••••As Organization Holds End-of-Year Praise Party
•By OYENIYI KAZEEM
Debo made the assertion on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at the Smile Dove Nigeria Limited End-of-Year Praise Party (Praise Party 1.0), held in Ibadan. The event, themed “Thou Art Worthy, O Lord” (Revelation 4:11), also marked reflections on the company’s 12-year journey and its growing role in the travel consultancy industry.
According to Debo, the perception that the US travel ban signals rejection of Nigerians is misguided.
“Many people believe that going to the United States is the ultimate goal, but this ban is not because Nigerians are liabilities,” he said. “It is because the US sees our potential and is wary of it. Nigerians excel wherever they go. In many countries, we outperform others and make significant economic and professional contributions.”
He added that the achievements of Nigerians globally demonstrate their capacity to thrive in competitive environments.
The Smile Dove CEO urged Nigerians not to see the development as discouraging, but rather as an opportunity to rethink their approach to international travel and personal growth.
“There are many countries that offer opportunities beyond the United States. Nigeria itself remains one of the best countries in the world,” he said. “This situation should serve as a wake-up call for Nigerians to think strategically and plan professionally.”
Speaking on the operations of Smile Dove Nigeria Limited, Debo clarified that the company’s services extend beyond visa processing.
“Smile Dove is not just a travel agency; we are a travel consultancy,” he explained. “We provide guidance, orientation, and education about travel. Our services cover educational trips, tourism, vacations, and pilgrimages.”
He noted that the company collaborates with educational institutions across Europe, the Schengen zone, North America—particularly Canada—and parts of Asia, helping clients explore lawful and informed travel options.
“We want people to understand that travel is more than the ‘Japa’ mindset. It is a world of opportunities when approached correctly,” he added.
As part of the event, Debo announced the launch of a comprehensive guidebook on the travel industry, aimed at educating Nigerians on legal, informed, and strategic pathways to international travel.
“The book will cover everything Nigerians need to know about the travel industry,” he said, expressing optimism about the company’s future growth and impact.
The United States government recently announced an expanded list of countries whose nationals will face travel restrictions beginning January 1, 2026. The measures affect applicants for F, M, and J student visas, as well as other visitors and immigrants, although current student visa holders are exempt provided they remain in the US.
Nigeria is among 15 African countries placed on the “partially restricted and limited” list, alongside Angola, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Senegal, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
The restrictions also suspend several legal immigration pathways for Nigerians, including green cards, naturalisation, and other permanent residency applications.