The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has received another set of stranded Nigerians from Niamey, Niger Republic.
NEMA Kano territorial Coordinator, Dr. Nuraddeen Abdullahi, made the disclosure, while receiving the returnees at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport .
He explained that, the returnees comprised 56 male adults, 39 female adults and 51 children ( 35 females and 16 males), from different parts of Nigeria particularly, Katsina, Kano, Adamawa, Lagos, Imo, Enugu and Edo State among others
Dr. Nurudeen highlighted that, the returnees were brought back through a voluntary repatriation program, under the care of International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
The Coordinator noted that, the program was meant for distressed Nigerians, who had left the country in search of greener pastures in various European countries, but could not afford to return, when their journey became frustrating.
“The returnees would undergo training for three-days on how to achieve self sustainability and would be provided with seed capital to enable them self reliant”, the Coordinator explained.
He advised the public especially youths, to avoid endangering their lives, by travelling to seek for greener pastures in other countries.
Recounting their ordeals, Mr Emeka Njoku, from Imo State, said he travelled to Tunisia four months ago to seek for greener pasture.
“I am a graduate for the past eight years. I have been looking for job and I don’t have capital to start a business and I have family to cater for. On reaching Tunisia I really suffered, I will never advise anyone to think of travelling out of the country to seek for greener pasture”, he narrated.
He called on the government to provide job opportunities, and empowerment package for Nigerians.
The returnees expressed gratitude to IOM and Federal Government for their safe return.
Radio Nigeria reports that, representatives of SEMA, NEMA, Nigeria Red Cross, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and IDPs, Police and NSCDC were on ground to receive the returnees.
KHADIJAH ALIYU
