The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Lanre Issa-Onilu, has assured Nigerians that the Federal Government will continue to protect and support its citizens wherever they are, as he welcomed five Nigerians repatriated after spending 10 months in detention in Côte d’Ivoire.
Speaking during the reception of the returnees at the airport, Issa-Onilu described their ordeal as unfortunate, stressing that they had travelled abroad in search of better opportunities and not to commit any crime.
He said their successful return demonstrated the government’s commitment to standing by Nigerians in times of distress.
“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,” he said.
The NOA Director-General urged the returnees and Nigerian youths to remain patriotic and serve as worthy ambassadors of the country wherever they find themselves.
Also speaking, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, described the detention of the Nigerians as painful and unjust, revealing that they were held without charge or trial.
She explained that the Federal Government promptly activated diplomatic and consular channels after learning of their situation, leading to their eventual release and return to Nigeria.
The Minister expressed sadness over the death of one of the detainees, Osama Murtala, who died shortly after regaining his freedom.
According to her, his death highlighted the harsh conditions the detainees endured, including inadequate medical care and poor nutrition. She added that Federal Government officials attended his burial, which was conducted in accordance with Islamic rites at the request of his family.
The five Nigerians received by the Federal Government are Ali Malami (26), Lukman Sani (27), Nazir Umar (23), Saadu Bello (23), and Samson Abubakar (34), who said they spent 10 months in detention before regaining their freedom.
The Director of Consular and Migration at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ibrahim Mohammed Yunusa, interpreted the proceedings into the Hausa language to ensure effective communication with the returnees.
Also present at the reception were the NOA Director of Communication and Media, Bala Musa, and the Director of Abuse, Rights and Narcotics, Acharu Opaluwa.
The reception reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment under the Renewed Hope Agenda to protecting the welfare of Nigerians abroad while encouraging citizens to uphold patriotism and responsible conduct.