Tag: Dabiri-Erewa

The Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Emirates, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, disclosed on Wednesday, July 17, that another batch of 250 stranded  Nigerians will be repatriated back home soon from the United Arab.

The country only recently repatriated 190 Nigerians from UAE.

 Dabiri-Erewa disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the United Arab Emirates Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi.

The meeting followed the lifting of the visa ban on Nigeria by the UAE.

The oil-rich gulf country had in 2022 October banned nationals of Nigeria and 19 other African countries from entering its capital city, Dubai.

The visit was part of the efforts towards deepening relations between both countries.

Dabiri-Erewa, according to a statement by Gabriel Odu, Media, Public Relations and Protocol unit said Nigeria intends to deepen relations.

The statement reads in part: “190 Nigerians were repatriated to Nigeria, with an additional 250 expected to return soon.”

She also noted that the actions of individuals in a host country can greatly impact the overall image of their home country.

She therefore noted that she “intends to engage and sensitize Nigerians in the UAE to be good ambassadors of their country of stay and country of origin, to excel in whatever they are doing and never to forget home.

 She added: “This initiative aims to foster better understanding and compliance with local regulations.”

She also noted the role of Western media imperialism in perpetuating negative stereotypes about Nigerians.

In his remarks, Amb. Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi explained that the visa ban on Nigeria has been officially lifted.

He confirmed that the Visa on Arrival policy has been cancelled for all countries, but assured that the new procedures are designed to facilitate tourism and ensure travellers’ safe return.

Read Also: Dabiri-Erewa hails appointment of Nigerian Imafidon as UK varsity chancellor

The Ambassador expressed his commitment to providing the best possible services for Nigerians, with the support of the determined Nigerian government.

He also acknowledged the UAE’s role in safely repatriating 96 Nigerians at no cost.

Marking his first anniversary as the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Al-Shamsi shared his positive impressions of Nigeria, describing it as a beautiful country with warm-hearted people who share similar cultural, religious, and ethnic backgrounds with the UAE.

He expressed his eagerness to continue collaborating with NiDCOM to strengthen ties between the two countries.

The chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has hailed the appointment of Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon, as the Chancellor of Glasgow Caledonian University, UK.

In a congratulatory message, Dabiri-Erewa said the appointment was a well-deserved one.

Dabiri-Erewa in a statement signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun Director, Media, Public Relations and Protocols, NiDCOM, said Nigeria is proud of the genius achievements of Anne-Marie, breaking records and setting unimaginable standards at her young age always that has earned her the prestigious assignment to continue to serve humanity.

The statement stated: “While praying for her success and impactful tenure, the NiDCOM boss acknowledged the receipt of her invitation to attend the prestigious Chancellor’s installation slated for July 2, as a special guest of Dr. Anne-Marie Imafidon, saying it is a great honour to her.

“She urged her not to rest on her oars by being a trailblazer and continue to motivate others to be the best in all their endeavours.

Read Also: Trafficked girls to return home next week, says Dabiri-Erewa

“Dr. Imafidon, apart from being the youngest leader of a non-private University and youngest scientist to become Chancellor of a multidisciplinary University, has now become the youngest Chancellor of a major University.

“This feat she has attained began with her siblings when they joined the ExcellenceInEducation.org.uk mentorship program. A program that nurtures inner-city kids.

“While there, she achieved global recognition as the youngest person to attain A-Level in computing and Mathematics followed by a scholarship at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, USA at the young age of 13.”

Dr. Anne- Marie in a statement said: “To be welcomed to an institution that stands for the Common Good is one of the greatest honours of my life.”

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has warned Nigerians on the need to be familiar with the laws of the countries they are visiting.

Speaking on the backdrop of the harrowing experience of a Nigerian medical doctor, Andrew Etsetowaghan, at Geneva Airport for carrying a presentation pointer in his hand luggage, Dabiri-Erewa cautioned Nigerian citizens travelling through Switzerland to avoid carrying laser pointers as its usage has been ban.

Etsetowaghan, Chief Party, USAID Funded Accelerating Control of the HIV Epidemic in Nigeria (ACE) C4 Project, said he was delayed at the airport for three hours because of laser pointer.

The use of laser pointer was banned in June 2019. The aim is to prevent people from being injured or dazzled in a hazardous way by the beam from dangerous laser pointers.

The laser pointer is a hand-held laser that can be used to point to things, for amusement (as a toy or in hobbies) to scare off animals or to drive away other people.

Most times it is used to deliver lecture where slide is used.  The most used laser pointer is the one carrying markings.

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO NiDCOM, noted that many immigrants might be unaware of this regulation and urged Nigerian travellers to exercise caution to avoid similar incidents.

Dr. Etsetowaghan, a public health expert and Project Director at the Centre for Clinical Care and Clinical Research Nigeria, was detained on May 25, 2024, after attending a United States Department meeting in Geneva.

Etsetowaghan, who was part of an official delegation, recounted his ordeal: “Upon going through security at Geneva Airport, I was informed that my presentation pointer was not allowed in Switzerland.”

