Bureau Ivoirien Pour La Promotion De L’ Integration Africaine (Bipia) — Ivorian bureau for the promotion of african integration on social, cultural and business/trading co-operation between Ivoirians and other african countries residing in Côte d’Ivoire, on 2nd of December 2023, hosted the ECOWAS countries. This event is to mark their usual end of the year integration ceremony with west african countries living in Côte d’Ivoire.
This year 2023 event was hosted in abobo commune. This year’s theme is ‘journee des communautes abobo 2023’
Nigeria community delegates were led by high chief Michael Emeka Onwuchelu the president of the Nigerian community in Côte d’Ivoire.
In a remarkable act of compassion and collaboration, the Nigerian community in Cote d’Ivoire under the leadership of High Chief Emeka Onwuchelu, has stepped up to rescue 71 Nigerians who fell victim to a modernized form of human trafficking. This disturbing incident sheds light on the perils of illegal businesses like the Qnet MLM program and underscores the importance of community support and cooperation.
The Rescue Operation
It all began when the Ivorian police arrested 63 men and 8 women, all of Nigerian descent, who had been lured into the Qnet business scheme. This MLM program, operating under the guise of a legitimate enterprise, had ensnared these individuals who had only recently arrived in Cote d’Ivoire. This alarming situation can be seen as a form of modernized human trafficking, where vulnerable individuals are coerced into deceptive business practices.
The Role of the Nigerian Community
The Nigerian community in Cote d’Ivoire displayed an inspiring demonstration of unity and responsibility. They immediately sprang into action, recognizing the urgency of the situation. Their determination to support their fellow Nigerians in distress was unwavering.
Repatriation and Collaboration
The Nigerian community in Cote d’Ivoire worked tirelessly in collaboration with the Nigerian Embassy and the Ivorian authorities to ensure the safe repatriation of the victims back to Nigeria. This partnership exemplifies the importance of international cooperation in combating human trafficking and other forms of exploitation.
A Message of Encouragement
This incident serves as a stern reminder to Nigerians residing in Cote d’Ivoire to be vigilant and law-abiding. Engaging in illegal activities not only jeopardizes their own well-being but also tarnishes the reputation of Nigeria as a whole. It is vital to choose lawful and ethical paths in their pursuit of success and prosperity, thus upholding the good name of their nation.
The Nigerian community’s intervention and the subsequent repatriation of these victims highlight the strength of unity within the diaspora. This compassionate response serves as an inspiring example of how communities can come together to protect their own, even in foreign lands.
In conclusion, the Nigerian community in Cote d’Ivoire’s efforts to rescue the victims of modernized human trafficking demonstrate the power of collective action and cooperation. Their dedication to repatriating their fellow countrymen and women, as well as their collaboration with authorities, is a testament to the resilience and compassion of the Nigerian diaspora. We should all be reminded of the importance of being law-abiding citizens and upholding our nation’s reputation, no matter where we reside.
IT IS SAID THAT EVERYTHING THAT HAS A BEGINNING MUST HAVE AN END. IT’S TIME TO SAY GOODBYE TO OUR AMIABLE AND OUTSTANDING CONSUL, MR. DAMILOLA ABIKOYE OLUFEMI, IS DEPARTING FOR NIGERIA AFTER HIS WORKING STAY IN THE NIGERIAN EMBASSY IN COTE D’ IVOIRE.
THE NIGERIAN COMMUNITY IN COTE D’ IVOIRE UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE NIGERIAN COMMUNITY IN COTE D’ IVOIRE, HIGH CHIEF MICHAEL EMEKA ONWUCHELU ON FRIDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER, 2023 ORGANISED A LOW-KEY SEND-OFF PARTY FOR CONSUL MR. DAMILOLA ABIKOYE OLUFEMI, IS LEAVING COTE D’ IVOIRE BACK TO NIGERIA AT THE END OF HIS 3-YEAR WORKING AT NIGERIA EMBASSY COTE D’ IVOIRE AS THE CONSULAR.
