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  • 13 more trafficked Nigerian girls rescued from Ghana

    13 more trafficked Nigerian girls rescued from Ghana

    No fewer than 13 Nigerian girls trafficked to Ghana have been rescued, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) disclosed on Friday. 

    This bring to 163 the number of trafficked girls rescued from Ghana in the last five months.

    A statement  by Mr. Abdur-Rahman Balogun,

    Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, NIDCOM,  informed the rescued girls were brought back to Nigeria over the weekend. 

    Balogun said the rescued operation was carried out by the combined and coordinated efforts of the Ghanaian Anti-Human Trafficking Police , The Rescue live foundation International and NIDO Ghana working in collaboration with NIDCOM.

    The rescued young girls said to be between 19 to 30 years are from Ebonyi, Benue, Kaduna and Rivers States.

    According to the statement, they were lured to Ghana under the false promises of employment but forced into exploitative situations and bound by an oath of secrecy, while the traffickers are  making money off the dastardly act.

    A statement by the Commission’s Head of Media and Public Relations, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, stated that the rescued young girls, ages 19 to 30 years, are from Ebonyi, Benue, Kaduna and Rivers states.

    “NiDCOM representative, Mr Akinboye Akinsola, who accompanied the ladies back to Nigeria, where they were handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for rehabilitation and reintegration said these set of ladies surrendered themselves willingly , having heard of  the ealier operation conducted in Kpone Katamanso and Tema,” the statement stated.

    The statement added: “Speaking on the latest efforts, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), expressed her gratitude to the First Lady , Senator Oluremi Tinubu , the Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Governor Francis Nwifuru for their support in facilitating the safe return of the girls back to the country.

    “She also commended the vital roles played by Chief Callistus Elozieuwa, BOT Chairman (Rescue live foundation International/NIDO Ghana), and the Ghanaian Anti-Human Trafficking Police Unit in bringing the traffickers to justice.

    “She reiterated NiDCOM’s commitment to protecting Nigerians in the diaspora under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which gave priority to combating human trafficking and safeguarding the rights of Nigerian citizens at home and in the Diaspora.

    “Chief Callistus Elozieuwa said with Rescue live Foundation International/NIDO Ghana’s assistance, the ladies were provided shelter for some days after they all willingly indicated their interest to come back home.

    “The Senior Special Assistant to Governor of Ebonyi State, Mr Valentine Okike Uzo, thanked the Governor for his willingness to bring the ladies back home which in line with his efforts to care for all Ebonyi indigenes both home and in the Diaspora.

    “He assured that all efforts are in place to ensure a proper rehabilitation for the victims from Ebonyi state.”

  • NIDCOM advises Nigerians in Lebanon to leave over Israeli attacks

    NIDCOM advises Nigerians in Lebanon to leave over Israeli attacks

    The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has advised Nigerians in Lebanon to leave immediately, following the unrelenting attacks by the Israeli forces. 

    Though information from the Nigerian community in Lebanon indicated that most Nigerians have relocated from the southern part and are relatively safe.

     But, NIDCOM said it is advisable for Nigerians in Lebanon to consider moving out now that commercial flights are still in operation.

    In a statement by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, NiDCOM, the agency also expressed joy that no Nigerian is listed among  the casualties, advised that they should continue to keep safe.

    Read Also: NiDCOM honours Adejare with National Diaspora Merit Award

     The Commission also urged them to liaise with the country’s embassy in Lebanon. 

    The statement reads: “Worried by the attacks on Hezbollah and other areas in Lebanon by Israeli government,  the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) is hereby advising Nigerians resident in Lebanon to consider moving out of the country now that commercial flights are still in operation.

    “Though information from the Nigerian community in Lebanon indicated that most Nigerians have relocated from the southern part and are now relatively safe, we hereby advise them to keep safe until the ceasefire is in place. 

    “It is gratifying to note that thus far, no Nigerian has witnessed any form of accident or injury and wish to advise them to continue to remain safe while the war lasts. 

