Abike Dabiri-Erewa – Channels Television

Coronavirus: FG Gifts Over N12million To Nigerians In Wuhan

The Federal Government has donated the sum of 235,000 RMB (over N12million) to Nigerians in Wuhan, the epidemic center of the coronavirus, China.

This according to a statement by Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) is part of the various interventions of the Federal Government to the welfare of Nigerians in China.

The statement which was signed on Thursday by the Head, Media Relations, NIDCOM, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said in appreciation of the gift, Nigerians in China sent ‘thank you’ letter to President Muhammadu Buhari.

The appreciation letter was signed by the acting President of Nigerians In Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) China, Justina Obaoye Ajala and sent to Chairman/CEO of NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

“On behalf of NIDO China, we will like to appreciate the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and the Embassy of Federal Republic of Nigeria in China for the immense support and encouragement during the outbreak of the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) which originated in Wuhan, China.

“We want to use this opportunity to appreciate the Federal Republic of Nigeria under the leadership of His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari for the generous financial support of the sum of 235,000 RMB provided for Nigerians in Wuhan.

“We sincerely appreciate you and your team NiDCOM in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in China for the role played in facilitating the financial support,” the statement read in part.

The appreciation letter added that, the timely financial support is crucial and it will make a difference and go a long way in ameliorating the situation of Nigerians in Wuhan.

It will be recalled that various pro-active interventions coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with other Governmental Agencies was lined up to ensure that Nigerians in China, especially those in Wuhan are protected from the dreaded coronavirus disease.

Nigerian Lady Trafficked To Lebanon Regains Freedom, Handed Over To Ambassador In Beirut

A young Nigerian lady who was trafficked to Lebanon has regained her freedom and has now been handed over to the Nigerian Ambassador in Beirut.

This is according to the Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

Mrs Dabiri-Erewa made this disclosure via her official Twitter page on Monday, January 13.

According to the President’s special aide, the young lady who is known as Omolola Ajayi was received warmly by Ambassador Goni Zanna Bura and she is happy to be in safe hands.

She added that Omolola will soon be home.

‘Please save me, I don’t want to die’

A few days ago, Omolola Ajayi cried out for help via a viral video, claiming that she was allegedly sold into slavery in Lebanon.

Omolola revealed that her parents, Mr. Kehinde Ajayi and Mrs. Felicia Ajayi live at Offa Garage at Under Bridge in Ilorin, Kwara State, alleged that a family friend perpetrated the sad act against her.

According to Omolola, she thought she was coming to Lebanon to teach English but discovered she had been deceived upon arriving in the country.

Omolola disclosed that some of those who fell victim to the same scam are already dead as they are not taken to the hospital when they are sick by their “masters” who seized their passport upon arriving in the country.

Below is a full transcription of what the distraught young lady said in her viral video.

A family friend introduced me to the Lebanese that brought me here to teach their children English language. It turned out to be a lie. When I got here, they collected my passport and kept it. I asked why they did that, I was told that I had been sold as a slave. What I’m facing here is not a small thing. I hope I don’t die. If we’re sick, they wouldn’t take us to the hospital and they only give us analgesics. Half of the people we came to Lebanon together with have died.
The person I’m with now wants to rape me, but I didn’t agree. I’m struggling with him. He has collected my phone. He said that he wouldn’t return it until I accept his sexual advances. If he is sleeping or has gone out, I take the phone.
I told my boss that I wanted to be returned to Nigeria, he replied that he has paid for me; that dead or alive, he owns me. I have a three-year-old baby in Nigeria. Feminique Life Support, please help me, have mercy on me! I want to take care of my daughter. Please don’t let my death make my parents cry.
The other girl I worked with has travelled so he could come to me again. Please help me, don’t allow them to kill me in this country. I don’t even have room to sleep. I sleep on the floor, in the parlor, in this cold weather. I’m not even given a cloth to cover; I wear rags. Please help me because as this man tried to rape me, I pushed him away, so I am scared of him dying by my hands because they’ll kill me too.
My child doesn’t know me and I am suffering too much. The work I came here to do is different from what they are using me for here, and as I speak, I’m even ill and the only drug I had been given was analgesic.

Four staff from our the Nigerian mission in Lebanon and the “Master” the White Old man that brought Ajayi Omolola. Credit: @nidcom_gov

Reactions and arrest

Reacting to the viral video, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq of Kwara State condemned the rising trend of human trafficking in the country.

