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Tag: Abike Dabiri- Erewa

  • Drug trafficking: Another Nigerian arrested in Saudi Arabia — Presidential aide

    Another Nigerian has been arrested at the Jeddah airport, Saudi Arabia for allegedly smuggling about 1,138g of cocaine, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Diaspora, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said yesterday.

    Dabiri-Erewa, in an interview with newsmen in Abuja, expressed disappointment that this came soon after a Nigerian lady was executed in the same country for a related offence.

    “The sad thing is that in the midst of talking of about 20 Nigerians on death roll, even as eight had been executed, just yesterday another Nigerian, Wahid Somade, was arrested at Jeddah airport with about I,138g of cocaine,” she said.

    “The latest one would be added to those that could be executed.”

    Read also: Execution of Nigerian: We followed legal procedure, says Saudi

    She said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had informed the family of the executed lady whose name she gave as Kudirat Afolabi, a widow and mother of two.

    She added: ”We pay our condolence to the family and keep begging Nigerians to obey the laws of other countries and Saudi has replied us officially, saying their law is their law.

    “However, diplomatic engagement will continue at the highest level.

    “It does not matter where you come from; you hold a green passport. Do not let a few people denigrate every one of us.”

    Dabiri-Erewa, however, stressed  the need to celebrate the success stories of Nigerians in the diaspora.

    “We have Nigerians doing great things all over the world; we are going to focus on them,” she said.

    Dabiri-Erewa called for concerted efforts on compulsory baggage identification at airports as well as more security surveillance and cameras at screening points at the airports.

  • Execution of Nigerian in Saudi: Pathetic, tragic – Dabiri-Erewa

    Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said execution of a Nigerian woman by Saudi Arabia Government over drug-related matters was pathetic and tragic.

    Dabiri-Erewa said in a statement by her Media aide, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, on Tuesday in Abuja, that the news of the tragedy was painful.

    According to her, it is regrettable that in spite of wise counsel for Nigerians travelling to Saudi Arabia by relevant government agencies to obey the country’s laws, some Nigerians still go and foul the law.

    “This particular execution is very worrisome, especially when over eight Nigerians have been killed in the past few years over the same issue in Saudi Arabia,” she said.

    The president’s aide disclosed that no fewer than 20 Nigerians were currently on death row in Saudi Arabia and that many were in prisons serving various jail terms.

    “Our major concern, however, is whether the trial was fair to the convicts as it was not open and some of them were said to be implicated without a defence counsel.”

    Read also: Alleged robbery in Dubai by Nigerians, condemnable – FG

    Dabiri-Erewa said that Nigerian government had made pleas on behalf of some Nigerians, to the Saudi Arabia government, to temper justice with mercy, but that it had not yielded positive results.

    “We are not saying our citizens in Saudi Arabia should be committing crimes, but we want Saudi Arabia to temper justice with mercy especially on offences that carry capital punishment.

    “We are appealing again to our citizens to avoid crime and criminality in Saudi Arabia and other countries and be good ambassadors to Nigeria anywhere they go,’’ she said.

    Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry had said that four persons, including one woman, were executed on Monday for drug trafficking, bringing to 53 the number of persons put to death for offences with capital punishment this year.

    “Two Pakistani men, a Yemeni man and a Nigerian woman were executed in the holy city of Makkah”, the ministry said in a statement.

    In 2018, Saudi Arabia carried out death sentences on 120 persons for dealing in illicit drugs and some other related offences. (NAN)

  • Alleged robbery in Dubai by Nigerians, condemnable – FG

    The Federal Government has condemned the action of five Nigerians arrested for alleged robbery of Dh 2.3 million Dinars in Sharjah area of Dubai, United Arab Emirate (UAE).

    The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Abike Dabiri-Erewa said this in a statement by her media aide Mr Abdur-Rahman Balogun on Tuesday in Abuja.

