The authorities was said to have intensified joint operations across the country targeted at ridding the kingdom of undocumented irregular migrants.

The disclosure was made on Friday by Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, in a statement made available by Gabriel Odu of its Media, Public Relations and Protocol unit, to FrontPage.

The commission said although the Nigerian Embassy in Saudi was intervening in the different cases involving Nigerians, it urged Nigerians to resist breaking the laws of other countries.

The statement reads:

“The attention of the Management of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, has been drawn to a communication from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on Saudi Arabian authorities intensifying crackdown on undocumented foreigners in their country.

“The letter stated that Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has between October and December, 2022, intensified joint operations across the country targeted at ridding the kingdom of undocumented irregular migrants.

“In the communication to the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Saudi Arabian government noted that about 45,458 foreigners ranging from violation of residency rules, illegal border crossing attempts and irregular migrants for labour-related offences are in the country.

“The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, therefore, urges Nigerians travelling to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia without proper documentation not to do so as Saudi authorities have heightened a clamp down on irregular migrants.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has about 800 Nigerians arrested and detained  for various offences particularly Consular issues since the clampdown began in October, 2022. Though the Nigerian Embassy in Saudi is intervening in this matter, NiDCOM urges Nigerians to resist breaking the laws of other countries.

“In the same vein,  President Muhammadu Buhari has appealed to the United Arab Emirates’ President,  Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to lift the suspension of the blanket visa ban on Nigerians travelling to the UAE.

“It could be recalled that  UAE visa ban came as a result of issues associated with alleged criminality and illegalities of some Nigerians living in Dubai.

“The commission has appealed to Nigerian citizens that if they must travel, they should travel with proper documentation and legitimately too.”

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The president made this commendation at the Presidential Townhall Meeting with Nigerians in the Diaspora, which took place Friday in Washington as he rounded off his participation at the US-Africa Leaders Summit.

He assured them that the federal government would continue to watch their back in whichever situation they found themselves, just as he had recently given approvals for the evacuation of Nigerians who found themselves in harm’s way in Libya, South Africa, Ukraine, UAE and India.

President Buhari added that it was for that reason that the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, was established to facilitate interactions with the “ambassadors.”

The president urged them to continue to be good ambassadors of the country and live in peace among themselves and with their hosts as there could be no progress in disunity.

President Buhari expressed delight that the representatives were giving back to Nigeria as expected of them, urging them to do more.

“It is gratifying for me to note that many Nigerians in the USA have continued to excel in their careers leading to some persons of Nigerian origin being appointed into the cabinet of H.E. President Joe Biden.

“Similarly, many have been elected/appointed into various responsible and competitive positions in the United States of America.  I congratulate those who have brought honour and pride to our country. I thank and commend them for their respective successes as I equally urge them to demonstrate the highest sense of responsibility in order that they continue to remain reference points of excellence as they serve in this country.”

According to him, “I understand that in 2021, our diaspora home remittances through official channels stand at Twenty Billion US Dollars ($20bn) which is four times over the value of our Foreign Direct Investment.  In addition, many of our diaspora compatriots are actively investing in our Healthcare, Agriculture, Education, Information and Communication Technology, Housing and Real Estate, Transportation, Oil and Gas, and other Services.”

“I must say this is most commendable and in our enlightened collective self interest as only Nigerians both at home and abroad, can develop Nigeria. I am personally proud of you all,” the president said.

President Buhari, who told the gathering that it would be the last time he would be addressing them in a town hall meeting in Washington as president, assured them that the electoral process leading to the election of a new administration was going well.

“As you all are aware, the processes to our national elections in 2023, have continued to progress smoothly, and consistent with the laws of our land. I have repeatedly assured of my personal commitment, as well as of our Administration’s commitment to ensuring that the processes continue to be transparent, credible, free and fair, leading to smooth elections and transition to the next government.

“This is the only way we can strengthen democracy in Nigeria and set the right example for the rest of Africa and hopefully stop the recourse to unconstitutional changes of governments in our sub-region and the rest of the African Continent,” he declared.

In her remarks, the chairman of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, noted that the first Diaspora meeting by President Buhari was held in Washington and eulogised the president for his continued support for NiDCOM and being always ready to meet with Nigerians anytime he travelled outside the country.

