NIDO announces plans for Nigerian Passport processing in Columbus Oct. 7 - 8

The Nigerian in Diaspora, Ohio will hold the Nigerian Passport processing on Friday, October 7 and Saturday October 8, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio at Ashland University campus on Dublin-Granville Road.

In a reminder sent to participants, the Secretary of NIDO, Bukola Olaoye said that “in the interim, location and processing time frames will remain the same,” adding that follow up to schedule preferred date and time should be expected.

According to him, “the total cost including the cost of the passport is $236.” 

The breakdown is $106 as cost of the passport; $100.00 US Post Office Money Order or Certified Bank Check made payable to the Consulate General of Nigeria - Consulate Processing Fee and $30.00 Check or Money Order made payable to NIDO OHIO (Free for all minors - Under 18).

He urged participants to schedule finger print and photo appointment in advance.

“Make 3 copies of all your documents and send a copy of the application form, payment confirmation and acknowledgement slips to NIDOA Ohio Chapter: P.O.BOX 248205. Columbus, OH 43224,” he added.

For registration, applicants are advised to go online for application forms at

https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/passport/epassport.

Executive members of NIDOA, Ohio can be contacted for further information: -

    Teresa Edoja, President NIDOA Ohio (614)365-0162 or teresa.edoja@att.net

    Victor Nzimiro, Vice President NIDOA Ohio (614)259-7488 or vnzimiro@nidoaohio.org

    Bukola Olaoye, Secretary NIDOA Ohio (240)230-6586 or sirbuks07@yahoo.com.

Northern Lights Library reopens Sept. 24

The Northern Lights Metropolitan Library, Columbus, Ohio will reopen on Saturday, September 24, 2016, one year and three months after reconstruction works commenced at the Library. The outdoor ceremony begins at 12 p.m. with a ribbon-cutting and live music. Grand Opening Celebration is from 12:30 to 3 p.m.

Reconstruction work formally began Thursday June 17, 2015 after a ceremonial Wall Breaking at its location on 4093 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus. The library temporarily operated from Brookhaven High School which is less than two miles from the Northern Lights.

The expanded Northern Lights Branch will have more than 26,000 square feet of space from less than 12,000; 114 parking spaces from 72; a larger Homework Help Center; a dedicated Ready for Kindergarten Area and more community gathering space.

Columbus Metropolitan Library's Board of Trustees, Foundation and Friends of the Library called on visitors to come “experience our new branch and join in family fun activities and entertainment. Enter for a chance to win an eReader and sign up for a commemorative library card to celebrate this momentous opening.”

USCIS releases update on Naturalization processing

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, USCIS has said that applicants filing for Naturalization will no longer need to submit two passport-style photographs now that it is processed electronically. 

According to a statement from the USCIS “we will capture their photographs when they appear at the Application Support Center (ASC) for their biometrics appointment.”

Applicants “will be scheduled for a biometric service appointment at a local ASC for collection of their fingerprints, photographs and signature, regardless of their age,” the statement said.

USCIS used to waive the fingerprint requirement for applicants 75 years or older, which meant they were not required to appear at an ASC. However, now that this form is processed electronically, those applicants do need to appear at an ASC. 

It added that, “our improved technology means we can capture fingerprints for applicants of all ages. This enhances our ability to confirm their identity and perform required background checks. We will update the form instructions, Policy Manual and Guide to Naturalization as soon as possible.  Applicants aged 75 and older do not have to pay the biometrics fee.

All domestic USCIS facilities are accessible to individuals with disabilities. However, USCIS can make special arrangements to accommodate the needs of the elderly and applicants with disabilities, who are homebound or hospitalized.  This is known as homebound processing.