    The five Nigerians had on Sunday allegedly stormed a money exchange centre in Sharjah and fled with 2.3 million Dinars before they were arrested by the Dubai Police.

    The five suspects who were on visitors visas to Dubai include Chimuanya Ozoh, Benjamin Ajah, Kingsley Ngoka, Tochukwu Alisi and Chile Ndunagu.

    Read also: Dubai travel competition kicks off

    According to the police, the men barged into the exchange and smashed the glass barrier between the customers and the staff, stole the money in multiple currencies and fled.

    The presidential aide said the action of the five Nigerians is condemnable.

    She described the action of the Nigerians in a foreign land as despicable and shameful as it is not in accordance with good character of Nigerians.

    Dabiri-Erewa, however, warned Nigerians living abroad to be good ambassadors of the country and desist from tarnishing the good image of Nigeria.

    She also advised embassies to screen applicants for visa and ensure that they are of good character.(NAN)

  • FG lauds 8-yr-old Nigerian Chess Champion in U. S.

    The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has described the success of Tanitoluwa Adewunmi, an eight -year old Nigerian Chess champion in U. S. as a pride to the nation.

    Dabiri-Erewa said this in a statement by her Special Assistant on Media Affairs, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, on Monday in Abuja.

    The Presidential Aide, said the feat performed by the young Tanitoluwa in the Chess tournament was unparalleled and unique.

    ”The young Nigeria diasporan recently won the New York State Chess championship for his age bracket.

    ”To this, former U.S President, Bill Clinton, has congratulated the eight year-old Nigerian chess champion, Tanitoluwa Adewunmi and also invited him and his parents to his office for personal introduction,” she said.

    READ ALSO: Bill Clinton lauds 8-year-old Nigerian boy for winning Chess Championship

    Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who expressed pleasure over the development, said Tanitoluwa should be celebrated and encouraged to serve as role model for his peers.

    She said the outwitting of other children by Adewunmi in the Chess tournament in U.S. showed that irrespective of age, determination and focus would earn one the desired goal.

    Dabiri-Erewa expressed determination to arrange a meeting with Tanitoluwa and his parents to serve as an encouragement to other young Nigerians, especially in the diaspora.

    Adewunmi had won seven chess trophies including the state tournament, where he outwitted other children.

    The young chess champion’s family are taking asylum in a homeless shelter in Manhattan after they fled the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria since 2018.

    He went undefeated at the state tournament, outwitting children from elite private schools with private chess tutors.

    Adewunmi’s rating is now 1587 and rising fast and he is being compared with the world’s best player, Magnus Carlsen, who stands at 2845.

    He placed first in the New York State Scholastic Championships tournament for kindergarten through third grade, a remarkable win for anyone.

    NAN

  • Dabiri-Erewa congratulates UFC fighter, Usman

    The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has congratulated US-based Nigerian boxer Kamaru Usman for defeating American Tyron Woodley to become the first African fighter to win an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) title.

    Dabiri-Erewa stated the victory of Usman was not only a thing of pride to Nigerians but the whole of Africa.

    Usman, known as the “Nigerian Nightmare’’ had on Saturday night in Las Vegas won the Mixed-Martial Arts (MMA) bout against American Tyron Woodley for the welterweight title.

    Read Also: Dabiri-Erewa advises against illegal migration

    In statement by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Special Assistant on Media, Dabiri-Erewa said: “I congratulate you on this wonderful feat, for winning this fight not only for Nigeria but for the African continent.

    “We are truly proud of you and urge you to continue to use your professional prowess to extol the virtues of Nigerian heritage. Your shinning beacon serves as inspiration to the Youths of Nigeria’’.

    The Presidential aide urged Usman to continue to use his God given talent to benefit the mankind especially the African youths in the Diaspora.

    Nigeria is particularly honoured with the post tournament statement credited to Usman where he said: “Nigeria, I have told them, we would do it. I told them we never fail. And we have done it today”.