Gathered in the hall were Nigerians from all walks of life including politicians especially, those voted and appointed into various positions in the last elections in the US; accomplished Medical Doctors; sportsmen/women; those in the education, aviation as well as media and entertainment sectors.

Highlight of the occasion was  the felicitation with President Buhari on the occasion of his 80th birthday and presentation of a portrait to mark the occasion by the Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, Uzoma Emenike.

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Yes, Nigeria has battled, and is still battling grave security issues. But it will win. As sure as night follows the day. In fact, insurgents and bandits are being put on the back foot already. Nigeria shall win.

However, the footprints of President Muhammadu Buhari are visible in many areas of our national life, and will remain indelible. At least for those who are fair, and open-minded, not those who have afflicted themselves with willful blindness, deafness and amnesia.

One area where President Buhari will never be forgotten is in diaspora matters. How the country relates with its nationals abroad, taps into their skills and capacities, takes care of their needs, and generally gives them a sense of inclusion in national affairs.

In 2017, Buhari saw to the enactment of the Nigeria in Diaspora Commission (Establishment) Act, which provides for the engagement of Nigerians in diaspora in the policies, projects and participation in the development of Nigeria, and for the purpose of utilizing the human capital and material resources of Nigerians in diaspora towards the overall socio-economic, cultural and political development of the country.

Yes, Nigeria has battled, and is still battling grave security issues. But it will win.

The Nigeria in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) was set up, with our media kinswoman and former Federal lawmaker, Abike Dabiri, as the pioneer Chairman/Chief Executive Officer.

But the office was not just set up to become a monument or white elephant, President Buhari gives all the support necessary. I was privy to it when he gave an instruction that the NIDCOM CEO must be on all his foreign trips, where he wishes to meet, and engage with Nigerians living abroad. And Nigeria has a treasure trove today in its diaspora nationals, spread round the world.

Every week, we hold the State House Press Briefing organized by the Presidential Communications Team. And who was our guest last week? Hon Abike Dabiri, who had a lot to unfold, justifying why Buhari is known today as the ‘Most Loving Diaspora President’ we’ve had.

Nigeria boasts of great human resources, both at home and in diaspora. But it is one thing to have the rich resources, it’s another thing to harness them. That is what NIDCOM, with the active support of the President, is doing.

Who is a diaspora? A Nigerian who lives and works abroad, and who maintains links with the country and shows clear interest in contributing to her development in diverse ways. We are not talking of Nigerians who have ‘japa’ (to use a popular local lingo), and who have resolved to have nothing to do with motherland again. Some even stay abroad, and start throwing stones at their country, calling it all sorts of names.

In terms of financial remittances, see what our diaspora have done in the past three years. Mind you, we are talking of funds remitted through official channels, which can be tracked and recorded, and not unofficial ones.

In year 2019, total remittance was 25 billion dollars. In 2020, due to the ravages of COVID-19, it dropped to 17 billion dollars. And in 2021, it shot up to 20 billion dollars again. In Quarter 1 of this year alone, the sum of 5.16 billion dollars had been recorded.

The significance of these diaspora remittances should strike home better, when you compare it to what the country gets through Foreign Direct Investment. In 2021, it was 4.8 billion dollars, compared to 20 billion. Diaspora Home Remittances, are, therefore four times our FDI, and contribute about 6.1% of our annual GDP.

A lot of people, particularly youths, went out of the country, because of hard times, which is really a global phenomenon. But as some people, young and old ‘japa,’ others are coming back home, and making a difference. Why? Because they still believe in Nigeria. East or West, home is the best.

Hon Dabiri furnished the public with details of some diaspora Nigerians, who have returned to do great things in motherland. Dr John Godson Abraham has come back to set up Pilgrim Ranch Farm in Abuja. And it’s thriving. Dr Saidu Alhassan Wurno has established the Sokoto Multi-School Bus Project in Sokoto. Dr Modupe Elebute-Odunsi has set up Marcelle Ruth Hospital in Lagos, an ultra-modern facility. The hospital where VP Yemi Osinbajo also recently had surgery is a product of diaspora investment.

How about Dr Badewa Adejugbe-Williams? That’s the brain behind Royal School of Educational Therapy Foundation in Abuja. Simon Moses has Industrial Borehole/Road Construction company in Agatu, Benue State, Asisat Oshoala has a Football Academy in Lagos, while Anthony Joshua and Ahmed Musa have sports academies in Ogun, Plateau and Kano States, respectively.