MR. DAMILOLA ABIKOYE OLUFEMI, WE CHERISH YOUR COOPERATION WITH THE NIGERIA COMMUNITY COTE D’ IVOIRE. DESPITE THE PRESSURE AND MALICIOUS ATTACKS FROM VERY SMALL NUMBERS OF ‘HINDERS OF GOOD CHANGE’. DUE TO THEIR SELFISH INTERESTS, THEY ARE AGAINST YOUR SUPPORT FOR GOOD CHANGE IN THE NIGERIAN COMMUNITY, UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE NIGERIAN COMMUNITY IN COTE D’ IVOIRE HIGH CHIEF MICHAEL EMEKA ONWUCHELU.
IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR ATTACKS AND FALSE PETITIONS, YOU REMAIN RESILIENCE AND FOCUS ON MAKING SURE THE RIGHT THING IS DONE FOR THE GOOD WELFARE OF NIGERIANS IN COTE D’ IVOIRE. WE SALUTE YOUR COURAGE AND WILL TO STAND BY THE TRUTH.
It has come to the notice of Nigerian Community in Cote d’Ivore, the article published on thisdaylive.com, by Hammed Shittu in Ilorin concerning an accusation levelled against Nigeria Consular Officer in Abidjan, Mr. Damilola Olufemi Abikoye, over alleged threat to diplomatic relations and abuse of office.
Nigerian Community in Cote d’Ivoire denounced this news and regarded as blackmailing of our noble consular officer Mr. Damilola Olufemi Abikoye.
To this effect Nigerian Community in Cote d’Ivoire has written a letter to the editorial department of thisdaylive.com magazine for the removal of this misleading post.
The Nigerian community living in Côte d’Ivoire now has its official president. This is Onwuchelu Michael Emeka. Economic operator for several years in Côte d’Ivoire and precisely in Treichville, he was chosen (by Nigerians from all the localities of Côte d’Ivoire) at the end of the vote which was held on Saturday May 29 last at the regional school of Treichville.
Competing with Adekunle Ayodelé Taofeek (83 votes) and Chukwujekwu Omenife Paul (53 votes), Onwuchelu Emeka won 620 votes. Suddenly becoming the President of the Nigerian community of Côte d’Ivoire. He will have the heavy responsibility of defending the interests of the said community, of always establishing a perfect understanding between Nigerians living in Côte d’Ivoire, of maintaining peaceful coexistence between Ivorians and Nigerians, etc. In this sense, moreover, the actions to come are diverse.
“I am happy that this election was held in a good atmosphere. Glory be to the Almighty. I have an opportunity for me to invite all Nigerians living on Ivorian soil to remain united and united. Côte d’Ivoire is our second homeland and we must show solidarity with Côte d’Ivoire to whom we owe a lot for its legendary hospitality. Thank you to the Ivorian authorities with in the front line the Head of State, President Alassane Ouattara. Many thanks to the security forces who were present for hours to supervise the election,” declared the newly elected President hotly.
Then, to announce the upcoming holding of a sports meeting between Nigerian communities living in Côte d’Ivoire and Ivorian. This, to show the perfect collaboration and cohesion that characterizes these two English-speaking and French-speaking peoples. On the sidelines of the election of the president of the Nigerian community, there was also the vote concerning the General Secretariat and the Auditor General’s Office. At the level of the secretariat, two candidates were in the running. Namely, Ononiwu (elected with 541 votes) and Adio (91 votes). At the level of the Auditor General, Dada Oluwatosin Samuel passed hands down with 609 votes against 111 for Akinboye Toheeb Adetokunbo and 23 for Jayéoba Olanrewaju Akintade.
For two decades, the president of the Nigerian community was simply appointed. Onwuchelu Emeka is therefore the very first president democratically elected and officially recognized by the Ivorian state.
