process, completed successfully 29 projects, invested more than $300 million, and has a 100 percent approval rate on applicant I-526 and I-829 project immigration approvals.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, has disclosed that the state government has not restricted the movement of people during the re-introduced monthly environmental sanitation exercise.
Responding to an enquiry by an X user, Faveo Autos, on Saturday, he said the exercise was not brought back to restrict the movement of residents, noting that arresting anyone during the sanitation was unlawful and not backed by law.
However, he encouraged Lagosians to use the period to keep their surroundings clean.
“What is the fine for movement during environmental [sanitation]?” Mr Wahab was asked by Faveo Autos today.
In his response, the Commissioner said, “For clarity, there is no restriction on movement during the monthly environmental sanitation exercise. Consequently, arresting anyone on the basis of movement during the exercise is unlawful and does not represent the position or policy of the Lagos State Government.
“The monthly environmental sanitation exercise was reintroduced primarily to restore and strengthen the culture of environmental cleanliness across the state.
“The initiative is backed by the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017. However, the law does not provide for any restriction on movement during the exercise.
“Our focus is on encouraging Lagosians to embrace environmental sanitation as a civic responsibility and a shared commitment to maintaining a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Lagos, rather than relying on enforcement measures.”
Life is full of unexpected moments that test our patience, strength, and perspective. Everyone experiences setbacks, disappointments, and periods of uncertainty. While these moments can feel overwhelming, they also provide opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery.
One of the most valuable lessons we learn is that difficult situations rarely last forever. Time, reflection, and a willingness to adapt often help us move beyond even the toughest circumstances. Maintaining a positive outlook and focusing on practical solutions can make a significant difference.
Relationships also play an important role in overcoming hardships. Support from family, friends, or mentors reminds us that we are not alone. At the same time, learning to let go of anger and resentment can free us from emotional burdens that prevent us from moving forward.
The only way out of the labyrinth of suffering is to forgive. It is nothing to die. It is frightful not to live. Everything was beautiful and nothing hurt.
Personal growth is not about avoiding challenges but about responding to them with resilience and wisdom. Every experience, whether positive or negative, contributes to the person we become. By embracing change and practicing gratitude, we can create a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
In the end, moving forward requires courage, forgiveness, and hope. When we choose to focus on what we can control instead of dwelling on the past, we open ourselves to new opportunities and a brighter future.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The establishment of four new army divisions has been approved by President Bola Tinubu, bringing the total to 12.
In a statement on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, it was stated that the President also authorised the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel to strengthen national security.
The new divisions created include 5 Division, with the headquarters in Makurdi covering Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States; 9 Division, with the headquarters in Ilorin covering Kwara and Niger States; 10 Division, with the headquarters in Jalingo covering Taraba and Adamawa States; and 83 Division, with the headquarters in Benin City covering Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States.
It was disclosed that the establishment of the new Divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City will significantly improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure, improve counter-insurgency and internal security operations, and ensure faster military response to emerging threats nationwide.
Implementation of the new force structure will be done in two phases. The first phase, covering the establishment of the 5, 9, and 10 Divisions and the reorganisation of existing formations, will be completed by September 2026. The second phase, involving the establishment of the 83 Division and further reorganisation, is expected to be completed by December 2026.
The statement said the expansion of the Nigerian Army’s structure from eight to twelve divisions will improve the operational effectiveness of the security agency and strengthen national defence capabilities further.
Before now, the Nigerian Army operated 1 Division, with the headquarters in Kaduna covering Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States; 2 Division, with the headquarters in Ibadan covering Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States; 3 Division, with the headquarters in Jos covering Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe States; 6 Division, with the headquarters in Port Harcourt covering Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States; 7 Division, with the headquarters in Maiduguri covering Borno and Yobe States; 8 Division, with the headquarters in Sokoto covering Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States; 81 Division, with the headquarters in Lagos covering Lagos and Ogun States; and 82 Division, with the headquarters in Enugu covering Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo States.
Mr Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s determination to continue investing in the Armed Forces, ensuring they remain adequately equipped, highly motivated, and fully capable of protecting the nation and guaranteeing the safety and security of all Nigerians.
He lauded the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, and all officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their dedication, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