In the midst of all these, there are mischievous people; politicians, so-called activists, talk show hosts on TV and radio, cynical people, who keep talking of farmers/herdsmen clashes, banditry, ‘worsening’ insecurity, and negative things daily. Well, let them be marooned there, and other positive minded people will continue to make progress.

Dr Philip O. Ozuah, an alumnus of the University of Ibadan recently donated a handsome 1 million dollars to his old university from the diaspora. Dr Benjamin Anyanwu has established a Stroke and Neuroscience Hospital in Owerri, Imo State, while people in diaspora contributed millions of dollars to help their country fight COVID-19. So, Nigeria is not a zoo after all.

READ ALSO: For Mike Awoyinfa, the ‘Iniquity Man’ at 70, By Femi Adesina

Every July 25 is now Diaspora Day in Nigeria. The National Diaspora Policy was ratified by the Federal Executive Council last year. There has been an annual Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit since 2018, and the setting up of a Diaspora Data Mapping Portal since 2021, to register Nigerians in Diaspora. There is the Diaspora Quarterly Lecture Series, the Diaspora Online Radio, newsletter, and weekly TV. All supported by Buhari. And some people think only insecurity will be said of his tenure in office? Fie. And I say fie, again.

Everywhere we go in the world, and the President meets with Nigerians living abroad, he has the same message for them. Obey the laws of your host countries. Follow the rules and regulations. Don’t forget home. Work hard, strive to be the best. If there are issues, trust us to stand up for you, but it should not be criminal.

Remember Zainab Aliyu and Ibrahim Ibrahim, who were unjustly tapped for drugs in Saudi Arabia? Nigeria rose up for them. The Legal Unit of NIDCOM has received and treated not less than 700 petitions from different parts of the world. 150 people have also been assisted to register companies with the Corporate Affairs Commission.

To show the national acceptability that President Buhari has given to diaspora matters, Abia and Edo States have also set up Diaspora Commissions, and signed bills into law.

To show the national acceptability that President Buhari has given to diaspora matters, Abia and Edo States have also set up Diaspora Commissions, and signed bills into law. We are sure making progress.

From Washington to Russia, France, South Africa, Rwanda, Portugal, India, and many other countries, President Buhari has held Town Hall meetings with Nigerians resident abroad. When there were flare-ups in South Africa, Libya, Lebanon, Ukraine, and other places, he promptly brought willing Nigerians back home, not minding cost.

Truly, we have with us the Most Diaspora Friendly President, and this, among others, will stand him in good stead, when he breasts the tape in May, next year. But insecurity? Let the naysayers wait and see. Even that, will become history.

*Adesina is Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media and Publicity

The post Buhari’s footprints from home to diaspora, By Femi Adesina appeared first on Frontpageng.

Speaking at a meeting with representatives of Nigerians living in Portugal, the president said with the conclusion of the primaries of the political parties, all eyes were now on the 2023 elections in Nigeria.

‘‘We also look forward to a smooth transition to the next government. As I have said before, our Administration will not compromise on doing the right things and the welfare of Nigerians, home and abroad,’’ the president said.

Citing the last gubernatorial elections in Anambra and Ekiti State, the president noted that his administration had proven consistently its zero tolerance for interference in elections and insistence that Nigerians should be allowed to vote for the party and candidate of their choice.

The president also used the occasion to caution against the use of social media to insult and incite from a safe and anonymous distance, urging the Diaspora to always promote Nigeria’s unity.

‘‘The world is a global village and technology has shrunk the world even more. Although you reside beyond Nigeria’s boundaries you can engage easily with the country. In fact, we see the impact of that engagement clearly on social media.

‘‘This platform has empowered Nigerians in the diaspora and given you great influence. As we have seen, however, social media can be a force for good as well as a force for evil.

‘‘Many countries, including our own have had to take strong measures against some social media platforms to curb their excesses and prevent them from destabilizing our societies.

‘‘I, therefore, call upon you to use social media responsibly. We all want the best for our country and people, so let us strive to build, unite and prosper our nation and people and not to insult and incite from a safe and anonymous distance.’’

President Buhari expressed delight in the successful involvement of Diaspora in various fields such as agriculture, health care, education, ICT, and the food industry in Nigeria.

