News
FG Facilitates Returns Of 144 Nigerian Migrants From Libya
Joe Ajayi
The Federal Government of Nigeria, through a coordinated, multi-agency effort, has successfully received 144 Nigerian migrants who were stranded in Libya.
This humanitarian return was facilitated by the *Nigerian Mission in Tripoli in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) as part of an ongoing series of voluntary return flights aimed at ensuring the safe repatriation and reintegration of Nigerian citizens.
In a statement issued on Teusday by the Southwest Zonal Coordinator National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) Alexander Oturu revealed that, returnees arrived at the Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, where they were received by officials from the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) and other government agencies.
Speaking on behalf of the Honourable Federal Commissioner of the NCFRMI, Honourable Aliyu Tijjani Ahmed, the *Southwest Zonal Coordinator, Mr. Alexander Oturu, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerian citizens. He emphasized that, in line with Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the returnees would be provided with access to government-led empowerment initiatives and reintegration support through the IOM’s Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) Programme.
The 144 returnees comprised 8 males, 100 females, 26 children, and 10 infants, all of whom were conveyed on an IOM-chartered flight from Libya.
Following their arrival, the returnees were transported to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) camp*, where the NCFRMI, IOM, and LASEMA operate under a tripartite agreement* to provide *temporary shelter*. In addition, the returnees will receive *onward transportation allowances* to facilitate their safe return to their respective communities.
In attendance was the Director General of the Edo State Migration Agency, Honourable Lucky Agazuma, who led a delegation to facilitate the free transportation* of Edo State indigenes to Benin City, the Edo State capital.
The reception exercise involved the profiling of returnees by the NCFRMI and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS). Further assistance was provided by officials from the Port Health Services, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Federal Ministry of Labour (Migrant Resource Centre), Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Child Protection Network, and *Web of Hearts Foundation, ensuring a *comprehensive and coordinated approach to the reception and reintegration process.
This return flight is part of an ongoing programme by the Federal Government in collaboration with IOM to facilitate the safe return and reintegration of Nigerians stranded abroad, reflecting the government’s unwavering commitment to the protection and welfare of its citizens globally.
News
Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran
Joel Ajayi
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.
In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.
According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.
“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.
The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.
The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.
“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.
Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.
The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.
“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.
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