    “Nigerians are equally advised to liase with our Embassy in Lebanon for necessary guidance regarding  their safety and be rest assured that their welfare and safety is of utmost concern to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. “

  • NiDCOM honours Adejare with National Diaspora Merit Award

    NiDCOM honours Adejare with National Diaspora Merit Award

    The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has honoured the renowned Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Professor Adeboye Adejare for his selfless services to humanity and contribution as a Nigerian in the diaspora, particularly in the fields of medicine and healthcare.

    Adejare was honoured along with other distinguished individuals from various fields for contributions to national development as good ambassadors of Nigeria.

    In his keynote address during the event, Secretary of NiDCOM, Engr (Dr) Sule Yakubu Bassi, said the National Diaspora Merit Award is part of an ongoing initiative to honour Nigerians in the diaspora who excel in their respective fields and are making very significant positive contributions in Nigeria.

    Professor Adejare, who earned his PhD in Medicinal Chemistry from The Ohio State University in 1985 and had his postdoctoral studies at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda Maryland, is currently a Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy (PCP) of Saint Joseph’s University. PCP, the first school of pharmacy in North America, is a key player in pharmaceutical education and industry.

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    Adejare had received other numerous awards including the Ohio State University’s Jack Beal Award (2022) and the Igbobi College, Yaba Lagos, Nigeria, Old Boys Association’s Award of Merit (2017).

    His research, which has received funding from the NIH, the Office of Naval Research, state agencies, and several pharmaceutical companies, has resulted in over 60 publications, five patents, and more than 110 presentations at conferences.

    Adejare has also served on several USA national panels, including grant review panels for the NIH, the National Science Foundation, the National Academy of Sciences, the Veterans Administration, and the Alzheimer’s Association.

  • 24 Diaspora Nigerians awarded for contribution to economy

    24 Diaspora Nigerians awarded for contribution to economy

    No fewer than 24 Nigerians in Diaspora have been awarded for their various contributions to national development by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).

    The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Ali Pate was among the awardees at the 2nd Edition of the National Diaspora Merit Award 2024 held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa.

    The first Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu was the special guest of honour on the night. 

    NiDCOM chairman/CEO Abike Dabiri-Erewa pointed out Nigerians in the Diaspora are doing great things. 

    She stated that this “ must be intentionally noticed, recognized, and celebrated in order to encourage all Nigerians in the diaspora to contribute to national development.”

    The award, she said, is to recognise and appreciate the efforts of the Nigerians in the diaspora in national development. 

    “Contributions of Nigerians in the diaspora to national development are well documented 

    “ Over the years, they have contributed on the average of $20 billion as remittances.” 

    She said Nigeria in Diaspora also have investment in the various sectors of the economy, including agriculture, education, health, oil and gas, transportation, enterprise, services, sports.

    Objectives of the National Diaspora Merit Award, she pointed out “ is to recognise and celebrate Nigerians in the diaspora who have made contributions to the development of Nigeria over a cumulative period of at least five years. 

    “To project them as diaspora champions and our role models for others in the community. 

    “To change the narratives of the image of Nigeria and Nigerians in the diaspora as our ambassadors  have obliged.

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     “To establish skill sets of the Nigerians in the diaspora who are active in different sectors  of the Nigerian economy.”

    The areas considered for Award, she said, include agriculture, information and communication technology, science, technology  and innovation, water resources, finance and economics, youth and sports, oil and gas and energy, education, medicine and healthcare, entertainment, arts and tourism, hotel and catering management, housing and real estate, transportation, fashion and aesthetics, philanthropy, leadership development. 

    The awards, which has been instituted as an annual event, Dabiri-Erewa said is open to all Nigerians in the Diaspora who have made one mark or the other. 

  • Two more trafficked girls rescued from Ghana, says NiDCOM boss

    Two more trafficked girls rescued from Ghana, says NiDCOM boss

    Two more girls, trafficked to Ghana, have been rescued, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has said.