    The UFC is the biggest competition in MMA, where competitors combine boxing, kickboxing, jiu-jitsu, wrestling and other disciplines while fighting in an octagonal cage.

    Usman, 31, produced the performance of his career to dominate long-reigning welterweight champion Woodley.

    He extended his winning streak to 14 and maintained his unbeaten record in the UFC.

    Usman was born in Nigeria but left Benin City for Arlington in Texas as a young child when his family migrated to the US.

     

     

  • FG to deportees: You won’t suffer for crimes you never committed

    The Federal government on Thursday assured Nigerians recently deported from Ghana that they would not be made to suffer for crimes they did not commit.

    The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Diaspora, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, gave the assurance while briefing State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    According to her, the Nigerian Ambassador to Ghana, Olufemi Abikoye, was on top of the situation, stressing that the matter would soon be resolved.

    She said “The story of hundreds of Nigerians being deported from Ghana is disturbing and worrisome. The good thing is that Nigerian Ambassador to Ghana is on top of the situation. Now, he met with the Comptroller General of the Immigration in Ghana and they both had a very productive discussion.

    “But here is the situation, if indeed you commit a crime you have to face the penalties. But what we are saying is that a bad apple should not spoil the bunch. Let every case be treated on its merit. That’s what our ambassador is demanding and that’s what Nigeria is asking for.

    “It’s important that both nations look at this situation, not gloss over it to ensure that our relationships continue to get better and not retrogress. So, we appeal to Nigerians that wherever you are, you are the number one ambassador of the country.

    “The assurance of the Nigerian government is that wherever any Nigerian is deemed to be improperly treated by any country the matter will be taken up.

    “Nigerian Ambassador in Ghana is on top of this situation; he’s meeting the relevant bodies and briefing the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Nigeria will not gloss over this.

    “We want to appeal to Nigerians to stay calm, be law abiding and at the same time, Nigeria will not tolerate indecent treatment of its citizens. One bad apple should not spoil the whole bunch.

    Read Also: Abike Dabiri-Erewa’s latest move

    “So we should not treat one badly because another one committed a crime. If you commit a crime, you pay the penalty. We will continue to see how it goes but I’m glad that the Ambassador to Ghana is on top of the situation.” she added

    On the crimes allegedly committed by the deportees, Dabiri-Erewa said “Don’t forget we have issues with the traders which we resolved with Mr. President Intervention.

    “So, this too will be resolved. Everything will be done to ensure, like I said, you will not suffer for a crime you did not commit. If however you commit a crime, then you have to face the penalty. Nigeria and Ghana have agreed on this. We will look at each case on its own merit.”

     

     

  • Nigeria partners Lebanon on Diaspora investment

    Nigeria and Lebanon are to collaborate on how to explore the potentials of their Diaspora for the growth and development of both countries.

    The Lebanon Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Houssam Diak disclosed this when he paid a courtesy visit on Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, in Abuja.

    Diak noted that his country and Nigeria will collaborate on how to explore the potentials of their Diaspora for the growth and development of both countries.

    “We speak on possible cooperation about Lebanon and Nigerian on Diaspora and how to take the advantage of our potential of our people outside the countries, our experts on the investment level and our achievement level.

    “We are thinking of having something together in future that could be of benefit to Nigeria and Lebanon Diaspora with the benefit of Nigeria,” he said.

    Diak, said his country had a Diaspora initiative at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that oversee the conferences for the Diaspora all over the world

    “We have Lebanese Diaspora which is the body established at the Foreign Affairs Ministry which is in charge of conferences outside Lebanon; they will be in Nigeria next month for a conference on Lebanese Diaspora

    “And every year the ministry convenes a conference on Lebanese Diaspora in the five continents to take care of the potential of Lebanese Diaspora in those countries,” he said.

    He congratulated Nigeria for joining the league of those having a full-fledged Commission for its Diaspora, saying it will fast track mutual huge benefits for the country and its citizens abroad.

