Connect with us

News

Be Circumspect to Avoid Untoward Circumstances While Abroad, NIDCOM Advises Travelers

Published

on

Be Circumspect to Avoid Untoward Circumstances While Abroad, NIDCOM Advises Travelers

By: Michael Mike

Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa has reiterated on the need for Nigerians travelling outside the shores of the country to be more circumspect to avoid any untoward circumstances.

Dabiri-Erewa gave this advisory during a visit by the CEO of Oasis of Faith Intercontinental Limited and President of the Christian Tourism Practioners Association of Nigeria (CTPAN), Rev. Dr. Israel Kristilere,, who lamented the maltreatment he suffered at Cairo Tarmac during a stopover on his pilgrimage to Israel.

Kristilere, recounting the events of April 30th, 2024, when he and 27 pilgrims, were en route to Israel during a four-hour layover in Cairo, said: “Myself and another first-class passenger were resting in the lounge. Around midnight, when I observed that boarding has commenced, yet my group remained seated. Upon inquiry, I learnt they had instructed us to wait.”

Kristilere added that when he attempted to board, he was detained by airport security personnel on accusations of sexual abuse, based on a trump-up complaint and a supposed video recording he was not allowed to view.

Forced to apologize to the alleged victim to avoid court proceedings, he expressed his sympathy for the lady in case someone else had abused her and she mistook him for the person. He also documented his refusal to sign an Arabic document by writing “I DO NOT KNOW” above his surname while recording the audio of the encounter through his phone.

Amidst this ordeal, the intervention of the Desk Manager resulted in the return of Rev. Kristilere’s passport and his release. On May 1st, at around 1 a.m, the 27 pilgrims, who had refused to board without him, finally departed Cairo together.

Reacting to the sordid narrative, the Chairman/CEO NiDCOM who was represented by the Secretary to the Commission, Dr. Sule Yakubu Bassi clarified that NIDCOM would bring his petition to the attention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian Embassy in Egypt , adding that they have the powers and jurisdiction to intervene and investigate.

She apologized for the maltreatment Rev. Kristilere endured, emphasizing that no Nigerian should face inhumane treatment abroad.

Dabiri-Erewa commended Rev. Kristilere for securing support from the Christian Pilgrims Commission and encouraged him to forward relevant documents to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Egyptian Embassy.

The NiDCOM Boss further assured that the commission will continue to advocate for dignified and humane treatment and privileges of Nigerians all over the world.

Be Circumspect to Avoid Untoward Circumstances While Abroad, NIDCOM Advises Travelers

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Remi Tinubu commissions nursing quarters, two mega schools in Borno

Published

on

Remi Tinubu commissions nursing quarters, two mega schools in Borno

By: Michael Mike

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Monday commissioned newly completed nursing quarters and two mega primary schools in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery and expand access to quality education in the state.

The projects were executed under Governor Babagana Zulum’s administration, which has continued to prioritize infrastructure development in the health and education sectors.

The newly inaugurated nursing quarters, located beside the State Specialist Hospital, consist of eight blocks of six flats each. The housing units are fully furnished and fitted with air-conditioning systems to improve living conditions for medical personnel.

In the education sector, Senator Tinubu also commissioned Aliyakeri and Abbaganaram Mega Primary Schools. Each facility features 48 classrooms designed to accommodate thousands of pupils, alongside ICT centres, modern sports facilities, e-learning platforms, and solar-powered systems to ensure uninterrupted academic activities.

Speaking at the ceremony, the First Lady commended Governor Zulum’s leadership style, describing the projects as people-focused and impactful.

“What we have seen so far in Borno is quite encouraging. You have done very well, and I am truly honoured to be part of this commissioning,” she said.

Governor Zulum’s administration has reportedly completed 104 mega schools across the state, with additional projects ongoing across Borno’s 27 local government areas.

During the event, Senator Tinubu also flagged off a N200 million empowerment programme targeting 2,000 vulnerable women. Each beneficiary is expected to receive N100,000 alongside a sewing machine to support small-scale businesses and improve household income.

The First Lady praised the initiative, noting that it aligns with national efforts to strengthen community-based economic empowerment and food security programmes.

Under the distribution plan, 400 women were selected from Maiduguri metropolis, 200 from Jere Local Government Area, 100 from Biu, while 50 beneficiaries were drawn from each of the remaining 24 local government areas.

In addition, eight outstanding education workers, including teachers, head teachers, principals, TVET coordinators, and ministry staff, were presented with brand-new utility vehicles in recognition of their service.

In a related gesture, Governor Zulum also presented a house to a ministry watchman, Baba Modu Fandi, in appreciation of his dedication, while Senator Tinubu further supported him with an additional ₦2 million financial assistance.

Remi Tinubu commissions nursing quarters, two mega schools in Borno

Continue Reading

News

Two Men Sustain Severe Injuries in Mutual Attack Over Mining Site Dispute in Niger State

Published

on

Two Men Sustain Severe Injuries in Mutual Attack Over Mining Site Dispute in Niger State

By: Zagazola Makama

Two men are receiving treatment at a hospital in Niger State after sustaining serious injuries in a violent altercation reportedly linked to a dispute at an illegal mining site.

Security sources told Zagazola that the incident occurred in a Fulani settlement near Iwa village in Gurara Local Government Area.

The sources said the matter was reported to the police on April 25 at about 1:30 p.m. after the victims were brought in by the Officer-in-Charge of Iwa Outstation.

According to the sources, the confrontation began on April 24 at about 9:00 a.m. when Jibril Yusuf, 22, allegedly went to the hut of Haruna Tukur, 35, and set him ablaze after a misunderstanding at an illegal mining site.

The sources further stated that Haruna Tukur, in retaliation, attacked Jibril Yusuf with a machete, severing his fingers during the violent exchange.

Both men were rushed to the General Hospital in Gawu Babangida, where they are currently responding to treatment.

Security operatives said investigations have commenced to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident, while the case remains under active review.

Two Men Sustain Severe Injuries in Mutual Attack Over Mining Site Dispute in Niger State

Continue Reading

News

Windstorm Damages NYSC Camp in Niger, Two Children Injured

Published

on

Windstorm Damages NYSC Camp in Niger, Two Children Injured

By: Zagazola Makama

A heavy windstorm following a downpour has caused partial damage to structures at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp in Paiko, Niger State, leaving two children injured.

Security sources told Zagazola that the incident occurred on April 25 at about 8:00 p.m. when strong winds brought down parts of the camp infrastructure during the rainfall.

The sources said police personnel were immediately mobilised to the scene to restore order and provide security, while some corps members were safely evacuated from affected areas.

According to the sources, no loss of life was recorded in the incident.

However, two girls identified as Fati Abdul, 12, and Adewumi Adesola, 11, sustained minor injuries during the incident. They were taken to a medical facility, treated and later discharged.

The sources added that normalcy has since been restored at the camp, while the area remains calm and under observation to ensure continued safety of occupants.

Windstorm Damages NYSC Camp in Niger, Two Children Injured

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights