The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has assured Nigerians that the Federal Government will always stand by its citizens in times of need, as he welcomed five Nigerians repatriated after spending 10 months in detention in Cote d’Ivoire under difficult circumstances.
Speaking during the reception of the returnees at the airport, the NOA Director-General described their ordeal as unfortunate, stressing that they had travelled in pursuit of a better life and not to commit any crime. He said their safe return demonstrated the government’s commitment to protecting Nigerians wherever they may be.
“I want to note that you were just unfortunate. You didn’t go there to commit any crime. You went there in the legitimate pursuit of a better life. But the good news is that your country didn’t abandon you. Your country has stood by you, and you should always remember that,” Issa-Onilu said.
The NOA Director General emphasised again: “Nigeria did not abandon you. This is one demonstration of that. Nigeria has been there for you, Nigeria has happened to you, this is how Nigeria responds to citizens of good character.”
He urged the returnees and Nigerian youths to remain patriotic and conduct themselves responsibly both at home and abroad.
“So, to our youth, wherever they are, be good ambassadors of this country, whether at home or abroad. Nigeria will always stand by you,” he added.
Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu Speaks
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, described the experience of the returnees as painful and unjust, noting that they had been detained without charge or trial. She explained that the Federal Government immediately activated diplomatic and consular processes after learning of their situation, leading to their eventual return to Nigeria.
The Minister also expressed sadness over the death of one of the detainees, Osama Murtala, who died shortly after his release. She said his death was a painful reminder of the harsh conditions he endured while in detention, including lack of adequate medical care and nutrition.
Offering condolences to his family, the Minister disclosed that officials of the Federal Government were present during his burial, which was conducted according to Islamic rites at the request of his family.
The five returnees received by the Federal Government are Ali Malami (26), Lukman Sani (27), Nazir Umar (23), Saadu Bello (23) and Samson Abubakar (34). According to the victims, they spent 10 months in detention before regaining their freedom.
The Director of Consular and Migration at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ibrahim Mohammed Yunusa, interpreted the proceedings into the Hausa language to ensure effective communication with the returnees.
Accompanying the NOA Director-General to the reception were the Director of Communication and Media, Mallam Bala Musa, and Director, Abuse, Rights and Narcotics, Madam Acharu Opaluwa.
The reception underscored the Federal Government’s commitment under the Renewed Hope Agenda to safeguarding the welfare of Nigerians, while reinforcing the message that responsible citizenship and patriotism remain essential values for all Nigerians.
