Another 180 Nigerians return from Libya on Tuesday, says presidency

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Abike Dabiri-Erewa

• FG Expects More Migrants Worldwide 

The Presidency yesterday said another 180 Nigerians are expected back home from Libya on Tuesday.This is as it again condemned the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa and pledged commitment to a sustained advocacy to end the unwarranted attacks on Nigerians anywhere in the world.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, ‎gave the indication while receiving the Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Commission, Sadiya Farouk, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The Presidential aide explained that it is the third batch of Nigerians that would be returning from Libya. Specifically, 171 returned on February 21, while 161 returned on February 14.

Mrs. Dabiri-Erewa said the Federal Government was expecting more migrants back in the country with the current happenings around the world and indicated plans by her office to collaborate with the commission to sensitise Nigerians on the need to avoid some countries. 

“Your visit is timely, because we expect more migrants back home. In fact, 180 Nigerians are expected back from Libya on Tuesday. “With what is going on around the world, it is going to be worse. “We will work with your commission to continue to sensitise Nigerians on the need for them to know that some places are not just worth it,” she said.

Earlier, Farouk had commended Mrs. Dabiri-Erewa for her efforts towards ensuring that Nigerians in the Diaspora are treated with dignity. 
She promised to partner with presidential aide with a bid to create awareness among Nigerians on the dangers of irregular migration. Farouk said: “These programmes will better inform Nigerians on their options, so they can make informed decision and develop realistic expectations when traveling outside the country. 

“It is important to note that the issue of sensitisation is an offshoot of the National Migration Dialogue, which highlighted the need to establish a migration desk in all states and local governments to provide sensitisation from the grassroots level to curb the root causes of irregular migration.”

To further cater for returnees, she said the commission has also developed a standard operating procedure for the conduct of return, readmission and reintegration of Nigerians, adding: “What is currently obtainable is an adhoc approach which is not sustainable.

“The SOP, when operationalised, will ensure that the returning Nigerian migrants are adequately reintegrated into the society.”The SOP has been validated by the relevant stakeholders, but yet to be institutionalised. We, therefore, seek your partnership to ensure the operationalisation,” she added.

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2loR233

Another 180 Nigerians return from Libya on Tuesday, says presidency (Read full details)

http://ift.tt/2mofS2x

Abike Dabiri-Erewa

• FG Expects More Migrants Worldwide 

The Presidency yesterday said another 180 Nigerians are expected back home from Libya on Tuesday.This is as it again condemned the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa and pledged commitment to a sustained advocacy to end the unwarranted attacks on Nigerians anywhere in the world.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, ‎gave the indication while receiving the Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Commission, Sadiya Farouk, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The Presidential aide explained that it is the third batch of Nigerians that would be returning from Libya. Specifically, 171 returned on February 21, while 161 returned on February 14.

Mrs. Dabiri-Erewa said the Federal Government was expecting more migrants back in the country with the current happenings around the world and indicated plans by her office to collaborate with the commission to sensitise Nigerians on the need to avoid some countries. 

“Your visit is timely, because we expect more migrants back home. In fact, 180 Nigerians are expected back from Libya on Tuesday. “With what is going on around the world, it is going to be worse. “We will work with your commission to continue to sensitise Nigerians on the need for them to know that some places are not just worth it,” she said.

Earlier, Farouk had commended Mrs. Dabiri-Erewa for her efforts towards ensuring that Nigerians in the Diaspora are treated with dignity. 
She promised to partner with presidential aide with a bid to create awareness among Nigerians on the dangers of irregular migration. Farouk said: “These programmes will better inform Nigerians on their options, so they can make informed decision and develop realistic expectations when traveling outside the country. 

“It is important to note that the issue of sensitisation is an offshoot of the National Migration Dialogue, which highlighted the need to establish a migration desk in all states and local governments to provide sensitisation from the grassroots level to curb the root causes of irregular migration.”

To further cater for returnees, she said the commission has also developed a standard operating procedure for the conduct of return, readmission and reintegration of Nigerians, adding: “What is currently obtainable is an adhoc approach which is not sustainable.

“The SOP, when operationalised, will ensure that the returning Nigerian migrants are adequately reintegrated into the society.”The SOP has been validated by the relevant stakeholders, but yet to be institutionalised. We, therefore, seek your partnership to ensure the operationalisation,” she added.

