Chief Allen Onyema, Executive Chairman of Air Peace (right), speaking to the press at the Murtala Muhammed Airport while receiving stranded Nigerians his company evacuated from South Africa following the xenophobic attacks in the country / Photo: Air Peace

Xenophobia: Nigerians in South Africa thank Onyema, Abike-Dabiri

An association of Nigerians living in South Africa has praised chairman of Air Peace, Chief Allen Onyema, for the evacuation of over 500 stranded Nigerians following the xenophobic attacks in the country.

The group said Onyema had demonstrated great patriotism by airlifting Nigerians out of the Rainbow Country free of charge.

Such selflessness, according to the Nigerians, was not only exemplary but also commendable.

In a statement on Thursday, they also praised the chairperson/CEO of Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) under Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa for playing an effective diplomatic role in the evacuation exercise.

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The statement reads: “We, the Central Executive Committee of the Nigerian Community in Western Cape (NCWC) wish to wholeheartedly express our appreciation to Barr Allen Onyema the CEO of Air peace for the charitable gestures to ensure the successful evacuation of Nigerians from South Africa as a result of recent xenophobic attacks.

“We also use this chance to appreciate the Nigerian Consulate under His Excellency, Godwin Adama, the Consular General and the whole member of staff.

“We thank the leadership of the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA), the national body for Nigerians in South Africa.

“Their efforts and contributions as the organization on the ground made the evacuation successful.

“We equally cannot ignore the Nigerian Diaspora Commission(NIDCOM) under Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa who has been doing a lot for Nigerians in the Diaspora in general.

“The NCWC wishes to encourage Nigerians to allow the recent attack on Nigerians to rethink about our nationality.

“The actions and activities of Barr. Chief Onyema, the Consulate, NICASA and NIDCOM has illustrated that we can work together for the greatness of our country. Let us join hands together to make positive impact in our society.

Kola Tella

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