The governor vowed to deal with anyone caught in the state according to the dictates of the law.

Governor Abdulrasaq said he ordered an immediate investigation into the matter, adding that three suspects, comprising two Nigerians and the Lebanese referred to in the footage, had been arrested in connection with the case.

He further revealed that all the suspects and those connected with the case are being interrogated.

The governor also disclosed that discreet investigations by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, in Kwara State have revealed that there are at least 28 other victims of this horrible trafficking gang.

He urged residents to be confident in coming forward with information regarding trafficking activities.

Anthony Joshua’s Victory Serves As Inspiration To Nigerian Youths, Says Dabiri-Erewa

Chairman/CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa has congratulated Anthony Joshua for reclaiming his World Heavyweight titles after defeating his opponent Andy Ruiz Jr In Saturday’s boxing fight in Saudi Arabia.

In a statement by NIDCOM Head of Media and Public Relations, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa said that the victory over the Mexican was not only a thing of pride to Nigerians, but to Africa as a whole.

“I congratulate you on this wonderful feat, for winning this tensed but historical fight. “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 an inspiration to the youth of Nigeria. “Your victory is also a testimony to the fact that Nigerians are great people, contributing in many ways to the development of the country and the continent as a whole,” Dabiri-Erewa stated.

She noted with satisfaction that in spite of the challenges being faced by Anthony in his career, he had remained determined, focused and did not allow that to lure him into any form of criminality or depression.

Xenophobia: We Are Glad That Justice Has Been Done – Dabiri-Erewa

The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has expressed satisfaction over the justice meted out to 24-year-old South African police constable, Austin Luciano Reynold that killed a Nigerian, Ebuka Okoli in Durban, Kwa Zulu Natal.

Mr Reynold was charged on four counts of murder and robbery after shooting Okoli at close range and robbing him during an unauthorised raid.

In a statement issued by the Head of Media and Public Relations Unit of the Commission, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Mrs Dabiri-Erewa expressed gladness over the ruling of Judge Shyam Gyanda on Friday, who said the accused was found guilty on all charges.

“We had always stated that there have to be consequences for actions. We are glad that this case finally came to an end and South Africa has demonstrated the political will to deal with xenophobia.”

She added that Nigeria and South Africa will continuously work at a United Africa while those who perpetrate crime irrespective of their nationality should face the penalty for their actions.

Dabiri-Erewa commended the Nigerian Mission in Johannesburg for painstakingly following through with the case and other cases involving Nigerians.

Similarly, the Consul General of Nigeria in South Africa, Mr Godwin Adama said that he was happy that the case came to an end on Friday with judgment pronounced on the guilty police officer.

He disclosed that the second case of eight policemen being tried for the murder of a Nigerian, Ibrahim Olamilekan Badmus, was adjourned till April 2020 for final ruling due to some technical issues.

The accused faces at least 15 years in jail due to the fact that there is no death sentence in South Africa laws except life sentence or long sentence for the murder.

Xenophobia: 319 Nigerians Expected To Return From South Africa Tomorrow – Abike Dabiri

The Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon Abike Dabiri Erewa has said that 319 Nigerians are expected from South Africa on Tuesday via Air Peace.

Mrs Dabiri said this while giving an update on the voluntary evacuation of Nigerians from South Africa.

She however, could not confirm the rumors that the returnees will not be allowed back to South Africa for the next 10years.

According to her, the returnees are being profiled based on their states. She adds that the state governments will take responsibility of their citizens and that the highest number of returnees so far are from Ogun State with 30 returnees.

She also stated that none of the returnees are criminals and that there are ongoing conversations with the Bank of Industry as regards soft loans.

On the issue of compensation for victims, the NIDCOM chairperson said that would be handled by the ministry of foreign affairs, adding that Nigerians interested in helping the returnees should do so.

Xenophobia: Our Plans For Nigerians Returning From South Africa – Abike Dabiri

The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has given an assurance that the government would support Nigerians who are being evacuated back to the country from South Africa in the wake of xenophobic attacks.

A first batch of returnees numbering about 188, had departed South Africa on Wednesday, via the Air Peace Airline after an eight-hour delay.

According to Channels TV’s correspondent in South Africa, some persons had been turned back over inadequate documentation for travelling with children, while about seven others were detained for allegedly entering the country illegally.

Mrs Dabiri who also confirmed that the delay was as a result of immigration issues, however, noted that the situation had been resolved and the first batch was on their way.

