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Throughout history, there have been a number of
pandemics of diseases which COVID-19 happens to be the latest. The 2019,
coronavirus disease, was declared a pandemic on 11 March 2020 by
the World Health Organization (WHO).
As at the last count, the virus has hit 209 countries across the globe
of which Nigeria is among, with total number of over 1,133,758 confirmed
cases and 62,784 deaths.
The major strategies put in place to curtail the spread of this dreaded
disease are containment and mitigation, which has led to a standstill in
the affairs of the world as the disease is seen to affect almost every
aspect of human activities including a threat to the global economy.
However, what this virus doesn’t seem to affect is the bond and strong
relationship between Nigeria and its Diaspora.
Right from the outbreak of this virus till date, a close contact has
been maintained between Nigeria and its Diaspora. Despite the
enforcement of social distancing, what they seem to practice is more of
physical distancing while keeping in touch through daily affairs.
The Federal government through the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has
maintained constant communication with the Nigerians in diaspora
globally.
An instance is the immediate intervention rendered to Nigerians in
Wuhan, where the virus first broke out, which was coordinated by the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other Governmental Agencies to ensure
that Nigerians in Wuhan are protected from the dreaded coronavirus
outbreak.
Similarly, a group of Nigerian Diaspora from UK (APC United Kingdom)
donated boxes of COVID-19 protection kits to the Chairman, Nigerians in
Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa in solidarity with
their homeland.
The donation was one of the Diaspora contributions to help Nigeria curb
the virus outbreak.
Recently in a statement, the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM Hon. Abike
Dabiri-Erewa commended the efforts of the Nigerian Diaspora for
Organising a COVID-19 Diaspora Support Initiative, which is supported by
various Nigerians in Diaspora Organisations across the world, to
collectively support Nigeria in the fight against the pandemic.
However, despite the anxieties and fears caused by this pandemic, the
Chairman of NiDCOM has appealed to Nigerians, wherever they are in the
globe, to adhere to the health advice in their various countries of
residence and urged them to practice social distancing while supporting
each other as the world works hard to end this pandemic.
As if that is not enough and in line with citizen diplomacy of President
Muhammadu Buhari administration, the Federal Government through the
Nigerians in Diaspora Commission in a statement by Hon. Abike
Dabiri-Erewa, stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs directive to
all its missions abroad to compile lists of nationals who wants to come
back home.
Arrangements have since commenced as the online form has been circulated
to the public for interested persons.
The statement also made it clear that all returnees must observe
compulsory 14 days quarantine on arrival into the country before
socialising with the general public.
While the whole world is struggling through this tragedy together,
Nigeria still remain concerned about the welfare of Nigerians wherever
they are.
Sadly enough, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission is taking cognisance of
the deceased Nigerians abroad who lost their lives to the Covid-19
pandemic with condolence messages to the bereaved families and missions
abroad.
It must however be pointed out here that coronavirus is not a death
sentence, the world is known to endure pandemics and it will also endure
this one. However, we must not panic but ensure to play our parts by
taking necessary precautions, obeying medical advices, staying home and
practicing social distancing and taking responsibility. We shall surely
overcome this pandemic soon.
The write up was beautiful.. one thing I’m sure of is that NiDCOM is blessed to have dedicated and hard working Staffs like Mrs Khadija Shehu.
And please keep up the good work.