    This is coming barely a week after 11 Nigerian girls trafficked to Ghana were rescued.

    Chairman/CEO, (NiDCOM)  Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, confirmed this in a statement yesterday.

    The statement, which was signed by  Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocol, NiDCOM, Abdulraman Balogun, reads: “Barely a week after 11 Nigerian girls trafficked to Ghana were rescued, two additional girls were rescued on Monday.

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    “Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), said the two girls whose rescue operation was again facilitated by the Nigerians in the Diaspora Organisation (NiDOM), Ghana, under the leadership of the Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT), Chief Calistus, are now in safe custody.

     “She reiterated her call for concerted efforts in combating human trafficking.

    “She said the girls are giving useful information aimed at tracking down their traffickers as they were deceived into prostitution .

    “She added that arrangements will be made to get them back to Nigeria and handed over to NAPTIP.

    “The two girls reside in Lagos, one is from Edo, while the other is from Lagos.”

  • Two more girls rescued from Ghana, says NIDCOM boss

    Two more girls rescued from Ghana, says NIDCOM boss

    Two more girls trafficked to Ghana have been rescued, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission(NIDCOM) has disclosed. 

    This is coming barely a week after  11 Nigerian girls trafficked to Ghana were rescued.

    Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO,  Nigerians in Diaspora Commission confirmed this in a statement on Tuesday.

    The Nation had reported that 11 girls, between 15 and 16 years from Imo and Plateau states, were trafficked to Ghana under the guise of working as ales girls but sold into prostitution. 

    Dabiri-Erewa, according to the statement, said the two girls whose rescue operation was facilitated by the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO) Ghana, under the leadership of the Chairman, BOT , Chief Calistus , are in a safe custody.

    The statement which was signed by Abdulraman Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocol, NIDCOM also reiterated her call for concerted efforts in  combating human trafficking in all ramifications as it is another form of modern day slavery .

    It reads: ” Barely a week after  11 Nigerian girls trafficked to Ghana, were rescued ,two additional girls were again rescued on Monday 

    “Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO,  Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) confirmed this on Tuesday

    “She said the two girls whose rescue operation was again facilitated by the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO) Ghana , under the leadership of the Chairman, BOT , Chief Calistus , are now in a safe custody.

    “She reiterated her call for concertive efforts in  combating human trafficking in all ramifications as it is another form of modern day slavery .

    “She said the girls are giving useful information aimed at tracking down their traffickers as they were deceived into into prostitution .

    “She added that arrangements will be made to get them back to Nigeria and handed over to NAPTIP.

    “The two girls reside in Lagos one is from Edo while the other is from Lagos. “

  • Daniel Ford intl UK partners NIDCOM on extraordinary Chess match

    Daniel Ford intl UK partners NIDCOM on extraordinary Chess match

    Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) and Daniel Ford  International, UK are partnering to organise the extraordinary Chess match between the Nigerian prodigy, Deborah Quickpen and Guiness World Record Holder, Tunde Onakoya.

    The competition is scheduled for Tuesday June 11, 2024, in Lagos.

    Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, (NIDCOM) commended the Chief Executive Officer of Daniel Ford  International, UK, Yemi Edun, for the initiative.

    Dabiri-Erewa, according to a statement signed by Gabriel Odu, NIDCOM Media and Protocol Unit, said the initiative will continuously encourage Nigerians in the Diaspora to do all they can to contribute meaningfully back home.

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    “I commend you and your team for organising such a meaningful event and for your dedication  to the cause of education and empowerment through Chess. Nidcom is glad to partner with you.

    “I am confident that this event will be a resounding success and contribute significantly to the growth of Chess in Nigeria and the support of Chess in slums”, she stated.

    Meanwhile, Deborah Quickpen is ranked number 4 in the Global under 12 Category, ranked number 3 in Africa and number 1 in Nigeria.

