NiDCOM IS SET FOR NATIONAL DIASPORA DAY CELEBRATION- HON ABIKE ….Says FGN has Evacuated Over 6,300 Nigerians.
Oru Leonard
Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), says all has been put in place with the collaboration of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation, to make the National Diaspora Conference interactive and eventful.
NiDCOM Chairman, Honourable Abike Dabiri Erewa who stated this during a press briefing today at Abuja on Tuesday, July 21, 2020, noted
that of this year’s National Diaspora Day Celebrations which customarily deserves pomp and glamour but will be marked solemnly due to the global health challenge threatening the world- the COVID-19 Pandemic.
“As you know, the Diaspora forms an integral part of a nation; host or homeland but more importantly to the country of origin. This reason alone forms the basis to set aside a day to applaud our diasporas and dialogue issues affecting the diaspora. Nigeria cherishes and lauds the efforts of all her diasporas worldwide that a Commission was established to ‘engage and utilise the human, capital and material resources of this demography in the socio-economic, cultural and political development of Nigeria”, Abike said.
She noted that since the commencement of (NiDCOM) last year some commendable achievements has been made giving details on evacuation, meeting with state focal point officers of which representatives from 27 states out of the 36 states in Nigeria and the FCT attended, NDIS Events, Remittances, Rescues, Diaspora Accolades and Donations
On evacuations she said, “Following series of interventions to ameliorate attacks on black Africans in South Africa including Nigerians, the Commission received the first and second batches of stranded Nigerians back home in Lagos on Sept. 11, 2019 and Sept. 18, 2019. A total of 501 returnees consisting of 187 and 314 Nigerians respectively. They received SIM Cards worth of N40,000 airtime plus 9GB of data valid for two months, as well as, a soft loan from the Bank of Industry to support those interested in small trade and businesses. While a programme of re-integration has been put in place with the support of some NGOs and their respective states of origin which had been written by NiDCOM after the returnees had been profiled for necessary assistance.
She explained that with the COVID-19 pandemic which left some Nigerians in the Diaspora stranded, NiDCOM, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigerian Missions around the world have evacuated 6 and still evacuating stranded Nigerians anywhere in the world.
She gave a breakdown as follows
US. 3 batches- 806, UK. 3 batches- 831. Saudi Arabia-117, Cairo, Egypt- 372, France- 70, India. 3 batches- 540, UAE Dubai. 5 batches- 1,405,
Turkey. 2 batches- 324, Sudan. 3 batches- 365, Uganda & Kenya- 172,
Senegal- 17, Pakistan- 56, Egypt- 102, China- 268, Malaysia & Thailand- 247, Lebanon- 147, Canada- 51, South Africa- 324, Ghana- 205.
In response to questions from correspondents on diaspora voting, Hon Abike said diaspora voting will be a reality as the National Assembly is still working out modalities since every country has her peculiarities.
On diaspora accolades, she noted that those in Diaspora are rewriting the story of Nigeria for the better and the President has been identifying with them.”It brings me joy to note the breakthroughs, achievements and record-breaking feats achieved by Nigerians, just last week President Muhammadu Buhari congratulated Prof. Charles Egbu, First Black person to be appointed Vice Chancellor of a ranking University in the UK and also Dr. Ikenna Nweke who returned a wallet with huge sums of money and a Credit Card to Japanese Police, Mrs. Olasunmbo Iginla-Aina, award recipient of a member of the British Empire, Dr. Olagunju Ogunbiyi a foremost Surgeon, Anthony Joshua, World Boxing Heavyweight Champion, Karamu Usman UWC Defending Champion and late Toyin Salau to mention but a few, for example are proving to the world that Nigerians are focused, determined, caring, kind, friendly, brave, Intelligent, enterprising, creative and are passionate for all things humanity. They are rewriting the Nigerian story for the better”, expressed
On rescues and interventions
The likes of Zainab Aliyu, Mr. Ibrahim Ibrahim( Saudi Arabia) Busari(Oman) Chinedu and Uchenna(Bosnia) John Adam’s Smart(Kenya) were mentioned.
She commended Nigerians in diaspora for initiating the National Diaspora Day celebration which NiDCOM start ancouring two years ago. “This is the 2nd National Diaspora Day Celebrations NiDCOM will be marking since NiDCOM’s establishment a year ago and the 15th Edition after its commencement in 2006.Our efforts alone, couldn’t have been feasible without the help of the Federal Government and most importantly, the Diaspora. You make it happen. I look forward to a productive celebration, although low key and its happening virtually through a webinar, the new normal”, the NiDCOM boss concluded.
