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FG receives 103 Nigerians deported from Turkey

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The Federal Government has received no fewer than 103 Nigerians deported from Turkey over migration related issues such as, expired visa, irregular migration, among others.
Alhaji Tijani Ahmed, the Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) stated this on Friday evening, during the deportees’ profiling in Abuja.
Represented by Amb. Catherine Udida, the Director Migration Affairs in the commission, Ahmed said that the commission expected 110 deportees but received 103, all males.
“Some of them have been in the deportation camp for some months, and  now that they are here, we are hoping to follow up on all the allegations gathered in their profiling.
“We will go through the profiling forms, because some of them have said that their passports were seized.
We are going to follow up with the Turkish authority, because the passports are still the property of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he assured.
According to him, the NCFRMI is the mandate agency responsible for all returnees, irrespective of  their status.
“We equally have a programme where we train them and thereafter reintegrate them into the society”, the Federal Commissioner stated.
Similarly, Mr Bashir  Garga, the North-Central Zonal Coordinator, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA),  assured the returnees of government readiness to support them through collaborative efforts of all relevant agencies.
One of the victims, Mr Arinze Stone,  said that Turkish authority arrested and detained him in the camp for about six months.
Stone said he had been living in Turkey for quite some years doing business.
“They were arresting people whose paper are not yet out or just expired,” he said.
He alleged that it was since the European Union started paying Turkey for illegal immigrants, that the government stopped issuing and renewing resident permits.
“Each day, the European Union pays 120Euros per head of immigrants in the Immigration Camp.
“Ever since I had been in Turkey, I always had my resident permit renewed. It just got expired and Turkish authority collected 700Euros from me for tax and insurance and then cancelled the renewal,” he explained.
Stone added that the deportation fee of about 2,500 Euros that was supposed to be given to each victim was not paid.
Another victim, Mr Moses Emeh, said he had a registered company in Turkey which had been functioning for more than eight years.
“I also have a resident permit, which was forcibly cancelled but I had earlier planned  to convert it into working permit.
” I don’t know where to start from. But I believe this is a diplomatic issue and I trust our foreign affairs minister, to follow it up.
“I also think that they should have a sensitisation programme for  Nigerians still living over there in Turkey, because the Turkish government is not being sincere and transparent with us,”  Emeh stated
He narrated that he was arrested and  put in a dungeon, for  11 months  and three weeks.
“I was told that, If I did not sign the deportation documents, I will have to stay in their custody for one year to two years, after which I could be released and given immigration documents to sign, then be reintegrated into the system. But, they never fulfilled that.
“I also know that occupying a territory, without a permit is a crime, but mine was forcibly terminated twice, and I took the case to court.
“Since my case was already in court and the court was yet to preside over my case,  I don’t think it is right for them to deport me,” he added.
The returnees were given some dignity kits, starter-packs and stipends to enable them travel to their respective places
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Just In: NAF Helicopter crashes in Kaduna

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By Austine Emmanuel, Kaduna

One of the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) helicopter has crashed in the early hours of Monday in Tami village, located in the Igabi local government area of Kaduna State.

According to ryewitness reports, the incident occurred at about 5:00am, causing significant alarm among villagers.

The helicopter, on a routine operational flight, experienced technical difficulties that led to the crash. Fortunately, the pilot managed to execute emergency protocols effectively, ensuring his own survival.

Eyewitnesses at the scene reported that the pilot emerged from the wreckage unscathed. Residents of Tami village quickly gathered at the crash site, offering assistance where possible and expressing relief that no live was lost.

“We heard a loud noise and rushed to the scene. We were surprised and relieved to see the pilot alive,” said a villager who witnessed the crash.

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Mbayion, BEMOA, others throw weight behind Alia, Speaker Dajoh

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By Titus Atondu, Makurdi

The elders of Mbayion and Yandev clans from Gboko local government area of the state  on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), have unanimously agreed to support the administration of Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem  Alia, the executive governor of Benue state and the Speaker of the 10th Benue State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh (The Atonko u Mbatiav) for sustainable deliverance of democracy dividends to the masses of the state.

In similar vein, the Gboko local government area chapter of the Benue Motorcycle Hirers Association (BEMOA), Gboko branch also pledged their total loyalty and support to the Governor of the state and the Speaker of the state Assembly for more economic stability and infrastructural development in the state.

The three groups made their position known on Sunday when Rt. Hon. Hyacinth Dajoh, met with the esteemed Elders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of Mbayion clan led by Elder Atsenda Ishwa Iortim in Gboko to appreciate them for coming out in their numbers to welcome the Governor during his thank you tour recently.

“I also had a meeting with the  stakeholders of BEMOA, Gboko branch and appreciated them for their support on the day of Gov.  Alia’s thank you visit to Gboko.

“In  addition, I had a productive meeting with Hon. Batholomew Igbanum (Batho) in Yandev alongside his kinsmen who all agreed to support the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia to bring more development to our dear State,” Speaker disclosed.

Nigerian NewsDirect reports that the Honourable Speaker (Atonko u Mbatiav) was accompanied by Rt. Hon. Cephas Dyako, Hon. Solomon Gyila and Hon. Solomon Jiji Aluor.

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OGSOSA old students reunite to give back, celebrate 40 years milestone

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By Sodiq Adelakun

Members of the Old Students Association of Odogbolu Grammar School’s 1979/84 set gathered on Friday, June 28, to commemorate significant milestones and reaffirm their commitment to supporting their alma mater.

The occasion marked 45 years since their admission to the school and 40 years since their graduation.

Speaking at the 40th-anniversary press conference, The Alumni President, Bolade Ogunfodun (BOT) emphasised the association’s dedication to giving back to the institution that shaped their formative years.

Highlighting their contributions over the years, President Ogunfodun announced the completion of a block of renovated classrooms, the provision of 120 new ironed chairs, and support for sporting activities among others.

“The essence of our reunion is to give back,” President Ogunfodun stated, reiterating the alumni’s ongoing commitment to enhancing educational facilities and opportunities at Odogbolu Grammar School.

Among the distinguished alumni present was Prof. Adebola Osipitan, a former president and head boy of the 79/84 set, who spoke passionately about the alumni’s broader impact.

He revealed that the association has been creating welfare and job opportunities for members’ children and extending assistance to students and teachers alike.

“We began our efforts while some of us were still students, Our approach has always prioritised collaboration over pressure, laying a strong foundation for the association’s enduring structure,” Prof. Osipitan said.

Meanwhile, former students gathered to reminisce about their alma mater, recalling tough but transformative discipline, coordinated efforts among peers, and other formative experiences that shaped their lives.

In response to the reunion, Vice Principal Mr Oyibo expressed gratitude for the alumni’s commitment to their school and praised their initiative in launching projects aimed at benefiting current teachers and students.

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