22 Nigerians have died of coronavirus in Europe – NIDOE

According to the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization Europe (NIDOE), twenty-two Nigerians have so far died of the coronavirus (Covid-19) disease in Europe – 18 in UK, 3 in Italy and 1 in Spain. Moreover, no less than 25 others are currently hospitalised because of infection with the virus.

In a press statement issued by Hon. Kenneth Gbandi, chairman of NIDOE, the figures were compiled from the information provided by the country chapters of the organisation. Observers believe that the figures are most likely to be much higher since those cited were cases that were well known in the respective Nigerian communities.

Among the Nigerian victims of the pandemic in Europe are Dr Alfa Saadu, a UK-based retired medical doctor who died on Tuesday (31 March) in London. He was infected with the virus while volunteering in a hospital in London. Early in March another Nigerian, Saraju Olumide Okunuga, died in the Italian city of Modena. A pathologist, he was the president of Egbe Omo Yoruba in the Emilia Romagna region and the vice president of Yoruba National Community Italy.

READ ALSO Prominent Nigerian doctor dies of coronavirus in UK

Gbandi called on Nigerians in Europe to adhere to official social contact restrictions to protect themselves and their families, while encouraging community leaders – be they cultural, religious, political and social, to mobilise their members for mutual support at this critical period.

Dr Okunuga died early March in Italy also of the coronavirus disease/Photo: Private

 

NIDOE is currently carrying out a campaign, tagged NIDSAFE, to encourage Nigerians in Europe to adopt various self-help measures to support each other and also lend a helping hand to their compatriots at home as a result of the emergency situation caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

“NIDSAFE initiative is primarily conceived to support all measures already put in place in our respective countries of residence, and for the NIDOE country Chair or representative to:
1. Keep a close track of the situation of all Nigerians in their respective countries – both NIDO and non-NIDO members
2. Maintain a very close contact with officials of the Nigerian Embassy in their respective countries
3. Disseminate authentic and up-to-date situation report in their various countries and its implications for Nigeria and Nigerians
4. Assist as far as possible with official facilitation that requires the intervention of the authorities when such help is intentionally or unintentionally missing and to communicate same to designated Federal Government authorities for intervention when necessary
5. Prepare the Diaspora for the eventual social and economic long-term fallout of the COVID-19 crisis and possible consequences to homeland development.
6. Begin a Diaspora professional mapping in our respective countries for eventual and effective engagement with our respective countries of residence and designated state and federal agencies and non-governmental organizations back home in full preparation of Nigeria and Nigerians for the long-term effects of the COVID-19 crisis.”

Nigerians in the Diaspora are urged to report a case of coronavirus infection in their community or an emergency situation connected to the pandemic to the following WhatsApp Numbers:

Name of Country Chair

Country

WhatsApp No.

Adeyemi S. Aderemi

NIDO Portugal

 +351 920 285 264

Andrew Iduh

NIDO Spain

 +34 602 16 36 27

CEC

NIDO Poland

 +49 170 98 78 494

CEC

NIDO Denmark

  +49 170 98 78 494

Dr. Johnson Odibo

NIDO Swiss

 +41 78 691 14 76

Dr. E. Oparaocha

NIDO Grecce

 +30 694 884 3304

CEC

NIDO Turkey

 +49 170 98 78 494

Dr. Felix Otusile

NIDO Ukraine

 +380 93 664 7156

Dr. Ibekwe A. Lawrence

NIDO Italy

 +39 347 462 8169

Dr. Joy Chidinma Opara

NIDO Georgia

 +995 574 87 00 66

Dr. Rosalyn Dressman

NIDO Germany

 +49 162 4336964

Engr. Obinna Ugwu

NIDO UK North

 +44 7713 172239

Engr Smart Ogunbunmi

NIDO Austria

 +43 650 7627861

Engr. Solomon Ogbaji

NIDO France

+33 6 27 64 25 31

Ini Eno Udo

NIDO Azerbaijan

 +994 50 455 47 21

Jossy Chinedu Ibe

NIDO Slovakia

 +421 940 376 654

Michael Adekeye

NIDO Belux

 +32 493 87 96 81

CEC  

NIDO Ireland

 +353 87 757 8538

Mr. Ernest Ngadiuba

NIDO Sweden

 +46 70 415 83 82

Mr. Julius Nwankpa

NIDO Netherlands

 +31 6 54247299

CEC

NIDO Finland

 +49 170 98 78 495

Rex Essenowo

NIDO Russia

 +7 925 518-18-36

Sir Chibuzo Ubochi

NIDO UK South

 +44 7949 592489

NIDOE HQ

Central Exec. Council

 +353 87 757 8538

 

The NIDOE chairman assured that the organisation was committed to representing the interests of Nigerians at all times and appealed for greater support for it to enable it fulfil its mission.

Sola Jolaoso

—–

About NIDOE

Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Europe (NIDOE) is the continental umbrella Diaspora organisation with a chapter network in 18 countries and a Board of Trustees with headquarters at the Nigerian High Commission in London.

The mandate of NIDOE is to promote the welfare of the Nigerian Diaspora and pursue national development through advocacy, networking, partnerships, and bilateral cooperation.

In doing so, NIDOE leverages its enormous numerical strength and offers an excellent platform through which Nigerians and their partners channel their activities to Nigeria.

More about NIDOE at https://www.nidoeurope.org/

Check Also

Understanding Africa’s voice in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine

Dr. Pierrette Herzberger-Fofana, member of the European Parliament, writes on a recent visit of the …