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Xenophobia: Reps want FG to evacuate Nigerians in China, investigate Chinese in Nigeria
By Yemi Itodo
The Nigerian House of Representatives, has urged the Federal Government to urgently evacuate all Nigerians who have tested negative to COVID-19 and are with valid passports and Visas in China, willing to return to Nigeria. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">
This was, even as, the Lawmakers unanimously resolved to investigate the validity of all immigration documents of every Chinese person and the expatriate quota of all their businesses in Nigeria, to ascertain the number of illegal and undocumented immigrants, with the view to repatriating them to China.
Spokesman of the Nigerian Parliament, Rep Benjamin Kalu and nine others successful moved this motion, at the resumed plenary of the Green Chamber on Tuesday, 28th April, 2020.
The resolution was said to be in line with the mandate of Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended), to take actions to ensure the safety and welfare of Nigerians in China.
Recall that, as a result of the mutually beneficial diplomatic and economic relationship between Nigeria and China, about 10,000 Nigerians, including investors, traders, workers and students currently reside in and around Guangzhou in the Guangdong Province of the Peoples Republic of China and have generated massive trade volume between the two countries, such that for 2019 alone the Nigeria-China trade value was worth over $8.6 billion.
But sometimes in April 8, 2020, photos and videos emanated across various social media depicting the institutionalized racial discrimination, maltreatment, xenophobic assaults, embarrassments, illegal detention and forceful eviction of Nigerians and other Africans living in Guangzhou.
Rep Kalu, while leading the debate on the motion, lamented that, “under the pretext of curbing the spread of COVID-19, which ironically originated in Wuhan, China, several kinds of maltreatments of Nigerian citizens in Guangzhou have been perpetrated by Chinese people and authorities.
“These include, wrongful confiscation of Nigerian international passports, prolonged and illegal detaining of Nigerians in the name of mandatory quarantining despite holding a certificate of clean health and no recent travel history, outright refusal to test or release the test results, and the eviction of Nigerians from their homes, hotel accommodations, refusal of entry into shops, pharmacies, restaurants and hospitals, including beating of Nigerians on the streets with no police intervention among others”.
In the exercise of his function of protecting the interest of nationals of his sending State, as provided for under Article 5 of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations 1963, the Nigerian Consul General, according to Rep Kalu, “was treated in clear violation of Article 40 of the same treaty which requires the receiving State to treat consular officers with due respect and to take all appropriate steps to prevent attack on their persons, freedom or dignity; this dignity was abused by the Chinese government when they ignored the request of the Nigerian High Commissioner to allow Nigerians back to their accommodation, access to hospitals or restaurants which led to the High Commissioner himself buying and distributing food to Nigerians who where hopeless and lying in the streets under the rain”.
The Lawmaker also recalled the troubling case of Mr. Felix Awah Elijah, a Nigerian citizen and legal resident in China who mysteriously disappeared after his abduction and prolonged illegal detention by Chinese police authorities sometime around 6th February, 2019; and of which all letters and appeals from his Representative in the House, were ignored by Chinese Authorities.
The Spokesman contended that, the actions of the Chinese authorities do not reciprocate the favourable treatment enjoyed by their nationals in Nigeria who thrive and operate businesses, which in several cases, “completely disregard our extant laws on immigration and expatriate quota”, but have instead, put a strain on the diplomatic and economic relations between Nigeria and China thereby endangering Nigerian businesses in China valued at billions of dollars.
It was therefore, resolved that, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and all relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies should, “as a matter of urgency, ensure that all Nigerians who wish to return home, including Nigerians that only visited for business, Nigerians with any form of travel documents and identification, Nigerians with passports but expired visas, and Nigerians with passports and valid visas who have been ejected by house owners, Nigerians who have tested negative to Covid-19, are evacuated from China and quarantined upon arrival”.