According to her, immediately they arrive, they would each be given sim cards and airtime that would last almost two months to help them stay in touch with their families.

“The bank of industry will also be here to offer some entrepreneurship programme and some support to start a small business and there would be some stipends for transportation to take you home and we will profile them and for those who want to get any training, they will decide what kind of training they want to do and the Bank of industry will be there to provide it,” Dabiri said.

More names remain on the voluntary evacuation list and hopefully, a second flight will be arriving in Johannesburg to fetch them.

Xenophobia: Eight Policemen Arraigned For Maltreating Nigerians, Says Dabiri-Erewa

Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, speaks on the xenophobic attacks in South Africa

The recent xenophobic attack on foreigners, particularly Nigerians have continued to generate reactions in the country.

This time, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa and a Professor of International Law and Jurisprudence, Professor Akin Oyebode, have both faulted the South African government over the issue.

Both individuals were interviewed as guests on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday.

Giving an update on the development, Dabiri-Erewa, said the South African government has arraigned eight policemen for the maltreatment of Nigerians in the country.

“Eight policemen have been charged to court by South Africa. They have been charged for cases involving the maltreatment of Nigerians in South Africa that have been on for a long time. But the cases have not yet ended.

“We are hoping those cases will end. There have to be consequences for actions. Four policemen have been arrested in connection with the last death of the gentleman that was killed in his home,” she said.

Speaking further, she called on the South African government to conclude the investigation into the harassment and death of Nigerians and also make the findings public.

The presidential aide also wants the immediate end to the killings of Nigerians in South Africa, thereby calling on the President Cyril Ramaphosa administration to exhibit the political will to tackle the scourge.

Reacting also, Oyebode noted that the President Ramaphosa ought to have sent a delegation to apologise to Nigeria having been affected by the killings.

“I believe the Buhari government is trying to be very diplomatic even though we are the aggrieved party. Quite a number of my friends have said that Nigeria should not give the impression that it was begging South Africa for consideration because we are the injured party.

“It is South Africa that ought to send their delegation here to appeal to Nigerians not to visit mayhem on the South Africans of their interests,” he said.

Four South African Police Arrested Over Alleged Murder Of Nigerian Businessman

PHOTO USED TO DEPICT THE STORY: Minibus taxi drivers argue with South African Police Service members during a taxi drivers’ riot near the Bloed Taxi Rank on August 28, 2019. PHOTO: Phill Magakoe/AFP

Following the recent murder of Pius Abiaziem, a Nigerian businessman in South Africa, four police officers linked to the murder have been arrested.

This was disclosed on Friday in a statement signed by media assistant, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Gabriel Odu.

Xenophobia: Nigerians In South Africa Storm High Commission In Protest

In reaction to the arrest, the Chairman and CEO, NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa urged the South African Police to expedite action on the matter.

Dabiri also called for speed in the trial of the four policemen and others arrested for various offenses committed against Nigerians living in South Africa

It could be recalled that Abiaziem was killed in Eastern Cape last week allegedly by four South African Policemen who were interrogating him in his house.

NIDCOM To Partner EFCC Against Cybercrime In Diaspora, Says Dabiri-Erewa

NIDCOM Chairperson, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, with Acting EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, at the head office of the anti-graft agency in Abuja on August 23, 2019.

The Chairperson of the Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has revealed plans by the Nigerian Government to fight cybercrimes in the diaspora.

She hinted that the commission was making moves to collaborate with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to tackle the menace, through the creation of a special desk.

Dabiri-Erewa explained that the desk would serve as a platform for Nigerians in the diaspora who are victims of cybercrime to lodge complaints and get justice.

She made the disclosure on Friday during a visit to the EFCC Head Office in Abuja, following the indictment of over 70 Nigerians by the United States government for various crimes including massive email fraud and money laundering.

The NIDCOM boss said, “The commission will be working with the EFCC to have a special desk that will tackle cases like this; whether it’s about fraud, whether it’s about somebody cheating yo, we hope to partner with the EFCC to have a special desk to deal with cases involving those in the diaspora being defrauded or being cheated.

“They should have somewhere to complain to and with EFCC, I’m sure we can provide those answers and solve those problems.”

Dabiri-Erewa who condemned the activities of those indicted by the U.S. government, added, “A few people committing crime should not tarnish the image of a nation of 200 million people. However, the world wants to see that we are doing something about cybercrime.