    The historic Chess Competition is being organised by Daniel Ford International, a real estate and property conglomerate based in the UK and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, (NIDCOM).

  • NiDCOM, ND-Group partner to strengthen Nigeria-Cameroon relations

    NiDCOM, ND-Group partner to strengthen Nigeria-Cameroon relations

    The Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has expressed appreciation for the significant contribution of ND-Group, Cameroon, led by Mr. Ismaila Adegbola, in enhancing Nigeria’s reputation in neighbouring countries like Cameroon.

    She acknowledged the esteemed recognition bestowed upon her as Adegbola, CEO/Publisher, Naija Diaspora, presented her with the Woman of the Year Award 2023.

    The prestigious accolade, initially bestowed during the 10th-anniversary celebration in Douala, Cameroon, was formally presented to her at the NiDCOM Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria.

    “I am deeply honoured to receive this esteemed award. It is a testament to the collective efforts of all those who tirelessly work towards enhancing Nigeria’s diaspora relations and fostering development across borders.”

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    The publication celebrated its 10th anniversary under the distinguished patronage of His Excellency, Sadi Rene Emmanuel, Cameroon Minister of Communication with a two-day event that included the symposium and annual diaspora excellence award. This platform provided a unique opportunity for collective learning, networking and gaining insights into government policies that relate to communities.

    Dabiri-Erewa announced that the Commission looked forward to the new collaboration with Naija Diaspora Magazine to further advance the interests of Nigerians in the diaspora and strengthen ties between Nigeria and Cameroon.

    “I am impressed by the five million Nigerians in Cameroon who contribute immensely to the socio-economic fabric of both nations. Their resilience, ingenuity and unwavering commitment to success inspire us all to strive for greater unity and progress.”

    “I am proud of you Mr. Ismail and proud of what you are doing also. We are also inviting you back to Abuja for Diaspora Summit coming up in October 2024. Definitely, the partnership must be now,” she said.

    Adegbola, a prominent figure in diaspora affairs and publishing and a Nigerian resident in Cameroon, highlights the importance of celebrating exemplary individuals like the Chairman/CEO, NiDCOM who embodies leadership and dedication in her endeavours.

    He commended the Chairman NiDCOM’s proactive stance in amplifying the voices and concerns of Nigerians globally, stating, “Mama Diaspora’s proactive dedication ensures our Diasporas’ voices are heard on the global stage. We celebrate your integrity, passion, brilliance, and quality. You have been a wonderful woman to diaspora communities.”

  • NIDCOM boss lauds Optiva Capital, commits to Diaspora investment collaboration

    NIDCOM boss lauds Optiva Capital, commits to Diaspora investment collaboration

    The Chairman/CEO, of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa has commended Africa’s foremost Investment Immigration company Optiva Capital Partners for taking the lead in addressing opportunities that will be of immense benefit to Nigerians in the diaspora.

    Dabiri-Erewa made this remark while receiving the wealth management company led by its Chief Executive Officer Dr. Jane Kimemia at the NIDCOM Office in Abuja.

    She emphasised NIDCOM’s readiness to collaborate with Optiva Capital Partners to advance diaspora investment initiatives and harness the potential of Nigerians residing overseas.

     Recognising the current needs of Nigeria’s economy, she highlighted the significance of partnering with reputable firms like Optiva Capital Partners to garner global support for structured diaspora investments. 

    This collaboration aims to drive sustainable economic growth and strengthen ties between the diaspora and their homeland.

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    Kimemia expressed gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with NIDCOM. She emphasised Optiva Capital’s specialisation in investment immigration, advisory services, international real estate and insurance. 

    Kimemia highlighted that Optiva’s investment immigration platform serves as a means to facilitate diaspora investments in Nigeria, leveraging the firm’s extensive network of international partners.

    She emphasised Optiva’s ability to offer diverse investment solutions across different geographic locations and asset classes. 

    Kimemia further underscored Nigeria’s potential across various sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and hospitality, expressing confidence in the country’s market viability. 