He noted that many countries, including Nigeria, had shown that their diaspora could be a veritable engine for growth and development.

Acknowledging the huge contribution the Diaspora have made to Nigeria’s economy, the president said:

‘‘In every field of human endeavour, be it the creative industries, sports, health, academia, Nigerians in the diaspora have thrived and leveraged on their skills to raise our country’s profile higher, economically, socially, technologically and culturally.

‘‘It is for these reasons that this Government established the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) to facilitate and support your engagement with our country for a win-win outcome in our effort to keep Nigerians united at home and abroad.

‘‘You must continue to be our ambassadors-at-large in your comportment, actions and character.

‘‘You must excel and be the best in all your endeavours. While here, you must also not forget home as you are the example we want to project to the rest of the world.’’

The Nigerian leader assured the meeting coordinated by Chairman NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, that the Federal Government would continue to do everything possible to catalyse development in various fields of the economy.

He also encouraged them to key into the programmes of NiDCOM, so as to contribute to initiatives such as the Nigerian Diaspora Investment Trust Fund.

Nigerian Ambassador to Portugal, Alex Enan Kefas, told President Buhari that records indicate that there were some 3,000 Nigerians living in the country, who are generally well behaved and living peacefully among themselves and the host authorities.

The Ambassador informed the president of the recent arrest and detention of about thirteen Nigerians for alleged offences of money laundering and cybercrime.

He explained that the Embassy conducted a consular visit to the prison which revealed that the arrests were ‘‘disproportionate and unjust’’ as many of them were innocent of the allegations.

He said the Mission was trying its best to ensure the release of the innocent to enable them to reunite with their families.

At the meeting with the Diaspora, a Nigerian professional footballer, Saviour Godwin, who plays for Portuguese side Casa Pia, presented a jersey to President Buhari.

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“The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively” Bob Marley.

This saying aptly captured the personality of Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM).

On April 10, 2019, Mr Ray Ekpu, a Veteran Journalist wrote a piece on “Abike and her Traducers” wherein Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa  seems to have walked into the trap of tribal jingoists and they want to eat her raw.

Abike’s offence then was to have echoed the names of some five young Nigerians arrested in Dubai, UAE, for alleged robbery of a Bureau de change and all the names mentioned seems to have come from one ethnic group even though it was Nigerians to the authorities in UAE.

Not too long to that time, Abike mentioned the conviction and eventual killing of a Nigerian lady for drug- related offences in Saudi Arabia whose name sounds like from another ethic group. Though, she condemned the execution in very strong terms but didn’t disclose the name of the lady. This was a great sin to some compatriots in some parts of the country who accused Abike of discrimination.

Right from her television days at NTA spanning over 15 years, she stood up as a detribalised, passionate, kind and excellent Nigerian impacting positively on mankind irrespective of race, gender, ethnic or religious background.

The logic of those who are putting Abike in the dock of public opinion seems to go like this; Abike is Yoruba, so she hid the identity of the Yoruba woman killed in Saudi Arabia for drug offence. She probably didn’t like the Igbo. This is far from the truth as this is not the true representative of the personality called Abike Dabiri-Erewa that was born in Jos Plateau on October 11.

Right from her television days at NTA spanning over 15 years, she stood up as a detribalised, passionate, kind and excellent Nigerian impacting positively on mankind irrespective of race, gender, ethnic or religious background.

Bernard Shaw said that “Progress is impossible without change; and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” Examples are abound of many great things she did using her broadcasting prowess within that 15 years. This was transmuted to a great performance when she joined politics and served in the House of Representatives as a member representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency from 2003 to 2015.

Again, she touched the lives of many Nigerians through her legislative ingenuity and creativity despite the fact that she was in the opposition party and not holding any chairmanship of “juicy” committees. This was

attested to recently by her colleagues in the parliament when she presented a compedium of +600 Diaspora Icons at 60 to both the Senate President, Dr Ahmed Lawan and the Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, where they extolled her sterling qualities as a lawmaker par excellence and now as Chairman/CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission.

I will like at this juncture to share one of her numerous acts of kindness to the general public. It all started in the year 2004 when Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who was representing the Ikorodu Federal Consistuency at the House of Representatives decided to continue her good humanitarian work through her free coaching lesson in various public schools, this was in a bid to contribute her quota towards poverty alleviation in Ikorodu, Lagos State.