“We are here with the EFCC to say Nigerians in the diaspora count on you to tackle cybercrime as effectively as you are tackling corruption in Nigeria so that those who perpetrate these crimes are brought to book.”

On his part, the acting EFCC Chairman, Mr Ibrahim Magu, said the anti-graft agency would take drastic measures to prevent Nigerians from engaging in cybercrimes to save the nation’s image from international embarrassment.

He also gave an insight into how the EFCC contributed to the arrest of 77 Nigerians by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

According to Magu, the operation that led to the arrest of the suspects was jointly carried out by the operatives of both agencies.

“We have not been contacted, but they have acknowledged our participation in their release. But I do not have the details here … because what we have here is even more than the 77 people.

“Maybe others have been screened out and the information they have given us is everything that has been done – both here and in America,” the EFCC boss said.

Xenophobic Attacks: Eight Police Officers Arrested In South Africa – Dabiri-Erewa

At least eight police officers have been arrested in connection with the killings and assault of Nigerians living in South Africa.

The Chairman, National Diaspora Commission, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, disclosed this during a meeting with officials of the National Association of Nigerian Students in Abuja.

Meanwhile, President of the association, Daniel Akpan during the meeting, called on all Nigerians living in South Africa to return home to prevent further attacks.

Also present at the meeting was former Big Brother Africa star, Tayo Faniran, who was recently harassed by the police in South Africa.

Dabiri-Erewa condemned the attacks, stating that it is reaching a tipping point and Nigerians have become “very angry”.

She, however, noted that Presidents of both countries will be meeting to discuss how to address the matter.

FG Petitions SA Authorities Over Attack On Ex-BBA Star, Tayo Faniran

The Consular-General of Nigerian High Commission in South Africa, Mr Godwin Adama, has petitioned the SA Police Authorities over the attack on a Nigerian, Mr Tayo Faniran.

Mr Faniran, Ex-Big Brother Africa Star, in a video posted on his Instagram handle, was seen beaten by two South African policemen.

The Nigerian mission, who is pressing for a case against the police brutality, said the independent police investigative directorate which deals with cases involving South Africa police officers has commenced work on the matter.

The Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa said in a statement on Saturday, that the move is to get justice for Mr Faniran.

She said the Consular-General has also met with Mr Faniran who is the latest victim of brutality on Nigerians by the South Africa policemen.

“Our Consular-General has also met with Faniran, who was the latest victim of South Africa policemen’s attack on Nigerians.”

Mrs Dabiri-Erewa also confirmed that eight South African policemen are already on trial for their involvement in maltreatment of Nigerians in the country, and promised to follow up on this case and others involving attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.

“Eight South African policemen are on trial for their involvement in maltreatment of Nigerians in the country. We will continue to follow up on this case and others involving attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.”

Dabiri-Erewa Demands Investigation As Nigerian PhD Student Dies In Malaysian Custody

Abike Dabiri-Erewa (left), Orhions Ewansiha Thomas (right).

Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has called for an investigation into the death of a Nigerian student who was in custody in Malaysia.

According to a statement issued by Dabiri on Friday, Orhions Ewansiha Thomas, who was pursuing a Ph.D. in management, at the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology in Selangor, Malaysia died while in custody.

Despite having a valid student pass, he was said to have been detained for 14 days, during which he allegedly suffered a seizure after which he died.

“Ewansiha had a valid student pass, but he was still detained for 14 days by the Malaysian authorities until he suffered a seizure while in custody,” the statement read.

“My heart goes out to his family, his young widow and two who’ve suffered such a painful loss.

“I urge the Nigerian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, to open an investigation into the death of Ewansiha.

“We must ensure that the welfare of our countrymen in Malaysia is not compromised”.

The university also confirmed the death, describing Ewansiha as an inspired young man.

It, however, did not explain the circumstances of his death.

“It is with the deepest regret that we report the demise of Orhions Ewansiha Thomas. Pursuing his Ph.D. in Management, Mr. Thomas was an inspired young man. All of us at Limkokwing University wish to express our heartfelt wishes of love and support to all affected,” the university tweeted.

It is with the deepest regret that we report the demise of Orhions Ewansiha Thomas. Pursuing his PhD in Management, Mr Thomas was an inspired young man. All of us at Limkokwing University wish to express our heartfelt wishes of love and support to all affected. pic.twitter.com/NlheAJu8hy
— Limkokwing Uni (@Limkokwing_MY) July 11, 2019

Tag: Abike Dabiri-Erewa