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Tag: NIDCOM

  • BREAKING: Finally, Egypt opens border for evacuation of Nigerians

    BREAKING: Finally, Egypt opens border for evacuation of Nigerians

    Egypt has finally opened its border for the evacuation of Nigerian students escaping the war in Sudan.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) made the disclosure on Monday.

    The NIDCOM boss disclosed that the Egyptian border was opened with stringent conditions.

    Dabiri-Erewa said the border was opened after President Muhammadu Buhari spoke with Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the Egyptian president.

    “With the intervention of President Buhari, Egypt has finally opened its border to Nigerians fleeing Sudan.

    “With an Airforce plane already on the ground in Aswan, Egypt, the processing of the first set of evacuees will begin,” Dabiri-Erewa tweeted.

  • Sudan: Egyptian border remains closed against Nigerian students

    Sudan: Egyptian border remains closed against Nigerian students

    The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has disclosed that the Egyptian border is still not opened yet for students and other Nigerians escaping from Sudan to be evacuated.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports NiDCOM disclosed this via Twitter on Monday but confirmed that the Nigeria Airforce (NAF) is ready to carry out the evacuation.

    “The Egyptian border still not opened for our students, but the Nigeria Airforce is ready, the NAF C 130 landed in Aswan Airport, and they say “We will not leave without our students,” NiDCOM tweeted.

     

     

  • Sudan: First set of Nigeria evacuees to arrive today

    Sudan: First set of Nigeria evacuees to arrive today

    The first batch of stranded Nigerians in Sudan have been evacuated by the Federal Government and are expected to arrive in Abuja today.

    This is according to a statement issued by Mr. Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) on Thursday.

    The information was given at a State House briefing by Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman, NiDCOM.

    Dabiri-Erewa said a total of 13 out of the 40 buses hired to transport Nigerians from Sudan already left since Wednesday and moved by road to the border town of Aswan in Egypt.

    Members of staff of the embassy in Egypt and the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency(NEMA), Mr Mustapha Habeeb-Muhammed received the evacuees.

    She said 10 of those buses transported Nigerians from Universities in Khartoum while the remaining three buses were dispatched to El- Razi University to convey them to the town in Egypt.

    On allegations of segregation and discrimination in the evacuation process, she explained that children and women were given priority as they were profiled for administrative purposes.

    The NiDCOM boss said a Boeing 777 from Airpeace would depart Lagos by evening of Thursday and would transport the first batch home on Friday.

    She also assured all Nigerians that all those who registered to be evacuated home would be facilitated irrespective of status, gender, and state.

    Dabiri-Erewa clarified that besides the huge population of Nigeria students in Sudan, there were millions of other Nigerians in the country doing their legitimate business and residing there peacefully.

    She allayed the fears of being attacked by the warlords, saying the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama, already secured the understanding of the two warlords before the transportation of Nigerians by road.

  • BREAKING: Nigerian students in war-torn Sudan head to Egypt [VIDEO]

    BREAKING: Nigerian students in war-torn Sudan head to Egypt [VIDEO]

    Nigerian students in war-torn Sudan are currently on their way to Egypt from where they will be airlifted to Nigeria.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Nigerian students, stranded in Sudan as a result of conflict by rival groups, would be airlifted from Egypt through Cairo.

    Buses hired by the federal government had arrived at the meeting point of International University of Africa, Khartoum for the evacuation.

    A set of five 200-seater buses drove into the venue Tuesday at exactly 7:30 pm local time (5:30 pm – Nigerian time) with two Hilux trucks of security personnel and a small bus of embassy officials.

    A student leader confirmed the development,”the officials have started clearance and verification of students at the venue and some students are ready to board.

    “We are discussing giving out 60 per cent of the first available seats to the female students and children while the male students take up the remaining 40 per cent.

    “We are told that more buses are coming and the officials also brought some snacks and water too. On this note, we wish to sincerely thank them for this gesture and their efforts toward ensuring that we returned home safe,” the student stated.

    Speaking before the arrival of the buses, an evacuation committee member said, it’s risky to transport huge number of students from one point to another in present day Sudan without the assistance and cooperation of both warring troops.

    “There are basically two reasons for the delay of the buses to the venue. One, we are yet to get clearance from both authorities as it is risky to move the students without such clearance and then the mode of payment to the bus company took a while to clear.

    “But I assure you, the evacuation of the students will begin in a short while as the payment has cleared and we have secured clearance from both warring generals.

