馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Minister seeks support for 258 Nigerian returnees from South Africa
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Dr. Bernard Doro, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, has appealed to Nigerians, corporate organizations, state governments, faith-based institutions, community leaders, and development partners to assist in the reintegration of 258 Nigerians who recently returned from South Africa. The minister emphasized that while the government has provided initial assistance, broader societal involvement is crucial for sustainable reintegration. He stated that the returnees, who arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos via a Federal Government-facilitated Air Peace flight, require collective support to rebuild their lives and livelihoods. Doro highlighted that democracy involves how society treats vulnerable citizens and those facing difficult circumstances, and many returnees need support to recover emotionally and economically. Reintegration efforts will include humanitarian assistance and economic empowerment programs. The minister commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to the welfare of Nigerians and acknowledged the roles of various agencies involved in the evacuation, urging Nigerians to embrace the returnees and support their reintegration as a collective responsibility for nation-building.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Dennis Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, stated that Democracy Day marks a significant milestone in Nigeria's democratic evolution, serving as a unifying reference for the country's political development. He noted that June 12 symbolizes electoral freedom and the pursuit of credible democratic governance, reflecting Nigeria's aspiration for fair elections and accountable leadership. Otuaro paid tribute to Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and others involved in the June 12 struggle, acknowledging their role in the return to democratic rule in 1999. He commended President Bola Tinubu for efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and expand civic participation, citing development outcomes in the Niger Delta as evidence of democracy's benefits under the current administration. Otuaro linked improvements in the PAP to increased government backing, which has strengthened scholarships, skills acquisition, and empowerment initiatives, with over 8,235 students currently benefiting from scholarship schemes. He also referenced federal projects and institutions like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the South-South Development Commission, the Federal University of Environment and Technology in Ogoniland, and the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, as indicators of government attention to the region's development needs. Otuaro urged citizens to support security agencies in addressing insecurity and called on youths and former agitators in the Niger Del
Must ReadA US deportation flight carrying nationals from Iran, Afghanistan, Turkey, and Georgia was en route to the Central African Republic CAR on Friday, according to lawyers. This practice of "third-country" deportations, including individuals with legal protections, has become a feature of US President Donald Trump's immigration policies. The US State Department advises against travel to the CAR due to violence. Lawyers expressed concern that deportees, including Iranian women with "withholding of removal" status, might ultimately be forced to return to the countries they fled. The flight departed from Alexandria, Louisiana, and made a scheduled stopover in Ghana, a known hub for such deportations. It was unclear if all passengers would continue to the CAR. The Trump administration argues it is only barred from sending individuals with "withholding of removal" to their country of origin, allowing them to be sent elsewhere. Critics state these individuals are abandoned in a country where they lack status, connections, and support. While the CAR's security has improved with UN, Rwandan, and Russian support, anti-government fighters and armed groups remain active. A lawsuit was recently filed with the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights to halt US deportations to Equatorial Guinea, another African hub, and prevent onward expulsion to home countries.
Must ReadThe Borno State Government has reintegrated 720 repentant insurgents into society after they completed a deradicalisation, rehabilitation, and reintegration program. This group, described as low-risk and minor clients, is part of Batch 9 of the state's initiative. The Special Adviser on Security to Governor Babagana Zulum, Brigadier General Ishaq Abdullahi retd., announced this on Friday at an event in Maiduguri. He stated that the exercise is a milestone in the state's non-kinetic approach to counter-insurgency in the North-East, which began on July 5, 2021. The program has seen large-scale participation from former fighters who voluntarily surrendered. With this latest batch, the total number of reintegrated individuals under the program has reached 9,680, including 992 spouses and over 2,000 other individuals. The reintegration process involves initial profiling and disarmament, followed by structured rehabilitation programs such as Islamic teachings, counselling, hygiene education, drug abuse awareness, and vocational training in skills like metalwork, carpentry, tailoring, and solar installation. The state government also provides starter packs to support their transition into civilian life. Community leaders, the Civilian Joint Task Force, and hunters screened the individuals before recommending them for reintegration. The beneficiaries are from various local government areas including Bama, Konduga, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Jere, Mafa, Dikwa, Gwoza, Damboa, Mart