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.

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:

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/