NOA urges youths to uphold Nigeria’s image as FG receives repatriated citizens

The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Lanre Issa-Onilu, has urged Nigerian youths to be good ambassadors of the country wherever they find themselves as the Federal Government received five Nigerians repatriated from Côte d’Ivoire after spending 10 months in detention.

Issa-Onilu joined officials of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs to welcome the returnees at the airport, assuring them that the Federal Government would continue to stand by law-abiding Nigerians in times of need. He described their experience as unfortunate, noting that they travelled abroad in search of better opportunities and not to commit crimes.

Addressing the returnees, the NOA director-general said their safe return demonstrated the government’s commitment to protecting Nigerians wherever they are. He told them they should remember that the country did not abandon them despite their ordeal and would continue to support citizens of good character.

Issa-Onilu also used the occasion to appeal to Nigerian youths to conduct themselves responsibly both at home and abroad. He said every Nigerian has a responsibility to project a positive image of the country, adding that the government would always stand by citizens who uphold the nation’s values.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, described the returnees’ experience as painful and unjust. She disclosed that they had been detained for 10 months without being charged or tried, adding that the Federal Government activated diplomatic and consular channels immediately it became aware of their situation, leading to their eventual repatriation.

Ojukwu also expressed sadness over the death of one of the detainees, Osama Murtala, who died shortly after regaining his freedom. She said his death reflected the harsh conditions he endured in detention, including inadequate medical care and poor nutrition. The minister added that government officials attended his burial, which was conducted according to Islamic rites in line with his family’s wishes.

The five Nigerians received by the government were identified as Ali Malami, 26; Lukman Sani, 27; Nazir Umar, 23; Saadu Bello, 23; and Samson Abubakar, 34. According to the returnees, they spent 10 months in detention before securing their release. The Director of Consular and Migration at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ibrahim Mohammed Yunusa, interpreted the proceedings into Hausa to ensure effective communication with them.

The reception highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting the welfare of Nigerians abroad while promoting responsible citizenship and patriotism. Officials said the intervention reflects the administration’s resolve to support citizens facing challenges overseas and encouraged Nigerians travelling outside the country to respect the laws of their host countries while serving as worthy ambassadors of Nigeria.