    Read Also: Diaspora indigenes to invest $5m in Enugu

    In her respond, Abike Dabiri-Erewa commended the Ambassador for the visit, saying there are a lot of things that the two countries could do together when it comes to Diaspora matters.

    “We look forward to partner with you and beside that we have a huge number of Lebanese Diaspora in Nigeria.

    “Looking at the key issue you have said especially on investment and a lot of things, we can do together so we look forward to working with you for the benefit of both countries and its Diaspora,” she said.

    Nigeria had in November 2018 had its maiden Diaspora summit where Nigerians abroad and their investors showcased what they can do for the country in various areas of investments ranging from agriculture, oil and gas, roads, health, education and transportation.

  • Buhari nominates Dabiri-Erewa, Sokefun, others to head boards

    President Muhammadu Buhari has nominated Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa for the position of Executive Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Diaspora Commisison.

    The nomination was contained in a letter by the President to the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, dated October 24, 2018. Saraki read the letter at plenary on Tuesday.

    The President’s letter read, In compliance with Section 2(1) of the Nigerian Diaspora Commission (Establishment) Act 2017, I write to forward for confirmation by the Senate, the appointment of Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa as the Executive Chairman/CEO of Nigerian Diaspora Commission. Her curriculum vitae is attached herewith.

    President Buhari, in another letter, dated October 23, 2018 and addressed to the President of the Senate, sought to replace Chief Olabode Akeem Mustapha with Mrs Ronke Sokefun as chairman of Governing Board of the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC).

    The President’s letter, which sought to withdraw an earlier one dated March 27, 2018 however, did not state reasons for the substitution.

    It stated, “The distinguished Senate is kindly invited to recall my earlier request for confirmation of the appointment of Chief Olabode Akeem Mustapha as the chairman of Governing Board of the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) vide a letter dated 27th of March 2018. You may also recall that the nominee is yet to be confirmed by the Senate.

    “I now write to inform you of my decision to substitute Chief Olabode Akeem Mustapha with Mrs. Ronke Sokefun as the chairman of the Governing Board”.

    In yet another correspondence, dated October 19, 2018, the President sought the Senate’s confirmation of Mr. Chidi K. C. Izuwah as Director General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission.

    In a related development, the President also forwarded the name of Dr. Kabiru Nakaura for confirmation as chairman of the Governing Board of the National Bureau of Statistics.

    Read Also: Why Buhari should have second term

    Five other names were submitted alongside Nakaura’s as member-nominees of the board. Nakaura was nominated to represent the Northwest geopolitical zone.

    Also nominated for membership of the board are Akinola Bashir (Southwest); Prof Moses Momoh (South-South); Wallijoh Danladi Ahijoh (North central); Adam Modu (Northeast); and Nwafor Paul Chukwudi (Southeast).

    President Buhari urged the Senate to expedite action on the confirmation of all the nominees.

  • ‘Use social media responsibly’

    The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Diaspora, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa has called for responsible use of Social Media by Nigerians especially as the general election draws closer in the country.

    The former House of Representatives member offered the advice at the second edition of the Nigerian social media summit held in Abuja recently.

    Dabiri who was represented by her Special Assistant on Media, Mr Abdurahman Balogun said Nigerians should be able to make use of social media in a responsible way.

    The second edition of the summit was themed: Social Media as a tool for Social Governance, National Unity and Electoral Participation.

    Dabiri said Nigerians need to use social media to widen their scope as social media is beyond chatting.

    “Some people don’t know social media can be used as a source of living rather frivolous talks, ” she noted.

    She also cited the emerging importance of social media for electoral purposes , stating that the new media has continued to have influence on electoral matters in the country

    “Over the years ,we see results of election on social media even before the electoral body announces it, this has caused us lot of danger in the country due to overheating of polity and other issue, this needs to be watched”

    Also speaking at the event, the Chief Press Secretary of the Niger State, Mr Jibrin Ndace said social media should be a tool for national unity and should be used wisely.