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WFP to support IDPs fight hunger, poverty in North East (Read full details)

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IDPs

The Executive Director of United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), Ms. Ertharin Cousin, has said that one million returning Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from the Northeast are to be assisted with improved seeds and agricultural inputs in the process of rebuilding destroyed communities during this year’s cropping season.

The beneficiaries are drawn from Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.Cousin disclosed this yesterday in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, when a delegation of the WFP paid an official visit to Governor Ibrahim Gaidam at the Government House.

She said this year’s Agricultural Input Support (AGRIS) was to improve productivity of farmers to fight hunger and poverty in the zone.“Out of the three most affected states, Yobe alone has 350,000 people that will benefit from the WFP arrangement to reduce the levels of poverty and unemployment in the state.

“This agricultural programme was aimed at checking hunger and poverty among the people who suffered insurgency for over five years.”

She appreciated the role played by the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) for actualising the assistance for the less privileged in society and assured that the WFP would work hard towards returning peace, growth and even development of the affected region.

Gaidam, who was represented by his Deputy, Abubakar Aliyu, said over 600, 000 IDPs and other less privilege have benefited from WFP cash transfer and food assistance.

He also thanked WFP for establishing a centre for capacity development on humanitarian studies at the state university, adding that it would enhance the capacity of operators of humanitarian activities in the insurgency affected states.

WFP to support IDPs fight hunger, poverty in North East

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Filming begins on first Marvel superhero flick with black lead actor (Read full details)

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Marvel Studios announced on Thursday that filming had begun on its latest superhero epic which for the first time will feature a black actor, Chadwick Boseman, in the titular role.

Marvel Studios announced on Thursday that filming had begun on its latest superhero epic which for the first time will feature a black actor, Chadwick Boseman, in the titular role.

The news comes just after a record number of black actors were nominated for this year’s Oscars and as Hollywood pushes for more diversity.

Boseman will play the lead role in the hotly anticipated “Black Panther” alongside a star-studded cast including Michael B. Jordan, Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o, Angela Bassett and Forest Whitaker.

The film follows the events after 2016’s “Captain America: Civil War,” in which Boseman appeared as Marvel’s first African superhero, but not in the lead role.

The movie was the year’s biggest box office hit, amassing $1.15 billion worldwide.

In “Black Panther,” T’Challa (Boseman) returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda to take his place as its king, Marvel said in a statement.

“However, when an old enemy reappears on the radar, T’Challa’s mettle as King and Black Panther is tested when he is drawn into a conflict that puts the entire fate of Wakanda and the world at risk,” it added.

“Black Panther,” which is being filmed in Atlanta and South Korea, is scheduled for release in February of next year.

Filming begins on first Marvel superhero flick with black lead actor

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Rainstorm kills four, destroys over 80 houses in Rivers

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The scene of the fallen electric pole at GRA, Phase 11

Four persons were feared dead and over 80 houses destroyed in Obio/Akpor and some parts of Port Harcourt Local Council of Rivers State following a heavy rainstorm on Monday evening.

It was gathered that the downpour, which began around 4:30p.m. on Monday and lasted about four hours in places like Rumuodumanya, Rumuaholi, Rumosi, Rumokoro, and Mile Three was not witnessed in other parts of the city like Borokiri, Port Harcourt township, Amadi-ama and Abloma.

The Guardian gathered that the first victim was a little girl selling fruits with her mother under an umbrella at Nkpolu junction, close to the Mile Three Market. It was learnt that the little girl and her mother took cover under the umbrella when the rain began, but unfortunately, a thunderstorm struck and pulled down an electric pole which fell on top of the umbrella and hit the little girl on her head, leading to her instant death.

The rain, which also destroyed buildings, fences and electric poles, reportedly killed another 15-year-old girl and her brother, while their mother escaped unhurt in the Mile Three axis.

Eyewitnesses said a telecoms mast fell from a fenced compound in the University of Continuing Education into a Community Secondary School, located at Mile Three, Diobu in Port Harcourt, killing the duo.

Narrating the ordeal, the mother of the victims, a 45-year-old Mrs. Eucheria Charles, said the mast fell on a pole which ultimately fell on her 15-year-old daughter and the boy, killing them instantly.

