The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has warned all government Ministries , Agencies, Embassies and High Commissions as well as Diaspora groups to beware of phoney groups with apparent sinister and political ulterior motives, parading as authentic diaspora group.
A statement by the Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit of NIDCOM, Abdur-Rahman Balogun on Tuesday in Abuja specifically mentioned a group, Nigeria Diaspora Forum (NDF) who claimed it has established an office in Abuja for the welfare of Nigerians in the Diaspora.
He alleged that the so-called Forum, “an arm of Labour Party, masquerading as a diaspora group , is not even registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission.”
Balogun said: “We are aware that all registered political parties including the ruling party, APC, PDP, SDP, NNPP and even LP, etc have diaspora chapters and support groups outside the country and do work to promote and champion their party ideals.
“It is equally sinister that an unregistered body with the Corporate Affairs Commission will fraudulently and boldly announce the setting up of an office to oversee the welfare of Nigerians in Diaspora in Abuja.
“This is no doubt an attempt to fraudulently hoodwink unsuspecting members of the public , ministries, departments and agencies, embassies, high commissions as well as state and local governments.
“We hereby advise all government agencies at both the federal and state levels as well as the diplomatic community to always double check with NIDCOM the status of such groups as NIDCOM has a data base of all registered diaspora groups.”
Balogun added that: “NIDCOM is using this opportunity to also remind all that States have diaspora focal persons who are readily available to handle issues relating to their diaspora.
“NIDCOM is the only Commission mandated by an act of the Parliament to oversee the welfare of Nigerians in the diaspora, in the last four years.
“It has been, and will continue to fulfill its mandate, while also working with genuine Nigerian diaspora groups, associations and individuals.”
KACRAN Reiterates Appreciation For Establishment of NEDC, Advocates Equity and Justice for Pastoralists
Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has reiterated its profound joy and appreciation to the federal government for establishing the North East Development Commission (NEDC).
A press statement signed by the National President of the association, Hon. Khalil Bello read that the pastoral communities of the Northeast were initially filled with great enthusiasm and hope upon the establishment of the NEDC. They were led to believe that the commission was established with the specific purpose of reconstructing the region after the devastating impact of Boko Haram activities, providing support to vulnerable and internally displaced individuals, and revitalizing communities that have suffered tremendously from these tragic events.
The statement read that: “The pastoralists’ highest excitement was innocently based on these promises, and they celebrated the establishment of the NEDC with the anticipation of much-needed assistance.
“However, KACRAN has been disheartened to find that, despite the high regard in which they hold the members of the NEDC’s governing board, the pastoralists’interests seem to have been overlooked as the commission commenced its operations. It has become apparent that the focus of the NEDC’s efforts has been on the urban centers and refugee camps, which are more visible to the presidency and the international community, rather than on the rural areas and villages that have been severely impacted by the aforementioned calamities.
“Representing a significant number of pastoralists who have been ravaged by the Boko Haram insurgency and cattle rustling, KACRAN has voiced its grievances and concerns to the NEDC and the presidency through national media outlets, including print, electronic, and social platforms.
“KACRAN’s primary concerns include the marginalization and neglect by the Commission, the dire need for access to potable water for both people and livestock, the provision of animal feed during the dry season, inclusion in the periodic distribution of relief materials, and the integration of its members’ urgent needs into the Commission’s policies and programmes, including annual budget allocations.”
The statement added that: “It is encouraging to note that during a meeting facilitated by the NEDC Head of Operation at the Oasis Hotel in Damaturu, Yobe State, KACRAN was assured that the commission would attentively consider its valid concerns and act accordingly.This meeting, followed by the distribution of relief materials to our communities, fortified their optimism that the NEDC would indeed address their critical needs, such as the provision of potable water.
“Regrettably, till the NEDC’s first tenure drew to a close, these assurances have yet to be fully realized. KACRAN remains hopeful and prays earnestly for the fulfillment of these commitments.
“KACRAN calls upon the NEDC to uphold the principles of justice and equity and to ensure that the pastoralists of the Northeast are not forgotten but are actively included in the region’s recovery and development efforts.”
NGO Commends Nigerian government intervention in getting staff from war-torn Gaza
Mercy Corps, an international humanitarian organisation, has commended the Nigerian government for ensuring the free passage of one of its senior staff, Joel Onyeke, serving in the war torn Gaza.
The organisation particularly made mentioned of the contribution of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar for facilitating the swift and safe passage of the said personnel.
Chief Executive Officer, Mercy Corps Tjada D’ oyen McKenna in an appreciation letter to the minister thanked him for his prompt and professional response to their distress call.
“We want to thank you sincerely for your attention and swift action after our recent request for your advocacy and assistance in facilitating the safe passage of our team member, Mr. Joel Onyeke out of Gaza.
“After three harrowing weeks in a United Nations Development Programme bunker, on November 1st Onyeke safely crossed the Rafah border crossing from Gaza into Egypt and by November 3rd he was reunited with his family in Abuja.”
Onyeke, a cash advisor with Mercy Corps, was the only foreign national team member employed in Gaza.
Mercy Corps also thanked the Federal Government for the support while stressing on the need for a humanitarian corridor for aid delivery to Gaza as well as for the safe passage of foreign nationals out of Gaza.
McKenna said: “There is more work to be done to ensure the safety of all citizens in Palestine and Israel.
“We are hopeful for an end to this crises soon so that communities can begin to rebuild, humanitarian actors can continue to work for a stronger and more inclusive economy.”