    “The orientation must be changed towards social media. Politicians make use of social media during their campaigns because they understand the importance, so likewise Nigerians should orientated on what social media is and it is not, reaching out to the grassroots is very important , preaching stability is also important”

    Jibrin Ndace said that the choice of political party should not be a reason for disparity in the country

    “Nigerians should wake up, let’s move from the way we abuse ourselves on social media and move into the reality of making use of social media even with our peculiar differences”

    Read Also: Social media and national security

    “Ever since I became the Chief Press Secretary, Niger state has always been part of the best state which has never left any project unturned and pays our workers salary up till date” he added

    Panelists at the summit, Lukmon Fasasi(Founder ,Nigerian Internet Business conference), Jafaar Zubair(Director of Operations,Intellect9ja) , Gidado Shuaib (International Media expert and Editor in Chief news digest) also shared their thoughts on the use of social media.

    They said that the use of social media remains pivotal in the country while stating that barring its use will be difficult in Nigeria.

    The summit was chaired by the Minister for Communication, Barr Adebayo Shittu, .

    The organizers of the summit also unveiled plans to start a national digital and social media training program aimed at teaching Nigerians positive use of the social media for more economical benefits and more responsible use.

    The summit had participants from all over the country with participation from several other countries through social media platforms.

  • FG condemns killing of another Nigerian in Kenya

    …calls for investigation into the dastardly act

     

    Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora has demanded for full autopsy and investigation from Kenya Government into the killing of a Nigerian, Mr. Bamiyo Ashade.

    Ashade was allegedly killed by the Kenyan police, it was learnt.

    The sad incident happened on Sept. 26, and the deceased was laid to rest, on Monday Oct. 15, at the Langata cemetery, Kenya.

    A statement by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Media Aide to Dabiri-Erewa stated that the reported killing was contained in the briefing by the Nigerian Ambassador in Kenya, Amb. Sheidu Momoh, who met with Nigerians in Kenya and pleaded with them to remain calm.

    The Ambassador, however assured that the Nigerian High Commission is on top of the situation and had met with the aggrieved Nigerians for four hours with a formal complaint to the Kenyan Foreign Affairs demanding full autopsy.

    The Envoy further noted that contrary to the believe, the late Bamiyo Ashade, also known as Bamo, was not a student in Kenya but a Nigerian living in Kenya and had met with the family of the bereaved to commiserate with them with an assurance that justice will prevail.

    The deceased, Bamiyo Ashade, the second born in a family of three, was brutalised at his house in Four ways estate, kiambu on Monday Oct. 15, while the police officers allegedly tried to extort him despite finding out he had valid papers.

    Read Also: Infantino’s plans for new global tournaments

    However, he stood his ground, as he didn’t commit any crime. The officers then resorted to harassment and assault. Seeing that he was nearing his death, he was quickly rushed to a hospital, where he died.

    Friends and relatives have taken to the social media to condemn the police brutality directed towards Nigerians in the Diaspora and joined in calling for justice for Bamo.

    A family friend to the Ashades in Ibadan, Nigeria, Alhaji Sulaiman Adio lamented that the family had lost two of their three siblings within six months, as Bamiyo’s elder brother died six months ago and thus, joined in the call for justice for the deceased.

    “In view of the foregoing, we appeal to the Kenya Government to conduct thorough investigation into the gruesome killing of this young Nigerian and bring the perpetrator to justice accordingly’’, Dabiri-Erewa said.

    Dabiri-Erewa also condoled with the family of the deceased and prayed unto God to comfort the family in the best way.

    The Presidential aide also said that full investigation has commenced into the circumstances of a Nigerian man who died after he fell from the 8th floor of his apartment due to the fear of being arrested by some officials of the Kenyan law enforcement agency in Nairobi.