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Xenophobia: Another 65 Nigerian nationals to arrive Lagos Wednesday night

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Abu Umar 

Another 65 Nigerian nationals are expected to arrive in Lagos on Wednesday night following their repatriation from South Africa, as Nigeria continues to facilitate the return of citizens amid renewed xenophobic attacks and anti-immigrant tensions in the country.

The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the 65 returnees, whose return tickets were sponsored by private individuals, will depart the Oliver Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, at 3:30 p.m. local time on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, aboard South African Airways. They are expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at 8:45 p.m. the same day.

The latest return comes after the Federal Government completed a major voluntary repatriation exercise that brought 1,490 Nigerians home from South Africa following weeks of xenophobic attacks and anti-immigrant protests. 

The evacuation involved several government-arranged flights, with Nigerian carrier Air Peace operating most of the flights, while South African Airways handled two.

The first batch of the government-backed evacuation arrived in Lagos in June, with subsequent Air Peace flights bringing hundreds more Nigerians home as attacks and anti-immigrant tensions intensified. 

The repatriation programme was undertaken after Nigerian authorities raised concerns about the safety of citizens, including those legally resident in South Africa, amid reports of attacks, looting and intimidation of foreign nationals.

Following the government-funded evacuation programme, another 83 Nigerians were also scheduled to return from South Africa in August through privately sponsored tickets, underscoring the continuation of efforts to assist Nigerians who wished to leave the country amid the security concerns. 

The latest batch of 65 is similarly being sponsored by private individuals, according to the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

The repatriations have taken place against a backdrop of heightened diplomatic concern between Abuja and Pretoria over xenophobic violence. 

The Federal Government has repeatedly raised alarm over the loss of Nigerian lives in South Africa, with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, recently disclosing that about 90 Nigerians have been killed in Afrophobic violence in the country since June 2022. 

Speaking amid renewed attacks and the ongoing repatriation of Nigerians, Enikanolaiye said the recurring violence had become a serious concern to Nigeria, stressing that the attacks had affected not only undocumented migrants but also Nigerians legally resident in South Africa.

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General News

Oborevwori felicitates Muslims at Eid-ul-Mawlid

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Our Reporter 

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has felicitate Muslims across the state and Nigeria on the occasion of this year’s Eid-ul-Mawlid, commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad.

In a goodwill message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, the Governor extended warm greetings and best wishes to the Muslim faithful, urging them to use the occasion to reflect on the exemplary life, teachings and virtues of the Prophet.

Oborevwori noted that the values of compassion, humility, peaceful coexistence, sacrifice, tolerance and service to humanity associated with the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad remained relevant to the nation’s quest for peace, unity and sustainable development.

He called on Muslims in Delta State and across the country to make the celebratio

n an opportunity to strengthen their commitment to peaceful coexistence, love for one another and the advancement of the common good.

The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering an inclusive society where citizens, irrespective of religious, ethnic or political affiliations, could live and pursue their legitimate aspirations in peace and dignity.

He urged the Muslim community to continue supporting government’s efforts toward building a peaceful, prosperous and united Delta State, while praying for continued peace, stability and progress in the state and Nigeria.

Oborevwori wished the Muslim faithful a joyous and spiritually rewarding Eid-ul-Mawlid celebration.

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Eid-El-Maulud Mubarak: Information minister salutes Muslims across Nigeria

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Nkem Okereh 

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris has sent warm greetings to Muslims faithfuls in Nigeria and across the globe, commemorating Eid-El-Maulud.

Idris said the occasion offers an opportunity to reflect on the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW), particularly his message of peace, compassion, patience, justice, humility and respect for others.

In a letter, personally signed and made available to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister stated that; “As we commemorate Eid-el-Maulud, I extend my warm greetings and best wishes to Muslims across Nigeria and around the world.”

According to the Minister, the values of Prophet Muhammad, (SAW) teachings are especially important as Nigeria continues to navigate a period of reform and renewal. 

“Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government remains committed to building a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria through reforms aimed at strengthening our economy, improving security, investing in infrastructure and expanding opportunities in education, skills development and enterprise.

“The progress being made requires patience, sacrifice and a shared commitment from all Nigerians. As we celebrate, let us therefore continue to support the efforts to build a more secured, stable and prosperous country, while ensuring that no one is left behind.

“I urge us to embody the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in our daily lives by showing kindness to one another, rejecting hatred and division, and promoting peaceful coexistence in our communities. Let us also remember the less privileged and extend a helping hand to those in need.

“May this blessed occasion strengthen our faith, deepen our commitment to peace and unity, and bring blessings to our families and communities as Allah continue to guide our leaders, protect our nation and grant Nigeria lasting peace, security and prosperity,” he added.

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Eid-el-Maulud: Wike urges FCT residents to embrace peace, tolerance, dialogue

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Thelma Kafor

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has extended his warm felicitation to the Muslim faithful in the FCT and across Nigeria on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Maulud, celebrating the birth of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

In his official message to residents, the Minister highlighted the core virtues of the Holy Prophet’s life and teachings, describing Eid-el-Maulud as a sacred period for deep reflection on peace, compassion, sacrifice, patience, tolerance, and fellowship.

He emphasized that the FCT was established on the principles of unity and tolerance, and urged all residents to exhibit these values in their daily interactions and embrace dialogue as the primary means to resolve differences.

“The FCT was built on the foundation of unity, diversity, and tolerance for all Nigerians”, the Minister stated, adding that, “There is the need for us to embrace the true meaning and virtues of sacrifice, patience, tolerance, and fellowship in our daily interactions”.

The Minister also reassured residents and visitors alike, that the FCT Administration remains fully committed to ensuring safety and adequate security throughout the festive period and beyond and encouraged residents to actively support and cooperate with security agencies by reporting useful information that helps keep communities safe.

“May the lessons of Eid-el-Maulud bring peace to our homes, progress to our communities, and continued prosperity to the Federal Capital Territory and Nigeria”, Wike stated, while wishing all residents a happy celebration.

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