This was also the first of its kind, this epoch also saw many pupils who were excited to be a part of this free coaching lesson which was open to all in the environment, irrespective of ethnic background, gender or race.

After the free coaching scheme, she decided to award the best student with an examination result which was conducted for all in which about 30 students amongst them all came out top and which they were all awarded a scholarship for their entire secondary school period.

Amongst this few selected scholars were these brilliant triplets tagged as the “wise men” who emerged first, second and third in that order, amongst a span of over two thousand students who participated in the free coaching lesson.

Due to the crowd the programme attracted and the humongous expenditure, one would have thought that Hon. Abike Dabiri Erewa will limit her sponsorship at secondary school level, of which if she did so we all would say she has done exceedingly well, but the human kindness in her continued that she sponsored the triplets through first degrees and second degrees respectively.

Since the year 2004 that Abike Dabiri -Erewa had bonded with the triplets, they have been doing instrumentally well and have been well placed in the society as Anaele Chukwudi who studied Economics now works with an insurance firm, while Anaele Chima, who studied History and International Relations, works with Nigerians in Diaspora Commission  (NIDCOM) and lastly, Anaele Chiedozie who finished as a Petroleum Engineer is a full time Pastor and General Overseer  of a Church.

The triplet have showed great signs of modesty, Godliness and productivity which only shows how impactful the Abike Dabiri scholarship has affected their life and given them a good foundation that was never there in the first place.

From the names of the triplets , it is clear that they are from the South East Region and Christian by faith.

The same compassion is what Abike is operating with at NIDCOM as she had used her personal funds to evacuate some stranded Nigerians from Kenya, South Africa, Libya, UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

One can say this, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa is not only a humanitarian but an amazon and God sent to many out there. She is a woman of the people who strives for excellence at all times.

One can say this, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa is not only a humanitarian but an amazon and God sent to many out there.

Perhaps, this must have informed her winning many laurels and awards both nationally and globally to her credit just as the Photo Journalists Association of Nigeria (PJAN) is honouring her on Oct 21, 2021 in Abuja.

In the letter of nomination, PJAN said they are giving Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa the award of ” Citizens  Advocate  Ambassador ” in recognition of her remarkable and outstanding performance in promoting the interest of the citizens first and country as a whole.

This recognition is also “as a result of numerous achievements you have accomplished since appointed the Chairman/CEO of NIDCOM. You have made an indelible mark on the sands of time as a “Silent Achiever” and this is worthy of emulation.”

What else can one say about this unique personality called Abike Dabiri Erewa (ADE) than to pray for her as she adds another year on Oct. 11 and wish her a blissful birthday .

*Balogun is the Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocols of NIDCOM, Abuja.

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Amao gave the assurance when he received the Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, at the Nigerian Airforce Headquarters in Abuja.

He expressed belief that with the professional competence of the air service men and women and a well boosted  morale, the terrorists and others would be brought to their knees.

CAS said NAF was willing to collaborate with Nigerian professionals in diaspora in relevant fields as it was imperative to tap into the enormous skills of Nigerians all over the world particularly in the area of technology transfer.

Air Marshal Amao also commended the NIDCOM boss for her passionate and relentless desire to see that the Nigerian Diaspora with such enormous resources, skills, talents and global exposure was leveraged for National Development.

Amao further assured of maximum support to ensure that Airforce Officers got the best professional training abroad, including those provided by Nigerian diaspora professionals in that field.

The NIDCOM boss used the opportunity of the visit to extend her condolences to the Nigerian Airforce on the loss of officers and men in the course of tackling the security challenges in the country.

Dabiri-Erewa also applauded the Nigerian Airforce for their intervention in bringing back stranded Nigerians in the Diaspora, particularly from neighbouring African countries.

The visit to the Chief of the Air Staff by Dabiri-Erewa came ahead of the proposed Diaspora Defence and Security Conference.

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The letter was presented to the chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa in Abuja.

The delegation was led by the President, National Association of Nigerian Traders, NANTS, Dr. Ken Ukoaha alongside the president of NUTAG, and other members of the association.

Their request, among others, is to secure a peaceful and secure evacuation of Nigerians in Ghana back home to Nigeria.

The letter has names of 753 members who signed to be supported to return home.

