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FG Assures Nigerians Living in Ghana of Addressing Their Challenges
FG Assures Nigerians Living in Ghana of Addressing Their Challenges
By: Michael Mike
The Nigerian government has given assurances to Nigerians living in Ghana of renewed engagement, dedication and commitment to addressing a plethora of challenges confronting them.
The assurances were given by the Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa at a Townhall Meeting with Nigerians in Ghana on the sidelines of the African Diaspora Forum (DAF) Award 2024 in Accra, Ghana.
The NIDCOM boss while clarifying one of the many questions bordering on the recent relocation of the Commission to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; explained that the Commission is already part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and its operations have been seamless.
She also suggested that the integration into the Ministry could strengthen the Commission and enhance engagement because it will now be an agency.
Other questions asked by participants included the very high residence permit fees charged in Ghana, influx of trafficked under-aged girls and boys, the status of Nigerian traders in Ghana, the need to have a comprehensive list of accredited universities to prevent Nigerian students from being victims of unapproved universities and many others.
They also commended the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo for his innovations in passport application processes.
Dabiri-Erewa also provided insights into NiDCOM’s programmes such as the forthcoming launch of the Diaspora Housing Mortgage Scheme scheduled for April.
She emphasised that the Federal Government, through the Federal Mortgage Bank, will offer a N50 million naira mortgage to support home ownership in Nigeria for citizens residing abroad.
She explained that: “This initiative aims to empower Nigerians abroad to own homes in Nigeria, excluding Lagos and Abuja, at favourable rates.”
Dabiri-Erewa highlighted other NiDCOM initiatives such as the Diaspora Investment Summit, Diaspora Quarterly Lecture, National Diaspora Day, and National Diaspora Merit Award, as a platform to address the challenges encountered by Nigerians residing in Ghana.
In his remarks, Ambassador Usman Aliyu Bakori, Head of Mission expressed appreciation to the Chairman for prioritising Diaspora issues and for promptly addressing their concerns whenever called upon.
He also welcomed the housing scheme proposal, stating, “We value your insights. Nigerian citizens in Ghana abide by the law. While we face occasional challenges, we strive to manage them. We appeal to the Federal Government for financial support, especially considering the fluctuating exchange rates affecting our operations in Ghana.”
He emphasised the importance of devising strategies to facilitate traders’ ownership of shops and properties without encountering harassment.
The meeting witnessed presentations from various groups in Ghana, including the Igbo, Yoruba and Arewa groups, Students Union, Trader Union, Professionals, and other associations.
FG Assures Nigerians Living in Ghana of Addressing Their Challenges
Bandits kill hunters’ leader in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected bandits have killed the leader of hunters in Tine Nune community, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue.
Zagazola learnt that the incident, which occurred on Tuesday evening, happened while the victim, identified as Hilenen Terzungwe, was on patrol with five others along Biriji village.
Terzungwe sustained severe machete cuts during the attack and was rushed to a medical facility in Tine Nune, where he later died while receiving treatment.
His remains have since been deposited at the General Hospital, Zaki-Biam.
Security has been strengthened in the area to forestall further attacks, while investigations into the incident are ongoing.
End
Security forces move to avert reprisal after killing of herdsman in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Security forces have intensified patrols and peace-building efforts in Anyiatse village, Jato-Aka, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue, following the killing of a Fulani herdsman by suspected youths of the community.
Zagazola learnt that the incident, which occurred on Tuesday night, has heightened fears of a reprisal attack by Fulani groups in the area.
Sources said the herdsman was attacked and killed in the bush, sparking tension among residents and neighbouring communities.
In response, security personnel were deployed to the area to forestall further violence, while traditional rulers and stakeholders have been engaged in dialogue to restore calm.
The measures, according to local authorities, are aimed at preventing a breakdown of law and order as investigations into the killing continue
End.
Gunmen kill five, burn houses in Mangu LGA, Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Gunmen suspected to be Fulani militias have killed five persons and burnt 10 houses in Tim village, Chakfem District of Mangu Local Government Area, Plateau.
Zagazola Makama report that the attack, which occurred on Tuesday at about 4 p.m., saw the assailants storm the community, shooting sporadically before setting thatched houses ablaze.
Local sources said the victims’ corpses had been evacuated for burial, while the injured were receiving treatment in nearby health facilities.
Community members disclosed that the assault might have been carried out in retaliation for cattle allegedly rustled in the area.
Troops of the Special Task Force (STF) were deployed to the scene and engaged the attackers in a firefight, forcing them to flee, with some believed to have sustained bullet wounds.
Residents said calm had returned to the area on Wednesday, though the village remains tense as investigations continue and efforts are being made to apprehend those behind the attack.
End
Bandits kill hunters’ leader in Benue
Security forces move to avert reprisal after killing of herdsman in Benue
Gunmen kill five, burn houses in Mangu LGA, Plateau
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