The House also urged, “the Attorney General of the Federation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and all relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies to provide all necessary financial and other assistance to any affected Nigerian citizen in China who wish to seek redress in any local or international court for breach of fundamental rights, loss of property or any other actionable cause occasioned by their maltreatment or discrimination in China”.
It will be recalled that, the Honourable Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila; the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama and the Nigerian Ambassador to China, Ahmed Jidda; undertook various independent and coordinated interventions, including meetings with the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr Zhou Pingjian, to register Nigeria’s displeasure with the incidents.
But the Republic of China has not shown any commitment to ending the xenophobic discriminations, while Nigerians in China keep languishing on daily basis.
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June 12: Ajia Congratulates Tinubu, AbdulRazaq, Calls for Youth Inclusion and Grassroots Development
By AbdulRahman Obaje
The chieftain of the APC in Kwara state , Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia, Ph.D, has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, on the occasion of Democracy Day 2026 Celebration and the third years anniversary of their administrations.
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This is contained in a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists on Friday in Abuja, Ajia described June 12 as a historic symbol of Nigeria’s democratic struggle, resilience, and collective aspiration for good governance.
Ajia commended President Tinubu for demonstrating courage in implementing reforms aimed at repositioning the nation’s economy, improving infrastructure, attracting investments, and strengthening key institutions of government. He noted that the administration has laid important foundations for long-term national development.
While acknowledging these efforts, he urged the President to pay greater attention to the pressing challenges confronting ordinary Nigerians. According to him, the hopes and aspirations of citizens remain the strongest mandate of any democratic government.
The Ilorin-born security expert further called for intensified efforts to secure lives and property across the country and encouraged the President to deepen youth inclusion in governance by appointing more competent young Nigerians into strategic decision-making positions. He noted that Nigeria’s youthful population represents a vital resource for innovation, nation-building, and sustainable development.
Ajia also advocated the continuation of inclusive economic policies capable of empowering local contractors, entrepreneurs, small businesses, and investors, while ensuring that the benefits of governance are felt more directly at the grassroots.
The philanthropist and business leader equally congratulated Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on the achievements recorded in Kwara State, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, education, healthcare, youth empowerment, social investments, and public sector reforms.
He, however, urged the governor to devote greater attention to ward-level and community-based development projects that would create employment opportunities and empower indigenous contractors, local businessmen, women, farmers, and young entrepreneurs across the state.
Ajia further advised Governor AbdulRazaq to strengthen inclusive politics and governance by expanding consultation, participation, and representation within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and across the broader political landscape.
He stressed the need for reconciliation among aggrieved party members and stakeholders to consolidate unity and ensure the party’s continued electoral success in Kwara State.
According to him, June 12 reminds Nigerians that democracy thrives when leaders listen, citizens actively participate, and governance reaches every community, including the most remote wards.
He reaffirmed his support for both the Federal and the Kwara State Governments and expressed optimism that Nigeria would continue to advance under responsive, inclusive, and people-oriented leadership.
Ajia wished President Tinubu, Governor AbdulRazaq, and all Nigerians a peaceful and memorable Democracy Day celebration, praying for greater unity, security, progress, and prosperity for the nation.
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Dr. Ajia Congratulates Sheikh Bashir Dasuki, Praises Emir of Ilorin for Unifying Decision
AbdulRahman Obaje
The Dan Amanan Fune Emirate of Yobe State Alh Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia, Ph.D has appreciated the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, for what he described as a wise, and excellent decision in appointing Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki Imam Fulani as the new Chief Imam of Ilorin Emirate.
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n a congratulatory message signed by his Director of Communications and Strategy, Mallam Abdulrahman Aliagan, and made available to journalists in Abuja, Dr. Ajia said the Emir’s choice reflects his deep understanding of the religious, cultural, and spiritual aspirations of the Ilorin people.
He noted that the appointment has been widely welcomed across the Emirate, earning the acceptance and admiration of both the elderly and the youth, while resonating with the collective conscience of the entire community.
