Ukraine crisis: NIDO Poland applauds govt, NiDCOM for evacuation of Nigerians

Dr. Omotade Omotosho, President, Nigerians in Diaspora Organization, (NIDO) Poland has commended the Federal Government through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), and other strategic agencies for the evacuation of Nigerians from Ukraine following the outbreak of the Ukrainian-Russian war.

Dr. Omotosho gave the commendation when he led NIDO Poland delegates to Hon. (Dr.) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO in Abuja.

He said the visit to NIDCOM is to appeal for quick intervention on the plight of Nigerian students who returned from Ukraine particularly medical students to be absorbed into Nigerian Universities as well as on the issue of passports renewal.

The President of NIDO Poland also expressed his willingness to collaborate with the Commission to attend the Commemoration of the Anniversary of the Polish War by honoring the first Nigerian diasporan who fought in World War 2 on the side of Poland, Mr. Agboola Brown who moved to Poland in 1920.

The Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation, Poland, is also putting together a Trade and Investment Summit with special focus on Agric-business, tourism, fintech, among others.

In her address to the delegation, Hon (Dr) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who acknowledged the brotherly love and care extended by Nigerians in Poland to the evacuees from Ukraine, urged them to remain good ambassadors of their country, Nigeria.

Dr. Dabiri-Erewa informed them that the Federal Government has promised to intensify efforts to make sure that more Nigerians are evacuated from Poland and that those that have returned are properly managed and cared for.

The NiDCOM Boss further gave assurances that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and that of Education are collaborating to ensure that Ukrainian students are given the opportunity to continue with their studies back home in Nigeria.

In her words: “we are not saying pack your bags and come back home, but we have to be partners in progress”.

On the issuance and renewal of passports, the NiDCOM boss said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) are intervening for good success, informing them that there is an online portal for registration and renewal of passports by the NIS.

Dr. Dabiri-Erewa used the opportunity of the visit to urge Nigerians in Poland and Ukraine to register their information, through the Commission’s website, for proper Data Mapping and documentation.