Commission said he never knew of the law before leaving Nigeria and all through his short visit to Switzerland.

He said there was no notification even at the Geneva airport to warn travellers until he was called aside by the immigration and later joined by the police.

He said he was taken to cell for hours and it became a to and fro and was made to sign some documents in French even when he did not know what the contents were.

Read Also: Invasion of privacy: Apologise within 30 days or face legal action, Gani Adams tells Igboho

The Chief Party, who was worried not to miss his flight, said he was told bluntly that he would not be flying on that day.

“I was detained, had my belongings and documents seized, and was subjected to several hours of interrogation and solitary confinement in a cell.

“Despite my compliance, the treatment I received was inhuman, including limited access to bathroom facilities and being forced to sign documents in French under duress.”

He called for measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

He also called for a review of the procedures and better awareness of the banned items to ensure travellers are well-informed.

Reacting to the incident, NiDCOM emphasised the importance of raising awareness about such prohibited items in Switzerland Airports and urged Swiss authorities to enhance their communication on such regulations, describing Dr Etsetowaghan’s ordeal as “avoidable”

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has warned Nigerians on the need to be familiar with the laws of the countries they are visiting.

Speaking against the backdrop of the harrowing experience of a Nigerian medical doctor, Andrew Etsetowaghan at Geneva Airport for carrying a presentation pointer in his hand luggage, Dabiri-Erewa cautioned Nigerian citizens traveling through Switzerland to avoid carrying laser pointers as their usage has been banned.

Etsetowaghan, Chief Party, USAID Funded Accelerating Control of the HIV Epidemic in Nigeria, (ACE) C4 Project, said he was delayed at the airport for three hours because of a laser pointer.

The use of laser pointers was banned in June 2019. The aim is to prevent people from being injured or dazzled in a hazardous way by the beam from dangerous laser pointers.

The laser pointer is a hand-held laser that can be used to point to things, for amusement (as a toy or in hobbies) to scare off animals or to drive away other people.

Most times it is used to deliver lectures where the slide is used.  The most used laser pointer is the one carrying markings

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, noted that many immigrants might be unaware of this regulation and urged Nigerian travellers to exercise caution to avoid similar incidents.

Dr. Etsetowaghan, a public health expert and Project Director at the Centre for Clinical Care and Clinical Research Nigeria, was detained on May 25, 2024, after attending a United States Department meeting in Geneva.

Dr. Etsetowaghan, who was part of an official delegation, recounted his ordeal: “Upon going through security at Geneva Airport, I was informed that my presentation pointer was not allowed in Switzerland.

Commission said he never knew of the law before leaving Nigeria and all through his short visit to Switzerland.

Read Also: Uba Sani, Abike Dabiri-Erewa others for Nigerian Diaspora Direct Investment summit

He said there was no notification even at the Geneva airport to warn travellers until he was called aside by the immigration and later joined by the police.

He said he was taken to a cell for hours and it became to and front and was made to sign some documents in French even when he did not know what the contents were.

The Chief Party, who was worried not to miss his flight, said he was told bluntly that he would not be flying that day.

“I was detained, had my belongings and documents seized, and was subjected to several hours of interrogation and solitary confinement in a cell.

“Despite my compliance, the treatment I received was inhumane, including limited access to bathroom facilities and being forced to sign documents in French under duress.”

He called for measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

He called for a review of the procedures and better awareness of the banned items to ensure travellers are well-informed.

Reacting to the incident, NiDCOM emphasized the importance of raising awareness about such prohibited items in Switzerland Airports and urged Swiss authorities to enhance their communication on such regulations, describing Dr Etsetowaghan’s ordeal as “ avoidable “

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, has described as gruesome and unfortunate the killing of 14-year-old Daniel Anjorin in London.

 Anjorin was knifed in his school uniform in Hainault, East London, on Tuesday by a sword-wielding man in a terrifying rampage that left four others injured.

Consoling the family of the deceased, Dabiri-Erewa in a statement expressed optimism that drastic measures will be used to ensure that the culprit who is already in police custody will be punished accordingly.

Read Also: NIDCOM raises alarm over alleged plan to blackmail Dabiri-Erewa

The statement which was signed by her head of media, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, reads in part:  “Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, has condoled with the family of the 14 years Daniel Anjorin on his sudden demise. The NiDCOM boss described the incident as very unfortunate, sad, and gruesome.

“She condoled with the family of the deceased and the Nigerian communities in the UK, praying unto God to rest the soul of young Daniel whose life was cut short on Tuesday.

“She is optimistic that drastic measures will be used to make sure that the culprit who is already in Police custody will be punished accordingly.”

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) on Wednesday, May 1, raised alarm about plans by some unscrupulous elements to discredit the leadership of the commission.

A statement signed by Abdullr-Rahman Balogun, the Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocol, however, said the NIDCOM boss is too busy to be distracted.

The statement reads: “A sinister plot being hatched by some unscrupulous and unprogressive group to raise false alarm and fake documents, attempting to malign the character and hard work of Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, pioneer Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has been uncovered.