According to Dr. Ajia, the emergence of Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki through a transparent and rigorous selection process demonstrates the Emir’s commitment to merit, integrity, and the preservation of the rich Islamic heritage of Ilorin. He added that the appointment has further strengthened public confidence in the Emir’s leadership and his dedication to promoting unity, peace, and religious harmony within the Emirate.
Dr Ajia, while congratulating the new Chief Imam on his well-deserved elevation, he described Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki as an accomplished Islamic scholar, teacher, and community leader whose academic credentials, spiritual discipline, and years of service to Islam have prepared him adequately for the revered position.
He expressed confidence that the new Chief Imam would provide exemplary leadership and continue to advance Islamic scholarship and moral guidance among the faithful.
“On behalf of my family, associates, and well-wishers, I congratulate Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki Imam Fulani on this historic appointment and commend His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, for making a decision that has united the people and inspired widespread confidence across the Emirate. This appointment is a testament to the enduring values of scholarship, piety, humility, and service that have long defined the Ilorin tradition,” Dr. Ajia stated.
The Ilorin-born security expert and business tycoon prayed Allah to grant the new Chief Imam wisdom, sound health, patience, and divine guidance throughout his tenure.
He also prayed for the continued peace, stability, and prosperity of the Ilorin Emirate under the leadership of the Emir, urging the Muslim faithful to support the new Chief Imam with prayers and cooperation as he assumes the important responsibility of providing spiritual leadership to the Muslim Ummah.
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US-Based Philanthropist, Chief Rekiya Isa Bags Management Leadership Award
US-Based Philanthropist, Chief Rekiya Isa Bags Management Leadership Awar
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Advocacy For Youth Leadership in Governance, Nigeria (AYLGN) has conferred the Proficiency Management Leadership Global Award on Chief Sabua Rekiya Isa, CEO and Founder of Sabua Cares Foundation.
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Chief Sabua Rekiya Isa who also holds the Traditional title of “Ebule Attah Igala” USA, was recognized as the “Most Outstanding, Competent, Quintessential, Resourceful, Experienced, Renowned & Digital Philanthropist in the 21st Century.”
The award was received on her behalf by the National Coordinator of Sabua Cares Foundation, Comrade Usman Bashiru, who led some Executive members of the Foundation to the event.
Comrade Bashiru in his speech, thanked AYLGN for honouring the founder’s modest humanitarian efforts, noting that Chief Isa has been funding all her philanthropic activities alone.
He appealed to organizations and well-meaning individuals to partner with the Foundation to scale impact on the poor and downtrodden, adding that the Foundation is open to collaborations that will touch lives positively.
Chief Sabua Rekiya Isa who joined the event via Zoom from New York, expressed gratitude to AYLGN for the honour and dedicated the award to God, widows, downtrodden women, and youths.
Presenting the award, AYLGN National Coordinator, Comrade Ajinomoh Abiodun, Mnin, said the nomination followed a joint resolution of the organization’s Board and Executive Council after a critical assessment of Chief Isa’s career, public service, and humanitarian work.
In a letter dated 2nd June, 2026, signed by Comrade Ajinomoh and Secretary General Comrade Ajayi Nike Grace, AYLGN described Chief Isa as a “trans-generational philanthropist of international standard” with “global recognition on youth development,” citing her integrity, charisma, and result-oriented leadership.
Ends.
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NewsJune 12, 2026June 12: Ajia Congratulates Tinubu, AbdulRazaq, Calls for Youth Inclusion and Grassroots DevelopmentNewsJune 11, 2026Dr. Ajia Congratulates Sheikh Bashir Dasuki, Praises Emir of Ilorin for Unifying DecisionNewsJune 11, 2026US-Based Philanthropist, Chief Rekiya Isa Bags Management Leadership AwardEducationJune 11, 2026Varsity Don Proffers Solutions to Building Prosperous Nigeria