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Migration has been loosely described as movement from one point to
another. But such movement whether regular or irregular in tune with
modern day parlance, must be focussed and purposeful.
Recent global event has however redefined the concept of migration in
terms of the diasporic nature of the coronavirus disease. As at the
last count, the disease is now in 77 countries including Nigeria.
One might want to disagree since coronavirus itself is not a person and
irregular migration according to IOM is a movement of ‘persons’ that
take place outside the laws, regulations or international agreements
governing the entry into or exit from state of origin, transit or
destination.
However, you will all agree with me that right from the outbreak of the
coronavirus in Wuhan, China, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission
alongside major stakeholders had contributed a lot in curbing this
endemic especially as it affects Nigerians trapped in the affected
countries.
The chairman CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike
Dabiri-Erewa in a statement on Jan 29, 2020 advised Nigerians in Wuhan
to be wary of the virus and adhere to all medical advices and also
assured them of the commitment of the Nigerian Mission in Beijing and
the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the welfare of Nigerians in
Wuhan.
When the spread of this virus got intense, several countries began
evacuation of its citizens from Wuhan, this sparked various reactions
from the public via different social media platforms.
One of several others which got the attention of NiDCOM was an alleged
statement from NIDO (East China) which claimed to have written a letter
to NiDCOM which was said to contain a request of evacuation of Nigerians
from Wuhan.
NiDCOM in another statement issued on Feb 3, 2020 cleared the air by
revealing that it did not receive such correspondence from
NIDO East China but saw it on different social media outlets.
The statement stated that NiDCOM has been in constant touch with
Nigerian Students Association in Wuhan
(NSAW) whose President is Okoye Chiamaka and Vandi Kamaunji (Secretary
General), several Nigerians resident in China as well as Nigeria Mission
in
Beijing and also stated that it will continue to coordinate with the
Ministry as it awaits further instructions as directed by the Hon.
Minister of Foreign Affairs on this particular situation.
While Nigeria did not evacuate its citizens from Wuhan, (probably to
avoid migration of the virus) the government however made constant
interventions coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with other
Governmental Agencies to ensure that Nigerians in Wuhan are protected
from the dreaded coronavirus disease.
These interventions made tremendous impact on the Wuhan diasporans who
wrote down their appreciation in a statement on Feb.27, 2020.
The statement which was signed by the acting President of NIDO China,
Barr. Justina Obaoye Ajala sent to Hon. Abike Dabiri-erewa expressed
appreciation to the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for
immense support and encouragement and generous financial support.
He also appreciated the leadership of NiDCOM, Ministry of Foreign
Affairs and Embassy of Federal Republic of Nigeria in China for the role
they played in facilitating the financial support which was very timely.
While Nigerians in Wuhan, mostly Students, are safe from this virus,
this dreaded virus miraculous landed in Nigeria despite all preventive
measures through an Italian who came to Nigeria on a business visit.
But credit must be given to the Federal government for rising up to the
challenges and curtail the ‘migration’ of this virus in the country.
The government did not relent in ensuring that all borders are manned by
the health personnels with provision of necessary medical kits as well
as preventive awareness campaigns to restrict the migration of the virus
into the country.
The efforts to a large extent has yielded positive outcomes as only one
Nigerian thus far has tested positive to the corona virus.
This is one ‘migrant’we all must come together to curtail its movement,
growth and spread. We must all collaborate with government agencies
saddled with the responsibility of preventing its spread, educating the
general public on our personal hygiene and other necessary things we
must all do to ensure that an unwanted migrant was not allowed to settle
down in the country.
Khadijah Shehu Bamalli contribute this piece from Nigerians in the
Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) Media and Public Relations Unit, Abuja
