THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
President Muhammadu Buhari has said that the Federal Government will protect Nigerians in every part of the world.
He gave the assurance on Thursday while speaking to a gathering of Russia-based Nigerian students and professionals in Sochi, where he participated at the Russia-Africa Summit.
“The life of every Nigerian, in every part of the world matters, our government will protect Nigerians at home, and abroad”.
President Buhari said the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, headed by Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, was established to ensure a forward and backward link for all Nigerians living outside the country by catering for their safety and needs, and providing a platform for many who would like to contribute to the development of the country with their skills, knowledge and resources.
“Don’t forget your home,’’ the President said, advising all Nigerians living in foreign countries to be law-abiding and work very hard to excel in their studies and chosen careers.
The President assured that his administration will always be people-focused, pointing out that all the programmes of the administration had been tailored to buoy the economy and protect the poor and vulnerable.
“We must create jobs to meet the growing demands in the country, and we are looking at agriculture already,’’ he added.
President Buhari noted that the government also introduced Social Investment Programmes to directly impact the lives of poor people.
Speaking at the event, the Nigerian Ambassador to Russia, Prof Steve Davies Ugbah, said the President had restored the pride of all Nigerians by consistently meeting with citizens in countries he visited.
In his remarks, the President of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) in Russia, Chukwujeku Ejike Sam-Fester, said President Buhari demonstrated a high sense of maturity and patriotism by visiting South Africa on 3 October 2019, to discuss issues relating to attacks on foreigners, including Nigerians, in the country.
“We are proud of you for taking that step to reconcile not only Nigeria and South Africa, but the entire continent,’’ he said.
Sam-Fester urged the government to encourage more participation of Nigerian professionals based in foreign countries in governance.
In her remarks, a Nigeria female student in Russia, Kadija Mohammed Babanzara, commended the President for consistency in the payment of bursaries to students.
“Since you came into power, our bursaries are paid in full and timely. We are grateful,’’ she said.
President Buhari has since returned home after attending the Russia-Africa Summit at which more than 40 African leaders participated.
Kola Tella with NAN
