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EU, IOM Facilitates 500 Stranded Nigerian Returns From Libya

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EU, IOM Facilitates 500 Stranded Nigerian Returns From Libya

EU, IOM Facilitates 500 Stranded Nigerian Returns From Libya

By: Michael Mike

The European Union (EU) and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) have in 2022 assisted more than 500 stranded Nigerian migrants in Libya to return back to the country.

Presently, 162 Nigerian migrants have returned safely from Libya on the fourth charter flight for this year organised by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). 

The evacuations were done with support from the European Union (EU) through its Joint Initiative for Migrant Protection and Reintegration.

A statement by IOM on Wednesday said the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted migrant workers like Yousef Al Hadji who migrated from Nigeria to Libya in 2016. When his work hours as a gas attendant decreased dramatically, Yousef began working as a cleaner at a garbage facility to continue sending money home to his family in Nigeria. Many other migrants were stranded in Libya due to COVID-19 and the challenging security situation in the country. Once voluntary humanitarian return flights from Libya resumed in October 2021 after months of suspension due to border closures and restrictions, Yousef immediately elected to return to his country of origin.

Al Hadji was quoted to have said when he visited an IOM facility for a medical assessment prior to his travel: “It has been six years since I first came to Libya, and I haven’t seen my big family.” While it was difficult to be away for so long, he now looked forward to reuniting with his family in Nigeria.

Wednesday’s humanitarian flight departed from the capital of Libya, Tripoli, at noon and landed safely at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at 6pm. Out of the 162 migrants, 110 are men and 52 were women including 14 individuals under the age of 18 and 11 infants.

According to IOM Nigeria Head of Sub-office in Lagos, Stephen Rogers: “These migrants have been waiting patiently for months to get a flight back home and allow them to reunite with their families and friends.”

He said: “IOM’s role is not over yet. We need to ensure their needs are accommodated under the best conditions and initiate their reintegration support back in the communities of origin.”

The statement said prior to departure, the returnees underwent health checks and got tested for COVID-19 and received hygiene kits containing face masks and other protective gear. IOM also provided them with pre-departure counselling services, protection screening and transportation assistance. IOM also offers targeted assistance to migrants with specific situations of vulnerability such as pregnant women, unaccompanied migrant children, victims of trafficking and migrants with medical conditions.

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Upon arrival, the returnees are given food, refreshments and a mobile device to assist them with contacting their families and to remain in touch with IOM as they receive reintegration support. Vulnerable cases are provided with non-food items such as clothes, shoes and other essential items. Returnees undergo a mandatory seven-day quarantine period for unvaccinated beneficiaries and undergo on the second day another PCR test for COVID-19. Returnees subsequently receive financial support for transportation to their communities of origin. IOM will provide mental health and psychosocial support and business skills training to help them to kickstart income-generating activities as part of their reintegration assistance.

Ambassador of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Samuela Isopi said: 

“The EU-IOM Joint Initiative has been instrumental in safely returning and reintegrating Nigerian nationals since April 2017 and we are happy to know that operations have resumed. We are welcoming the flight from Tripoli and we aim at successful reintegration for all returnees.”

Libya has long been an important transit and destination country for migrants arriving from different parts of Africa. IOM’s latest DTM report indicates that Nigerian migrants make up 6 per cent of migrants in Libya, the country’s fifth largest migrant population. According to IOM data, Libya followed by Niger and Mali are the primary transit countries for Nigerian migrants.

IOM works closely with the Federal Government of Nigeria and specifically with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and IDPs (NCFRMI), National Immigration Service (NIS), National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to facilitate the humane, orderly and dignified movement of returning migrants.

This is the 94th chartered flight from various locations since April 2017 when the Joint Initiative commenced. Between April 2017 and February 2022, 19,452 stranded Nigerians have been assisted to return voluntarily from 22 countries in Europe, the Middle East and other parts of the world with support from the European Union.

EU, IOM Facilitates 500 Stranded Nigerian Returns From Libya

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Senator Lawan visits UMAPO’s former chairman in Potiskum

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Senator Lawan visits UMAPO’s former chairman in Potiskum

By: Yahaya Wakili

The president of the 9th Senate, Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, PhD, GCON, Sardaunan Bade, Yobe North Senatorial District, has paid a solidarity visit to the residence of the former chairman of the United Marketers Association Potiskum (UMAPO) and staunch member of APC in Potiskum, Alhaji Nasiru Mato.

The main purpose of the visit of the former Senate President is to sympathize with Alhaji Nasiru Mato following the unfortunate fire accident that gutted his house.

Senator Lawan was deeply saddened to witness the extent of the damage caused by the fire, and thanks Almighty Allah that no lives were lost in the accident.

He assured Alhaji Nasiru Mato of his support as he works to rebuild and recover from his setback, adding that such moments remind us of the importance of compassion and sacrifice for one another in times of need.

“But most importantly, we should always remember that Almighty Allah will always test us in various ways, including the loss of our possessions. May we always pass these tests. Amin,” Senator Ahmad Lawan said.

He also prays, May Allah (SWT) grant him and his family the strength to overcome this trial and replace what was lost with something better. Amen.

