Connect with us

International

42,000 Africans made move for Europe in 2021, 761 dead – IOM

Published

4 years ago

on

Africans
Africans
Share

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) said over 42,761 people from sub-Saharan African made move to cross to Europe through the central Mediterranean route.

Mr Frantz Celestine, IOM’s Chief of Mission said that of the number, 29,000 crossed to European shores.

Celestine, who spoke in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday, said that 13,000 were  returned by the Libyan Coast Guards, while 761 persons  lost their lives in the attempt to cross.

He pointed out however that the number did not take into account the thousands of people were caught and locked up in detention facilities.

“We have seen an increasing number of people migrating because of the economic pressure. We have seen a high level compared to 2020, of people being pushed back by the Libyan Coast Guards.

“We have seen more and more people are dying at sea.

“This year, so far, more than 29,000 people have made it to the European shores using the central Mediterranean route

“They have made it to the shores, whether successful or not is how you view it, if getting their foot on the shores is defined as successful, then yes, we have had more than 29,000 people that have made it.

“The tragic side of it, one person dying in the process of crossing is one too many. But what we have seen so far is 761 have died in the process, and there are thousands and thousands of people who have not made it, people who are currently in detention.

“I think there are 13,000 that were caught and returned by the Libyan Coast Guards. These numbers are for May 30th.

“So for all those who have made it, we have seen increasing number of people being returned. In fact the number of them that have been returned is higher than what we have seen in 2020.

“We expect more and more people to be in that condition over time.’’

Celestin stressed that there were a lot of push factors compelling people to embark on the journey regardless of its inherent dangers.

He pointed out that the focus should be to push forward to mitigate the number of people migrating as well as the level of suffering in that process.

He said that it was not going to stop unless the drivers are removed or mitigated, and these drivers are hardship, conflict, disasters and the fact that we have more people looking for job and a lot of people under-employed.

“So the combination of unemployment and under employment will definitely push people forward.

“ You can tell them as much as you want, but if you don’t find something to keep them in place, they will migrate,” he said.

 

 

(NAN)

 

Post Views: 811
Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

International

Finnish Court Jails Simon Ekpa Six Years for Terrorism

Published

3 months ago

on

September 1, 2025

By

Simon Ekpa
Share

A Finnish court on Monday sentenced Nigerian-born Finnish politician Simon Ekpa to six years in prison for terrorism-related offences.

The Päijät-Häme District Court found the 40-year-old former Lahti municipal councillor guilty of participating in a terrorist organisation, incitement to commit crimes for terrorist purposes, aggravated tax fraud, and violations of the Lawyers Act.

Prosecutors said that between 2021 and 2024, Ekpa promoted the independence of the so-called Biafra region in Nigeria through illegal means, using social media to influence followers and support armed groups the court classified as terrorist organisations.

The court ruled that Ekpa provided weapons and explosives through his contacts and urged his supporters on X, formerly Twitter, to commit crimes in Nigeria. He denied all charges.

Ekpa was arrested in December 2024 and tried over 12 sessions earlier this year. A three-judge panel delivered the unanimous verdict, ordering him to remain in custody.

 

 

Post Views: 2,050
Continue Reading

International

In Brazil, Tinubu Calls for Innovation-Driven Transformation in Nigeria

Published

3 months ago

on

August 27, 2025

By

President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Share

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to positioning Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s development, with a focus on technology, food security, and innovation.

Speaking to Nigerians in Brazil on Wednesday, Tinubu described his visit as a strategic step to deepen bilateral ties and learn from the South American country’s rapid development.

“Once upon a time, Nigeria and Brazil stood on the same level. Look at Brazil today — its technology, its food systems. We must ask ourselves: what do they have that we don’t? We have the brains, the energy, and the youth. We have everything we need. Now, we must act,” he said.

The President stressed that his government is laying the foundation for partnerships in manufacturing, technology, and cultural exchange, with the goal of unlocking Nigeria’s potential.

Acknowledging the difficulties citizens face due to ongoing economic reforms, Tinubu insisted that the measures are necessary for long-term prosperity.

“Yes, the reforms are tough — like bitter medicine. But once the fever is gone, you know the cure was worth it,” he said.

He commended the Nigerian diaspora community in Brazil, urging them to see themselves as critical stakeholders in building a new Nigeria.

“You are the pride of our nation. Your diversity, your commitment — it reflects the Nigeria we are working to build. I salute you all,” Tinubu stated.

The President further called for unity and resilience among Nigerians, adding that the dream of a prosperous nation must be pursued with urgency.

“If Wole Soyinka, at over 90, can still dream and act, then we have no excuse. The dream must be realised. The time is now,” he said.

Post Views: 2,242
Continue Reading

International

Tinubu Arrives in Brazil for Two-Day State Visit After U.S. Stopover

Published

4 months ago

on

August 25, 2025

By

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stepping out from Airplane
Share

President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Brasília, Brazil, for a two-day state visit focused on deepening bilateral ties and securing new investments.

Tinubu, who flew in from Los Angeles after attending the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Japan, was received at the Brasília Air Base by senior Brazilian government officials, including Ambassador Carlos Sérgio Sobral Duarte, Secretary for Africa and the Middle East, and Carlos José Areias Moreno Garcete, Brazil’s Ambassador to Nigeria.

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, also joined the reception. Other cabinet ministers, heads of key agencies, and private sector representatives later welcomed the president at his hotel.

The official welcoming ceremony, with full military honours, is scheduled for Monday at the Planalto Palace.

According to presidential aides, the visit will focus on activating multi-billion-dollar agricultural investments, advancing the $1.1 billion Green Imperative mechanisation project, and attracting fresh foreign direct investment in Nigeria’s agriculture and energy sectors.

Tinubu is also expected to participate in a Nigeria–Brazil business forum, bilateral meetings, and the signing of agreements and memoranda of understanding in technology, aviation, renewable energy, and climate resilience.

The presidency has not disclosed when the president is expected to return to Abuja.

Post Views: 2,276
Continue Reading