    “The NEMA DG is already in Cairo and some staffs are at the Egyptian border to help ease their entry as we speak. Also, more committee members and officials are airborne to Egypt all in an effort to ensure the safe return of all Nigerians in Sudan,” the committee member explained.

    Meanwhile, Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has said the government is anxiously looking forward to receiving the students safely in the country.

    https://twitter.com/abikedabiri/status/1651148213926211585?s=19

  • Sudan conflict: NiDCOM making arrangements to evacuate students, citizens

    Sudan conflict: NiDCOM making arrangements to evacuate students, citizens

    Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), says the commission is making arrangements to evacuate Nigerians from Sudan.

    She, however, explained that it is impossible for any flights to leave at this time.

    This is contained in a statement by Mr Gabriel Odu, Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, NIDCOM in Abuja.

    Dabiri-Erewa said the Nigerian Mission in Sudan and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) had put in place arrangements for evacuation of students and citizens stranded in Sudan.

    She said that the tense situation in Sudan made it “risky and impossible for any flights at this point in time”.

    According to her, aircrafts parked at the airport were burnt.

    She also said humanitarian groups were seeking ways of getting food, water and medicals across to people.

    She appealed to the warring parties to consider the Juba Peace Agreement pronounced by Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

    She said the agreement was a fundamental mechanism for the restoration of peace and tranquility in the country.

    The agreement is a step in the Sudanese peace process that aims to achieve stability and peace in Sudan after decades of multiple civil conflicts, which have killed more than 300,000 people and displaced more than 2.5 million.

    Sudan’s military and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Thursday separately announced a 24-hour ceasefire but hostilities continued past the deadline.

    However, the intensity reportedly dropped significantly on Saturday morning.

    The Sudan conflict is an ongoing armed conflict between rival factions of the military government of Sudan.

    It began on 15 April 2023, when clashes broke out across the country, mainly in the capital city of Khartoum and the Darfur region.

    Fighting has intensified around the capital’s airport, closing its airspace, and near hospitals, hampering evacuation efforts and treatment of wounded.

    Thousands have been injured. Civilians also are struggling with power outages and food shortages.

    U.N. relief efforts have also been halted.

  • NiDCOM reacts to alleged killing of Nigerian in Ethiopian prison

    NiDCOM reacts to alleged killing of Nigerian in Ethiopian prison

    The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) says the Federal Government will demand a full investigation into the circumstances that led to the death of a Nigerian, Chizoba Favour Eze, in an Ethiopian prison.

    This is contained in a statement by Mr. Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, NiDCOM in Abuja on Wednesday.

    Eze died after she was allegedly brutalised by the Ethiopian police.

    According to multiple sources, the young woman died from injuries she sustained after she was brutalised by the police personnel attached to the Kaliti prison, a maximum security facility in Addis Ababa.

    The statement quoted Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman, NIDCOM as saying that the commission was in contact with the Nigerian mission in Ethiopia and that the circumstances that led to Eze’s death would be thoroughly investigated.

    Dabiri-Erewa added, according to the statement, that she was concerned over the reported conditions of some Nigerians serving various jail terms in Ethiopia.

    She said most of the cases were drug-related.

    The NiDCOM chief also said the Nigerian Mission in Ethiopia had proposed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) from the Nigerian Correctional Service on the transfer of sentenced persons to Nigeria.

    She, however, said the Nigerian Government was awaiting a response from Ethiopia.

    Dabiri-Erewa said although the Ethiopian Government had granted amnesty to Nigerian prisoners in 2019, a number of them still found their way back to the country and allegedly committed the same drug-related crimes and were re-arrested.

    The NIDCOM boss condoled with the family of Chizoba, who was said to have died on March 12.

  • Cypriot police arrest four Nigerians for operating a prostitution ring

    Cypriot police arrest four Nigerians for operating a prostitution ring

    The police in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has arrested some Nigerians operating a prostitution ring in the country.

    The Nigerians are Sharon Blessing Chibuike, 38, Promise Ben David, 27, Chinedu Emmanuel Ibekweo, 19, and Esther Montse, 29.

    They will be charged for Forced Detention with Intent Prostitution, Encouragement of Prostitution, Prostitution and Intentional Sexual Sex Detention.

    A Police officer, Vasvi Özbey reported the facts in a sworn testimony in court on Wednesday.

    The police acted on a complaint filed by “OA” at the Nicosia Judicial Branch on January 23.

    Blessing Chibuike lives in Nicosia, capital of Cyprus, with OA whom they had brought from Nigeria to enroll as a student in Turkey.