They explained that the evacuation had become necessary because of the constant and consistent harassment, intimidation, torture and threat to life as well as a total lockdown of their means of livelihood, as their shops had been locked for almost one year by the Ghanaian authorities.

They said since all diplomatic niceties at the highest level between Nigeria and Ghana had not yielded positive results, they were left with no choice but to ask for evacuation.

“Now, landlords are coming to ask us for rent. How do we pay with our shops locked up for so long? We are dying here,” they lamented.

However, Dabiri-Erewa once again called for peace, stressing that all relevant stakeholders would continually be engaged.

She said it was indeed sad that their shops had not been reopened for almost one year citing draconian conditions which were against ECOWAS Protocols of Free Trade and movement of goods and services.

The NIDCOM boss pleaded again with the traders not to allow tempers rise as she would convey their message for support to relocate back home to the appropriate authorities for further consideration and to speed up the process with strategic ministries and agencies to bring a lasting solution to the issues.

Dabiri-Erewa also said Nigeria would not hesitate to gladly and safely welcome her citizens back to the country.

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With the signing of the MOU, NIDCOM will partner with the NDSI to organise subsequent Annual Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summits.

The chairman of the commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa described the signing of the MOU as historic, saying the initiative started in 2017 and was happy it had finally come into fruition.

“We ought to be proud of ourselves. When we talk about Diaspora, we must talk about investment and human capital development,” she said.

The NIDCOM boss thanked President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo for their support in the growth of the summit.

She thanked the committee member that have been piloting the initiative,  who were mostly returnees from the Diaspora,  and urged them not to relent in their efforts in the growth and development of the initiative.

Earlier, the secretary of the Commission, Engr. Dr. Yakubu Sule Bassi, said that the summit initiative was to institutionalise the Nigeria diaspora investment summit as an annual event, with the Nigeria Diaspora Summit Initiative group registered under the CAC.

The chairperson of Nigeria Diaspora Summit Initiative, NDSI, Dr. Badewa Adejugbe-Williams appreciated all that had contributed to the success of the event, for their encouragement, patience and the opportunity given to them.

She promised to work hard to encourage Nigerians abroad to invest in different sectors of the economy back home.

Highlights of the MOU are:

1.To jointly convene mobilisation of events in support of Nigerians economic development;

2. To conduct joint advocacy campaigns aimed at raising awareness on the importance of the Nigerian Diaspora and it’s capacity for stimulating development in Nigeria’s economic process through inward investment;
3. To join effort in mobilising resources for financing investment promotion programmes and
4. To identify reputable individuals and corporate entity within the Nigerian Diaspora community who can advocate for Nigeria’s economic development and serve as goodwill Ambassadors for NIDCOM in it’s drive to engage the Diaspora in Nigeria’s development process.

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The chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, made this known in a statement she issued.

“Information indicates that the case is being handled by the Spanish Police,” she said.

Dabiri-Erewa condemned the attack on Amaechi who was on a national assignment in Madrid, Spain.

In the statement, Dabiri-Erewa applauded the prompt intervention of the Nigerian Mission in Spain as well as the Spanish police who ensured that the attacks did not escalate any further.

She appealed to Nigerians to be of good behaviour as ambassadors of the country.

“We appeal to Nigerians to be of good behaviour wherever they find themselves because such incidents ultimately tarnish the image of the country within the host country, with multiplier negative effects on Nigerians living in that country, who are law abiding and well behaved,” she said.

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Speaking against the backdrop of renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians, she said the Consul General was on top of the situation.

“The Consul General, Godwin Adama, is currently in Widbank, Mpumulanga, where the crisis happened. He is at a meeting with the highest police authorities there.

“The mission intervened immediately and the situation is currently under control. After this meeting, a meeting with Nigerians along with the South African Police will hold,” she assured.

Dabiri-Erewa added that further developments at this stage would be taken up at the ministerial level, between the two ministers of foreign affairs of both countries.

It will be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari had on October 3 to 5, led a delegation to South Africa on a two-day state visit on the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians.

Series of agreements and Memorandum of Understanding were signed by the two African states to cement the relationship and nip the hostilities in the bud.

But on Tuesday,  it was reported that South African citizens resumed xenophobic attacks against Nigerians living in  Mpumalamga area of the country.

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