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FG, IOM Synergise To Empower 450 Migrant Returnees From North
The Federal Government and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), have partnered to provide socio-economic relief for 450 vulnerable migrant returnees impacted by Covid-19 in the Northern States.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, while launching the scheme yesterday, in Abuja explained that the project tackle emerging issues and challenges confronting the protection and livelihood of returnees and potential migrants in Nigeria.
Farouq added that the project will further address the plights of the elderly, the chronically ill, people living with disabilities, women and child-headed households, unemployed youths and refugees.
“In line with our mandate to develop humanitarian policies and provide effective coordination of national and international humanitarian interventions, the ministry embarked on resource mobilisation to adequately address the growing humanitarian needs.
“It is gratifying to note that the government of Switzerland graciously responded to support in providing immediate Socio-Economic Relief to vulnerable migrants impacted by Covid-19 in Northern Nigeria.
“The project is designed to complement actions funded under the UN Covid-19 Basket Fund by focusing on returned and potential migrants residing in northern Nigeria with beneficiaries drawn from Yobe, Kano, Katsina, Zamfara and Jigawa.
“This context specific project exemplifies our focus on the ’Leave No One Behind’ principle of the SDG’s in carrying out humanitarian interventions.
“It is equally geared towards strengthening sustainable reintegration of returnees while discouraging irregular migration.
“I wish to assure you that working with the implementing organisation, IOM, the project will be effectively and efficiently implemented,” she said.
The minister thanked the Government of Switzerland for supporting the initiative and other activities that enhance the livelihood of the persons of concern in Nigeria, and the IOM, for entrenching better migration management in Nigeria.
She said, “This indeed is an indication of your continued commitment towards our migration partnership. The Government of Nigeria further notes the significance of your on-going partnership with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons.”
Earlier, the Switzerland Ambassador to Nigeria, Georg Steiner, said that Switzerland has committed some of its funding to support Nigerian government agencies in the fight against the pandemic and its consequences.
Steiner, represented by the Programme Officer, Migration, Ojoma Ali, said that the pandemic “is the biggest crisis facing humanity, hence the international solidarity and cooperation to tackle the challenges.
“The health and economic consequences of the pandemic add to the difficult situation people face in areas affected by insecurity, political instability and economic hardship.
“These factors impact the management of migration movements and put further strain on government capabilities to provide for the vulnerable.
“Switzerland stands by Nigeria in these difficult times and swiftly mobilized financial resources to support the UN Covid-19 Basket Fund in Nigeria in June 2020.
“In the past 10 years, we have successfully implemented more than 50 projects in various areas.
“This particular project is another proof of the well-functioning migration partnership and the importance Switzerland attaches to Nigeria,” he said.
Meanwhile, IOM Chief of Mission, Frantz Celestin, said the project would be monitored thoroughly to ensure that the returnees fit in to the society.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
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