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158 Nigerian Irregular Migrants to Libya Repatriated, Says Envoy

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158 Nigerian Irregular Migrants to Libya Repatriated, Says Envoy

By: Michael Mike

A total of 158 Nigerian irregular migrants have again been repatriated from Libya, the Charge’ d’ Affaires of the Nigerian Mission in Tripoli, Libya, Amb. Mohammed Mohammed has revealed

The envoy, in a release made available to journalists on Wednesday, disclosed that the repatriation exercise was carried out by the Mission in collaboration with the Libyan authorities and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) under the organisation’s Voluntary Humanitarian Repatriation (VHR).

The release further stated that the evacuees departed Mitiga International Airport, Tripoli, aboard chartered flight no: – UZ 189 at 1500hrs local time and arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos at 1800hrs.

According to Mohammed, the group of evacuees comprised seventy-seven (77) males, forty-five (45) females, 26 children as well as 10 infants.

On the reasons for this latest repatriation of these Nigerians, the Nigerian Embassy said they were repatriated for lack of proper documentation and accusations of various criminal activities,among others.

Of the total number, the Embassy said 26 males arrested from the ongoing raid of undocumented foreigners in Libya were released from Abu-Salim Detention Centre in Tripoli.

The Mission also informed that upon arrival in Nigeria, the evacuees were received by relevant government agencies, including NAPTIP, Nigerian Immigration Service, Airport Security and the NDLEA. These evacuees are expected to undergo rehabilitation and reintegration processes before they are released into society.

According to Mohammed, nearly 1, 776 stranded Nigerians have safely been returned home in 2024 so far.

The Nigerian Envoy, while urging citizens to shun irregular migrations,lauded the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,the Libyan authorities and the IOM for coming through for so many of the evacuees,who had the urgent desire to return home,but did not have the means to do so.

He said: “This marks the twelfth evacuation exercise carried out by the Nigerian Mission in Libya this year.

“The current exercise follows the repatriation of one hundred and forty-two (142) irregular Nigerian migrants from Sabha, Libya, on 9th July.

“While some of them were rescued from the Mediterranean Sea by the Libyan Coastal Guards, others were arrested on charges of prostitution, illegally entering the country, over stay and lack of proper documentation, just as others willingly submitted themselves to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in Libya for repatriation.

“You know, lately, there have been increasing and coordinated raids of illegal migrants across the cities of Libya and these are likely going to continue as Libyan authorities consider influx of illegal migrants in the country a National Security issue and have vowed to employ all legal means to stop the menace.

“Nigerians living in Libya,from many indications, already have damaged reputations due to the alleged nefarious activities of some criminal elements among them.Some have been fingered in the commitment of crimes such as kidnapping for ransom, drug peddling, prostitution, sale of alcohol as well as cultism and human trafficking with their Libyan collaborators, among others .

“It is, therefore ,as a result of the above that, arrest and deportation of Nigerians may continue in the weeks and months ahead,” the Nigerian Envoy said.

Worried by the challenges of illegal migration, the Libyan authorities recently, on July 17,2024, hosted the Trans-Mediterranean Migration Forum in Tripoli which brought together source, transit and destination countries to discuss solutions to irregular migration.

The Voluntary Humanitarian Repatriation is a programme of the International Organization for Migration that guarantees safe, dignified and expedited return for willing migrants. The Federal Government has through its constant collaborations with this organisation ensured that many irregular Nigerian migrants return home from time to time.

158 Nigerian Irregular Migrants to Libya Repatriated, Says Envoy

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MANAGEMENT TEAM OF BOSU VISITS EDUCATION COMMISSIONER TO CHART PATH FORWARD

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MANAGEMENT TEAM OF BOSU VISITS EDUCATION COMMISSIONER TO CHART PATH FORWARD

By: Our Reporter

The Vice-Chancellor of Borno State University (BOSU), Prof. Babagana Gutti and his management team recently paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe. The visit aimed to address key challenges and outline a sustainable development plan for the institution.

The Ministry of Education serves as a vital bridge between the state government and higher institutions, facilitating communication and addressing the needs of these institutions. This visit by BOSU underscores the importance of this role.