“As NIDCOM turns five this year, and despite all odds, including funding and office challenges, these individuals who are bitter that their channels of duping unsuspecting Nigerians in the name of diaspora, have been closed by the establishment of NIDCOM, plan a desperate media campaign of blackmail and lies.

“These groups of people have tried several routes but have failed in the past, including petitions that have been thoroughly examined and dismissed by relevant authorities.

“As NIDCOM turns five, this month, its leadership led by Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, will certainly not be distracted and will remain focused on programmes and policies such as the Diaspora Housing, Diaspora Mortgage, Nigeria Diaspora Day activities, Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS), Diaspora Investment Fund, several interventions affecting Nigerians abroad amongst others.

Read Also: Japa: How NiDCOM aided return of 10,000 stranded Nigerians, by Dabiri-Erewa

“It is therefore necessary for members of the public to disregard any statements or conferences geared towards this course.

“As NIDCOM turns five this month, the Commission plans to modestly roll out the drums to celebrate its successes in the last five years as well as reflect on the challenges and plans ahead to meet the goals and aspirations of Nigerians in the Diaspora.

 “NIDCOM, under the leadership of Hon. Abike Dabiri Erewa will remain focused on its goals and ideals, as it continues to put diaspora issues on the front burner of national discourse, and continually champions the need to engage the diaspora in the programmes and policies of the government and tap into the enormous human resources of Nigerians in diaspora, described as the most educated immigrants in the world.”

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, yesterday relived how the commission facilitated the return of over 10,000 stranded Nigerians.

Mrs. Dabiri-Erewa spoke at a lecture, titled: Pros and Cons of Japa, she delivered at No Dull Moment in Islam (NDMI), an online platform for Muslim elites and professionals.

A statement by NiDCOM’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said Mrs. Dabiri-Erewa was the special guest of honour at the event.

Mrs. Dabiri-Erewa recalled how the commission, alongside other agencies of government, facilitated the return of over 10,000 stranded Nigerians from Libya alone, as well as from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), South Africa, Lebanon, Germany.

“Some of them have subjected themselves to menial jobs that they cannot do in Nigeria. Some lost their lives in the process while others have sold their family inheritance just because they wanted to migrate (Japa),” she said.

The NiDCOM boss advised fellow Nigerians, especially youths travelling outside the country, to do so legitimately for self and national image.

Read Also: Diaspora investment crucial to Nigeria’s economic prosperity …Dabiri-Erewa

She noted that though the country was passing through some challenges, such situations were not peculiar to Nigeria.

According to her, other countries where some Nigerians run to have passed through similar situations.

Mrs. Dabiri-Erewa said migration is the fundamental rights of an individual, but advised that the migrants should evaluate it before setting out.

The NiDCOM boss urged Nigerian professionals to increase awareness and education about the negative effects of irregular migration and the importance of citizens seeking employment within their country.

She said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration would implement reforms that would lead to the creation of more jobs and rejuvenate the economy to reduce the need for migration.

The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, who also doubles as the Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), adduced the reasons for migration from an Islamic perspective.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) on Thursday, March 21, said Nigeria’s economic prosperity could be galvanised through a structured Diaspora Investment.

Dabiri-Erewa disclosed this at a strategic meeting with an Investment Group, Optiva Capital in Abuja.

She said the collaboration between Optiva Capital Partners and NiDCOM signals a pivotal step towards harnessing the potential of Nigeria’s Diaspora community, fostering sustainable economic growth, and strengthening ties between the Diaspora and their homeland.

Dabiri-Erewa added that the NiDCOM is willing to partner with Optival Capital Partners in advancing Diaspora investment and leveraging the capabilities of Nigerians living abroad.

Dabiri-Erewa expressed satisfaction as the meeting aligns with the Commission’s core objectives, highlighting the significance of fostering a structured and symbiotic relationship with the Diaspora, and stressing the importance of trust building.

 Dabiri-Erewa further stated that platforms such as the Nigerians in Diaspora Investment Summit, which serve as a linkage for Diasporans to invest in various sectors of Nigeria’s economy are already in place and would be strengthened, adding that plans are on for a structured Nigerian diaspora fund to be private-sector driven with appropriate government supervision

She said: “NiDCOM serves as the bridge connecting Nigeria and its Diasporans, facilitating mutual growth and development.”

Read Also: Dabiri-Erewa urges increased support for overhauling educational sector

She expressed joy over the investment profile of Nigerians Diaspora in the last couple of years.

Jane Kimemia, Chief Executive Officer, (CEO) of Optiva Capital Partners, expressed satisfaction with MIDCOM’s warm engagement promising to strategically work with the Commission to double Diaspora investment opportunities, fostering new business ventures for the Diaspora to reinvest in their homeland.

She reiterated that the best investment by the Diaspora should be in their home country, with a population of over 200 million people

Optiva Capital Partners is a prominent wealth management firm specializing in investment immigration, investment advisory, and insurance services.