The Sardaunan Bade was accompanied during the visit by Hon. Yau Usman Dachia, Deputy Speaker of the Yobe State House of Assembly, Gado Da Masun Bade, and Alhaji Mohammed Garba Gagiyo, among others.

Senator Lawan visits UMAPO’s former chairman in Potiskum

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NASPRI INTRODUCES ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND FACT CHECKING TO PARTICIPANTS OF STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION COURSE

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NASPRI INTRODUCES ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND FACT CHECKING TO PARTICIPANTS OF STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION COURSE

By: Our Reporter

The Acting Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information (NASPRI), Lt Col Adamu Ngulde has disclosed to the participants of Strategic Communication Course to prepare to further enhance their knowledge on Artificial Intelligence in Information Management and Fact Checking as part of the courses lined up for their training. He made this known on Friday 11 April 2025, during the inauguration ceremony of the second quarter courses 2025 at the Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja auditorium in Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment Giri Abuja.

The acting Commandant further stated that the School is collaborating with the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Abuja and Prof Ishaq Oyebisi Oyefolahan, Research Professor, Africa Centre of Excellence on Technology Enhanced Learning (ACETEL) to training them on current trends in the field of Strategic Communication.

He also said that in modern public relations, Strategic Communication is essential for aligning military messaging and narratives with national interest, managing public perception, and countering misinformation in both peace and conflict situations.

Similarly, he also reminded students of A1 Photojournalism Course the vital role photographs play in documenting military activities, telling authentic visual stories that shape public trust and boost morale while graphic design and printing ensures that communication materials are not only informative but also visually compelling and professionally delivered. Assuring them that NASPRI will provide a well package training for all students in line with their various courses.

Lt Col Ngulde expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede for his unwavering support to the Directorate of Army Public Relations and NASPRI which has been instrumental in sustaining the standard the school upheld today. He also extended appreciation to the Commander TRADOC NA, Maj Gen Kelvin Aligbe and the Chief of Training (Army) Maj Gen AS Ndalolo, for their continuous guidance and support throughout the training year.

Earlier, the Acting Chief Instructor of the school, Maj Tonye Wenke while reading out the course expectations stated that courses are prerequisite for career progression and service delivery and the students are therefore expected to meet up with the training objectives of the school as they will be tutored in many subjects which will equip them with the skills in handling the 5th Generation Warfare, which is information based. He admonished them to settle down quickly and ensure that they put themselves in the right frame of mind to effectively key into the training activities earmarked for the courses.

Maj Wenke also reminded the students on the need to acquaint themselves with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of NASPRI and exhibit the highest standard of discipline required of military personnel as all acts of indiscipline will not be tolerated.
A total of 76 students assembled for the second quarter 2025 courses comprising of 16 Senior Officers for the Strategic Communication Course, A1 photojournalism and X3 Graphics Design and Printing

NASPRI INTRODUCES ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND FACT CHECKING TO PARTICIPANTS OF STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION COURSE

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VP Shettima Graces Turbaning Of Yusuf Ali As Zulum, AGF Hail Legal Icon

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VP Shettima Graces Turbaning Of Yusuf Ali As Zulum, AGF Hail Legal Icon

By: Our Reporter

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday attended the turbaning ceremony of legal luminary, Prof. Yusuf Olaolu Ali (SAN), who was conferred with the title of the first Kuliya Ngeri of the Ilorin Emirate.

The ceremony which took place in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, at the Palace of the Emir of Ilorin, HRH, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, attracted a host of senior government officials, traditional leaders, and prominent figures from the legal community across Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, lauded the recognition bestowed on Prof Ali, describing it as a reflection of his outstanding contributions to the legal profession.

He said, “Prof. Yusuf Olaolu Ali’s contributions to the legal system in Nigeria need not be overemphasized. Today’s event is an indication that the people of Ilorin, especially the Emirate in particular, have confidence in what he is doing, and I believe he will justify the confidence reposed in him.”

Governor Zulum further urged the honouree to stay true to his principles and continue serving society through his legal work.

“I advise him to continue to do all the good work that he has been doing so posterity will judge him positively,” he said.

In his remarks, Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), lauded Prof. Ali’s contributions to legal development in Nigeria.

“Prof Yusuf Olaolu Ali is not a stranger when it comes to contributions to legal development,” the Justice Minister said, noting that more than ceremonial recognition, the turbaning symbolized the enduring value of justice and service to society.

He continued: “If you heard the reason given by the Emir for conferring in him the prestigious title of “Kuliya Ngeri” which ordinarily means someone who stands for justice, you will know that we cannot overemphasize it.

“The role he has been playing in the judiciary, especially contributions to the rule of law at so many levels, you cannot be counting one by one. So, to me, it is a recognition well deserved. I urge him to take it up as a challenge so that he will continue to mentor people coming behind.”

Prof Yusuf Ali, who was elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 1997, has had a career in law spanning over four decades.

As Principal Partner at Ghalib Chambers, he is recognised as one of the most respected legal personalities in Nigeria, known for his integrity, excellence, and unwavering commitment to justice.

He is also a Life Bencher and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.

VP Shettima Graces Turbaning Of Yusuf Ali As Zulum, AGF Hail Legal Icon

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