    The suspects withheld the passport of the 28-year-old, forcing her to have sex with men in exchange for money.

    A search warrant was obtained from the Nicosia District Court, but no one could be identified at the address.

    On January 24, the police obtained a court order to take in the suspects for prosecution.

    Two notebooks found at the address now form part of the evidence. The suspects say they are not guilty.

    Judge Nil Elodie Çeliker ordered their remand in police custody as investigation continues.

    Recall that the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has cautioned Nigerian students against going to Northern Cyprus.

    Its chairperson, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, had in a ministerial briefing organised by the Presidential Communications Team appealed to Nigerian students from going there to study or do business.

    She said Northern Cyprus was not recognized by the UN, adding that a lot of students had been killed there.

    “There have been a lot of problems in Northern Cyprus; we have youths come to tell us, please tell everybody to stop going to Northern Cyprus.

    “We did that sometime ago and we were challenged at what rights we had to tell people not to go to Northern Cyprus.

    “I say it again; if you have to go to Northern Cyprus, think twice about it; no fewer than 20 students have been killed over the years and nothing has happened to the assailants.

  • Nigeria’ll become destination for medical tourism – Dabiri-Erewa

    Nigeria’ll become destination for medical tourism – Dabiri-Erewa

    Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) says the establishment of the Africa Medical Centre for Excellence (AMCE) will make Nigeria a destination for medical tourism.

    Newsmen reports on that the NiDCOM chief said this in Abuja while receiving Mr Brian Deaver, the CEO, AMCE and his team on a courtesy call.

    She added that with the quantity of medical facilities planned for the centre, it would go a long way to reducing brain drain of medical professionals and a game changer in medical tourism.

    Dabiri-Erewa also said that with the establishment of AMCE, Nigeria’s healthcare system would ultimately become a medical hub with a major investment deal coming to the country.

    She said: ”Having NiDCOM on board as a partner would help in attracting Nigerian medical personnel
    working in the diaspora to tap into their expertise and capacity building

    “With the assemblage of this wonderful team, I am optimistic that the project is already a huge success. I therefore assure you of our support and partnership in this regard.”

    Dabiri-Erewa said that, if the vision and mission of the project were fully implemented as conceived, they will revamp the current situation of Nigeria’s health sector.

    She, however, advised that there should be provision for the treatment of the less privileged in the society, so that the facilities would cater for all the categories of humanity.

    Dabiri-Erewa seized the opportunity to congratulate Dr Aisha Umar, the Chief Medical Officer of AMCE on the appointment, describing her as one of the best in the health sector.

    She also said that with the number of Nigerian professionals in the healthcare industry beginning to invest in the sector, medical tourism would soon be history.

    The NiDCOM boss gave said the commission was ready to work with AMCE group, as a Technical Committee would be created to that effect.

    Earlier, Mr Brian Deaver, the CEO of AMCE, said that the project was a world-class medical service hub aimed at providing efficient health care delivery in Nigeria, especially in Cancer and Cardiovascular related treatments.

    According to him, the establishment of the centre in Nigeria will reverse the flow of external medical tourism, estimated at $6 billion annually.

    “With the ongoing project in Nigeria, over 1000 Nigerian medical and non medical staffers will be recruited and gainfully employed.

    “The center will be one of the many world-class cancer treatment and diagnosis centres to be built in Nigeria with over $700 million funding support from Afrexim Bank,” Deaver said.

    Also Speaking, Umar said that the group has been enthusiastic in partnering with Africa in healthcare delivery with the pilot business in Abuja, Nigeria.

  • Ondo Seaport will be actualised – Abike Dabiri-Erewa

    Ondo Seaport will be actualised – Abike Dabiri-Erewa

    Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NidCOM), says the Ondo Seaport will soon be actualised.

    Dabiri-Erewa made this known at the end of a 3-day Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS) held at the Conference Center of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Newsmen reports that the just-concluded NDIS had as its theme: “Optimising Investment Opportunities for National Development “.

    According to the NiDCOM chief, one of the major aims of the summit is to drive key investments in various local sectors of the economy.

    “The Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo, has assured that the dream of having an Ondo Seaport will soon be actualised,” she said.

    Dabiri-Erewaurged the participants to invest back home, as the state in focus, Ondo state, had been able to showcase the numerous investment opportunities in the state.

    Sen. Gbenga Ashafa, the Managing Director, Federal Housing Authority (FHA), represented by Hajia Hafsat Kadiri, revealed the organisation’s readiness to support and partner with investors and developers.