    According to her: “Our clients are global citizens and Nigeria has a viable market in various sectors of the economy such as manufacturing, food, hospitality that can thrive and that is where we come in”

    She reiterated the role of NIDCOM as a vital bridge between Nigeria and its diaspora, facilitating mutual growth and development. 

    She pledged strategic collaboration with NIDCOM to enhance diaspora investment opportunities, enabling the diaspora to contribute significantly to their homeland’s development through new business ventures.

    Through this partnership, NIDCOM and Optiva Capital Partners aim to foster a conducive environment for diaspora investment, driving socio-economic progress and prosperity for Nigeria and its diaspora community.

    Optiva is supported by a rich network of international partners with specialisation in investment immigration, immigration advisory, International real estate and insurance services. 

  • NEITI, NiDCOM collaborate to promote women, gender equality

    NEITI, NiDCOM collaborate to promote women, gender equality

    The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) and the Nigeria in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) have agreed to establish an inter-agency cooperation to promote the career advancement of women in the two organizations.

    The Executive Secretary of NEITI, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, and the Chairman of NiDCOM, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa agreed on the partnership at the NEITI House, Abuja at this year’s Women’s Day celebration.

    The inter-agency cooperation will cover capacity-building programmes, environmental, gender, and social-economic development challenges that frustrate women’s career advancement in public service.

    In his opening speech, the NEITI Executive Secretary, Orji described Women’s Day as a very important annual event for NEITI to join the rest of the World to highlight, identify and celebrate the valued contributions of women to national development generally and the Extractive Industries in particular.

    Deputy Director/Head Communications & Stakeholders Management, Mrs. Obiageli Onuorah made this known in a press statement yesterday.

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    The statement quoted Orji as saying: “It is a day to advocate for equity, inclusivity, gender justice, wider opportunities for women in the oil, gas and mining sectors in the areas of job opportunities, career advancement and security in the work environment”.

    The NEITI Executive Secretary underlined that the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) standards particularly require implementing countries including Nigeria to promote greater diversity in decision-making, document and publicly disclose women’s participation, gender, social, and environmental issues in the extractive Industries.

    The goal of EITI Reports he added was to highlight the risks that women are confronted with in rural host communities where oil, gas and mining exploration activities take place, document such risks and the remedy required.

    Orji lamented that information and data from the NEITI Industry Report on women’s participation in the Extractive Sector remain quite discouraging and far from the national average. For instance, the 2021 Oil and Gas Industry Report employment data from 56 out of 70 oil companies disclosed that out of 19,171 employees, 15,639 or 82% are men while only 3,532 or 18%) of the employees are women. The disclosure is far from the national average of 35%. From the same gender balance data, all top high-level management positions in the industry are dominated by men.

    Dr. Orji announced that to reverse this negative trend through deliberate advocacy and engagements, NEITI under his leadership has deliberately created a Gender and Environmental Unit in the Policy, Planning & Strategy (PPS) Department. This Unit is set up to ensure women’s inclusion in extractive governance and EITI processes and report on the gender distribution and participation in the extractive sector issues.

    Addressing the special forum, the special Guest of Honour and Chief Executive of Nigeria in Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa advised career women in public service to cultivate the culture of self-confidence, invest in self-education and skills development, discipline, integrity hard work, professionalism and passion to create public value in any given assignment. She advised all career women in public service to place priority attention to family above all other choices.

    Abike Dabiri explained that the inter-agency cooperation and partnership will help document and mobilise professional Nigerian career women in the Diaspora, especially from 57 EITI member countries to contribute in diverse ways towards national development.

    On the current Japa syndrome that pushes Nigerian youths in search of green pastures in foreign lands, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa advised those wishing to move abroad to seek adequate information and guidance warning that life abroad could be worse and more difficult than challenges at home.

    High-profile women in top positions from ministries, departments and agencies, the media, and civil society joined NEITI women to mark the day with inspiring speeches.