Another victim, a man identified as Mr. Coach, was said to have died on his way to the hospital. According to an eyewitness, Mrs. Jesica Odu, “we were on the road before the mast fell. The thing affected a signpost, which both hit the girl. The girl was returning from an errand the mother sent her. The signboard also hit one man known as Coach on his head.”

This is the second rainfall in 2017, though other parts of the city are yet to experience any. The first rain was witnessed last week and it also wreaked havoc on property, but no life was lost.

When The Guardian visited some of the affected areas, some residents, whose houses were submerged, were seen moving their valuables from the flood. They expressed surprise at the destruction that trailed the downpour.

Efforts to speak with the officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) were futile as their phones were not reachable. Meanwhile, the Port Harcourt Distribution Electricity Company (PHED) has confirmed that the rainstorm destroyed most of its electric poles, regretting that the incident has led to power outage in some parts of the city.

Spokesman of PHED, John Onyi, said: “Yes, we are aware about the rainstorm, it destroyed most of our property, including electric poles and that has resulted in power outage in some areas, but we are making efforts to fix them back.”
 
Also speaking on the incident, the Managing Director of the Rivers State Signage and Advertising Agency, Chukwudi Dimkpa, admitted that the poles fell because it had a weak base instead of a more fortified one.
 
Dimkpa, who spoke when he visited the scene of the disaster, noted that many signage poles in Port Harcourt were not properly maintained, and pledged to intensify efforts to address it.

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Rainstorm kills four, destroys over 80 houses in Rivers (Read full details)

http://ift.tt/2jXPs6a

The scene of the fallen electric pole at GRA, Phase 11

Four persons were feared dead and over 80 houses destroyed in Obio/Akpor and some parts of Port Harcourt Local Council of Rivers State following a heavy rainstorm on Monday evening.

It was gathered that the downpour, which began around 4:30p.m. on Monday and lasted about four hours in places like Rumuodumanya, Rumuaholi, Rumosi, Rumokoro, and Mile Three was not witnessed in other parts of the city like Borokiri, Port Harcourt township, Amadi-ama and Abloma.

The Guardian gathered that the first victim was a little girl selling fruits with her mother under an umbrella at Nkpolu junction, close to the Mile Three Market. It was learnt that the little girl and her mother took cover under the umbrella when the rain began, but unfortunately, a thunderstorm struck and pulled down an electric pole which fell on top of the umbrella and hit the little girl on her head, leading to her instant death.

The rain, which also destroyed buildings, fences and electric poles, reportedly killed another 15-year-old girl and her brother, while their mother escaped unhurt in the Mile Three axis.

Eyewitnesses said a telecoms mast fell from a fenced compound in the University of Continuing Education into a Community Secondary School, located at Mile Three, Diobu in Port Harcourt, killing the duo.

Narrating the ordeal, the mother of the victims, a 45-year-old Mrs. Eucheria Charles, said the mast fell on a pole which ultimately fell on her 15-year-old daughter and the boy, killing them instantly.

Another victim, a man identified as Mr. Coach, was said to have died on his way to the hospital. According to an eyewitness, Mrs. Jesica Odu, “we were on the road before the mast fell. The thing affected a signpost, which both hit the girl. The girl was returning from an errand the mother sent her. The signboard also hit one man known as Coach on his head.”

This is the second rainfall in 2017, though other parts of the city are yet to experience any. The first rain was witnessed last week and it also wreaked havoc on property, but no life was lost.

When The Guardian visited some of the affected areas, some residents, whose houses were submerged, were seen moving their valuables from the flood. They expressed surprise at the destruction that trailed the downpour.

Efforts to speak with the officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) were futile as their phones were not reachable. Meanwhile, the Port Harcourt Distribution Electricity Company (PHED) has confirmed that the rainstorm destroyed most of its electric poles, regretting that the incident has led to power outage in some parts of the city.

Spokesman of PHED, John Onyi, said: “Yes, we are aware about the rainstorm, it destroyed most of our property, including electric poles and that has resulted in power outage in some areas, but we are making efforts to fix them back.”
 
Also speaking on the incident, the Managing Director of the Rivers State Signage and Advertising Agency, Chukwudi Dimkpa, admitted that the poles fell because it had a weak base instead of a more fortified one.
 
Dimkpa, who spoke when he visited the scene of the disaster, noted that many signage poles in Port Harcourt were not properly maintained, and pledged to intensify efforts to address it.

Rainstorm kills four, destroys over 80 houses in Rivers

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