NEMA working to evacuate stranded Nigerians in Sudan - Official

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), said it is relentlessly working to ensure that stranded Nigerians are evacuated in Sudan.

This was contained in a statement signed and issued by Head, Press Unit NEMA, Manzo Ezekiel at the weekend.

The statement disclosed that NEMA had set up a committee which was already working on all possible options to ensure the safe return of Nigerians from the conflict-ridden Sudan, especially students in its various Universities.

It read: “It has become necessary to inform the public that NEMA is in constant communication with all relevant partners including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian Embassy in Khartoum, Sudan, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission and security agencies.

“While seeking for an appropriate window of opportunity to evacuate all stranded Nigerians back home in a safe and dignified manner.

“The current emergency situation in Sudan is very complex with fighting between waring factions going on and all airports and land boarders closed”.

NEMA said the committee comprised of professional emergency responders, search and rescue experts, adding that these committee members would constantly evaluate the situation and recommend the safest approach for the evacuation.

It also assured Nigerians that the Agency was working assiduously with all its partners, and was constantly compiling updated information on the situation.

“The attention of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is drawn to the widespread public concern on the situation in Sudan especially in regards to the ongoing conflict and the safety as well as wellbeing of stranded Nigerian citizens including hundreds of students in various universities of the country.

“It has become necessary to inform the public that NEMA is in constant communication with all relevant partners including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian Embassy in Khartoum, Sudan, the Nigerians in Diaspora

Commission and security agencies while seeking for an appropriate window of opportunity to evacuate all stranded Nigerians back home in a safe and dignified manner.

“The current emergency situation in Sudan is very complex with fighting between waring factions going on and all airports and land boarders closed. NEMA is working assiduously with all its partners and is constantly compiling updated information on the situation.

“The Director General NEMA Mustapha Habib Ahmed has assured that NEMA is very much concerned and on top of the situation and is working on all possible options of bringing the stranded Nigerians back home to their loved ones in safe and dignified manner”, the statement stated.

Why South Africa remains open for tourism, by Consul-General

Dr Bobby Moroe, South African Consul-General in Lagos, has explained why Nigerians should always heed to the call to choose South Africa as their preferred tourist destination.

Moroe made the call during the South Africa Week, held in Lagos, to celebrate the country’s 29th anniversary of democratic rule as well as bilateral and diplomatic relations with Nigeria.

According to the ConsulGeneral, South Africa is a suitable country to visit for business, conferencing, tourism, education and leisure.

“Today, we are celebrating the diplomatic relations between Nigeria and South Africa, we are also celebrating 29 years of democracy in South Africa.

“We have chosen to celebrate in Nigeria to appreciate the role Nigeria has played in struggle for South Africans’ liberation.

“South Africa will never forget the role Nigeria has played in its liberation agenda, so this is how we show our appreciation.

“Today is the begining of a new journey in the renewal of our friendship with Nigerians. So, we urge Nigerians to visit South Africa for conferencing, studies, business and to find love.

“South Africa is open for tourism,” he said.

Also,Thekiso Rakolojane, Regional Head, South Africa Tourism (SAT), said the ‘Rainbow Nation’ was well endowed with choice destinations for tourists as he explained the available attractions.

“We at South Africa Tourism are excited to be part of the celebration of South Africa week. We have been here since 2015 and we appreciate the relationship so far.

“We seize this opportunity to welcome tourists to South Africa to explore the abundance of beaches, wildlife and all,” he said.

Some of the South Africans and Nigerians at the programme, in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) spoke on their attractions for cultures of other countries.

Musa Nzuza, a South African, who is into industrial catering, said ” I cherish Nigerian food and their respectful nature; the greetings are second to none; I always feel like a queen when they greet. Infact, Nigeria is my second home.”

Also, Herman Franken, who works with South Africa International Breweries, said having worked in Zambia, Namibia and Ghana, he could boldly say Nigerians were more friendly and approachable. Similarly, Lynette Mitchell, Financial Manager with SON International, described Nigerians as welcoming, hospitable and best people in Africa.

A Nigerian Model, Mr Kenneth Joseph, said ” South Africans are also loving individuals who are so passionate about their culture. This, I cherish in them.

“Nigerians must also learn to take pride in their culture and improve on exhibiting it.”

NAN reports that delegates at the event were entertained with scintillating Zulu dance performance. NAN