During the meeting, Prof. Gutti expressed gratitude for the commissioner’s consistent support in strengthening BOSU. He presented a comprehensive five-year development blueprint designed to build on existing achievements while addressing critical gaps. The plan includes upgrading facilities for existing programs, constructing permanent sites for faculties currently operating temporarily, and creating new faculties to accommodate the university’s growing student population.

Prof. Gutti highlighted ongoing efforts to secure support from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). He noted that funds previously requested through the commissioner had been allocated, with work already underway on several projects. Despite these strides, he raised concerns about critical infrastructure gaps, such as the lack of a fire-fighting vehicle, inadequate water supply, and poor drainage systems.

In response, Commissioner Wakilbe commended Prof. Gutti and his management team for their dedication, while also praising Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for his visionary leadership in advancing the education sector. Reflecting on his prior visits to BOSU, the commissioner emphasized the importance of hosting convocations to showcase the university’s achievements and attract further opportunities.

Recognizing the surge in student enrollment, Wakilbe stressed the urgency of expanding infrastructure and urged the university to explore alternative funding sources to meet its growing demands. He also acknowledged the contributions of previous administrations in positioning BOSU for success and announced plans to visit the institution in the upcoming academic session to discuss further strategic initiatives.

Additionally, Prof. Gutti provided an update on the 30 students recently involved in a road accident. He commended the commissioner for his prompt response and financial support to the affected students. Commissioner Wakilbe underscored the need for preventive measures to avoid similar incidents in the future and pledged continued support, particularly for students still in critical condition.

This collaborative meeting reflects a shared commitment to addressing challenges and unlocking BOSU’s full potential as a centre of academic excellence.

MANAGEMENT TEAM OF BOSU VISITS EDUCATION COMMISSIONER TO CHART PATH FORWARD

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Borno State Scholarship Board Defends 2025 Budget Before State Assembly Committee

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Borno State Scholarship Board Defends 2025 Budget Before State Assembly Committee

By: Our Reporter

This morning, the Borno State Scholarship Board, led by its Executive Secretary, Malam Bala Isa, appeared before the Borno State House of Assembly Committee on Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation to defend its 2025 budget proposal.

The budget defense session was chaired by the Committee Chairman, Engr. Mohammed Gambomi Marte, representing Marte Constituency, with support from other committee members, including Hon. Mohammed Kawajjafa, representing Hawul Constituency.

During the session, the Scholarship Board outlined its proposed budgetary allocations and key initiatives aimed at improving access to education for Borno State students. The discussions emphasized the importance of continued scholarship programs to enhance educational opportunities and human capital development across the state.

Borno State Scholarship Board Defends 2025 Budget Before State Assembly Committee

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At Umrah, VP Shettima Prays for Nigeria’s Peace, Stability

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At Umrah, VP Shettima Prays for Nigeria’s Peace, Stability

By: Our Reporter

Vice President Kashim Shettima has performed the lesser hajj (Umrah) at the Holy Mosque of Makkah (Masjid al-Haram) in Saudi Arabia.

The Vice President offered prayers for Nigeria’s peace and stability during the spiritual exercise.

Speaking on Wednesday at the holy site in Makkah, VP Shettima beseeched God’s guidance and intervention for the nation’s leadership and citizenry.

“Our prayer is for peace to prevail in our land. May Allah grant our land peace and social harmony,” the Vice President said.

He also sought divine attributes for Nigeria’s leaders praying, “May Allah grant our leaders, from the President down to our local councillors wisdom , patience and the generosity of Muhammad Rasulullah in all their dealings”.

The Vice President continued his supplications: “May Allah grant us the wisdom to rule our nation well and to govern our people well.”

“Let there be peace, tranquility and prosperity in our nation. This is our prayer and Insha’ Allah, our prayers will be answered by Allah.”

Meanwhile, the Vice President’s scheduled bilateral meeting with the President of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) in Jeddah has been rescheduled for a later date. He is expected to return to Nigeria tomorrow.

The Vice President had flown to Saudi Arabia for the lesser Hajj from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where he represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the commissioning of a $315 million oil production and storage facility owned by Oriental Energy Limited (OERL).

At Umrah, VP Shettima Prays for Nigeria’s Peace, Stability

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