    “The Diaspora City will be standing on 600 hectares of land in Abuja as a pilot project. We hope to extend it across the nation.

    “Diasporans are hereby welcome to build their own cities in their respective states,” he said.

    Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa, Executive Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), represented by Dr George Ekpungu, Secretary to the commission said Nigeria was the best destination for Investment.

    “Nigeria has vast opportunities which require responsibility to be turned into National investment. With Integrity and accountability in management of resources, investments will yield optimum benefits to both investors and the nation,” Bawa said..

    He said that the agency was committed to tackling corruption and sanitising the economic space to ensure investors get value for their money, especially through the three recent laws.

    “They are: Money Laundering (Prevention And Prohibition) Act 2022, Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill, 2022, and the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Bill, 2022,” he said.

    Amb. Zubairu Dada, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs, represented by Dr Oludare Folowosele, described the diasporans as veritable sources of joy to the country.

    He assured that the ministry would continue to work closely with every stakeholder to champion the cause of the diasporans.

    Mr Adesola Olusade, the Permanent Secretary, FCT, commended NiDCOM and others partners for putting up the event.

    “It is obvious that the Diaspora summit has been getting better over the years. We look forward to having FCT as a state in focus, because the opportunities here are vast”, he said.

    Mr Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, Chairman, House Committee on Diaspora Affairs, challenged the diasporans to sell Nigeria as an investment destination to the world.

    “We can collaborate with those of us at home and those in the diaspora to bring more businesses to Nigeria. We need a pathway like interpretation of the constitution so that anyone with a link to Nigeria will identify himself as a Nigerian.,” he added.

    Mr Michael Ana-Nnachi, Chairman, Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations, urged diasporans to look inwards and work with the government to build an economy that would bring about a change in the fortunes of the nation.

    Ana-Nnachi further suggested that the summit be adopted as a forum for unity and diversity and an encouragement hub where knowledge was shared freely with the hope of transforming Nigeria.

    Newsmen reports that the 3-day event ended with a dinner and gala night to entertain participants and friends of Nigeria.

  • Ondo Port ‘ll play vital role in country’s economy- Gov. Oyebanji

    Ondo Port ‘ll play vital role in country’s economy- Gov. Oyebanji

    Gov. Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, says the Ondo Sea Port is expected to play a role in contributing significantly to developing the state’s economy and its neighbouring states.

    Oyebanji who was represented by the Special Assistant (SA) to the governor on Budget and Planning, Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo, said this at the ongoing Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS).

    Newsmen reports that the event is organised by the Nigerians in the Diaspora Commision (NiDCOM) in partnership with Nigerian Diaspora Summit Initiative (NDSI).

    The fifth edition of the  NDIS holding at the  Conference Center, Presidential Villa Abuja has as its theme: “Optimising Investment Opportunities for National Development “.

    According to Oyenbaji, findings have shown that there is a positive relationship between seaport development and the growth and development of the local economy and neighboring communities.

    “A significant ratio of Nigeria’s imports and exports rely on the maritime sector. Ports are the epicentre of the Blue Economy including transportation of humans and goods, export and import.

    “Tourism and leisure, fishing, aquaculture, and more recent developments like offshore renewable energy, among others.

    “Thus, Ondo Port is expected to play a role of utmost importance and contribute significantly to the development of the economy of Ondo state and neighbouring states such as Ekiti.

    “As most (if not all of us) know, what is now referred to as Ekiti was part of the Ondo Province in Western Region of Nigeria.

    “Ondo province would later become Ondo state in October 1976. 20 years down the line, precisely on  Oct. 1, 1996, the modern Ekiti  was formed out of Ondo state,” he said.

    He further added that  both states shared history and were economically and culturally closer  than any of the 34 states of Nigeria.

    “Hence, the establishment of a sea port in Ondo state will be of immense benefit to Ekiti . The importance of the proposed port becomes even clearer when one considers the fact that Ekiti is a landlocked state.

    “Many investment potentials are expected to emerge and economic benefits are expected to be  derived from the establishment of the Ondo seaport.”

    He said the port would enable industrial outputs and agricultural produce in Ekiti  to gain enhanced access to the international market and improve our ability to actively participate in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA).

    “Thereby generating foreign exchange. The port will also improve the economics of production and distribution of corporations in Ondo state  and Ekiti and the general well being of the people of our two states,” he said.

    NAN also reports that the summit which stated on Nov. 15  will end on Nov. 17.