NiDCOM

Press Statement

Remilekun: Family Announces Burial Plans

Abuja, October 16, 2023 - The family of late Remilekun Toyosi Meshioye, a Nigerian citizen who tragically passed away aboard Egyptair on September 4, 2023, in Cairo while en route to London for studies, has announced her burial plans, including the repatriation of her body back to Lagos on Wednesday.

In a statement by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Head of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), the family has revealed a three-day burial program. Coordinated by her sister, Mrs. Lola Olaniyi-Alabi, the body is set to arrive in Lagos on Wednesday afternoon from Cairo.

Following this, there will be a service of songs at the Winners Chapel Ogba, Lagos, on Thursday at 4 pm, with the burial taking place at Matori Cemetery, Ladipo, near Oshodi Bus Terminus, Lagos, at 10 am on Friday.

Lola explained that the family decided to repatriate Remilekun's body back home for burial due to Egyptair management's refusal to accept full responsibility for what transpired. Despite the family's numerous petitions to Egyptair, they have received no condolences or acknowledgment of responsibility in accordance with global aviation rules.

Similarly, Egyptair management has ignored correspondence from NIDCOM seeking clarification and resolution on the matter.

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, once again expressed her condolences to the family and prayed for comfort, especially for the aged father and siblings, while asking for the deceased's eternal peaceful rest.

Remilekun, aged 41, tragically lost her life on September 4, 2023, aboard Egyptair in Cairo, en route to London for further studies.

E-Signed.
Abdur-Rahman Balogun
Head of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols Unit, NiDCOM.

Chairman Nigerians in Diaspora Commission Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa OON, receives Abel Aboh Nigerian-born British Al expert and data management leader, board member of Data Lab Scotland, at her office in Abuja.

On this special day, we want to take a moment to celebrate not only your birthday Ma, but also the incredible person and leader that you are. You are the quintessential boss, and your amiable and good-spirited nature sets the standard for the entire team.

Your approach to leadership is like no other. You lead with understanding, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Your ability to motivate and inspire us is truly remarkable, and it's a testament to your exceptional character.
Your positivity is infectious, and even in challenging times, you remain a source of strength and optimism. Your unwavering support and encouragement have allowed us to grow both personally and professionally.

As we celebrate your birthday today Ma, we want you to know just how much you mean to us. You're not just our Chairman/CEO; you're a mentor, and a role model.
We are grateful to have the privilege of working under your guidance.

May your day be as bright and joyful as the impact you've had on our lives and the workplace. Here's to many more years of your incredible leadership and the wonderful person you are.

Happy Birthday Ma. 🎈 🎉

On October 21, the Fourth Door of Return event will take place in Lagos, and it will be an occasion of historical, spiritual, and economic significance. This event, occurring in the ancient city of Badagry, Lagos State, welcomes numerous African diaspora individuals back to their motherland in a symbolic ceremony. The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, will receive the returnees, with Dr. Julius Marcus-Garvey Jr. leading the way.

The Fourth Door of Return program is scheduled to run from October 19 to 21 in Badagry, Lagos West Senatorial District. The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, emphasized that this event represents not only economic and physical connections but also a spiritual reconnection and a joyous return to the motherland. The event will feature various activities, including unique cultural displays, a boat regatta, and theatrical performances that showcase Lagos's tourist attractions and culture to the world.

Dabiri-Erewa praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his administration's substantial support for the Door of Return event and highlighted the significant economic, physical, and spiritual benefits that this event will bring to signify a return to a door of joy, peace, prosperity, and progress.

Furthermore, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs. T**e Benson-Awoyinka, affirmed the state government's commitment to unveiling the hidden treasures of Badagry and Lagos to the world through the Fourth Door of Return program. She expressed her deep concern about the inhumane treatment that the ancestors endured when taken out of the continent over 400 years ago.

In addition, the Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Tourism and Culture, Hon. Solomon Bonu, pledged the lawmakers' full support within the confines of the law for this significant event.

Hon. Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa, OON, Chairman/CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) attends Nigeria/Diaspora Investment Summit in London, United Kingdom.

In the heart of Africa, a nation so bold,
With stories of strength and courage untold.
Nigeria, the greatest, in history's embrace,
A land of diverse cultures and vibrant grace.

From Lagos to Kano, from Port Harcourt's shore,
A tapestry of beauty that forever will endure.
Rich in traditions, languages, and art,
Nigeria's spirit sets it apart.

In the green fields of the Niger Delta's sway,
To the ancient city of Ile-Ife, where legends play,
Nigeria's greatness shines far and wide,
A beacon of hope, in unity we confide.

Heroes like Nkrumah and Achebe did rise,
With dreams and visions that touched the skies.
In music and literature, they left their mark,
Nigeria's talents illuminate the dark.

Though challenges persist, we stand strong and true,
For the greatest black nation, it's up to me and you,
To build a future where all can thrive,
In this land where hope and dreams revive.

Nigeria, the greatest black nation on Earth,
A place of potential, of immeasurable worth.
With love and unity, we'll reach for the stars,
For Nigeria's greatness is who we are.

Happy Independence Day, Nigerians!

The 6th Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit with the theme: New Vistas, New Aspirations, New Visions: The Diaspora and National Development, will take place at the Banquet Hall, A*o Presidential Villa, Abuja on November 13th -15th, 2023.
For registration, exhibition and sponsorship opportunities, please visit: www.ndisng.com

PRESS RELEASE
DABIRI-EREWA HAILS CHINENYE, OSAGIE, TWO NIGERIAN-AMERICANS ON THEIR NOMINATION BY PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN INTO THE ADVISORY COUNCIL ON AFRICA DIASPORA.

Happy Eid-El Maulud.
May Allah shower his choicest blessings on all those who express sincere and heartfelt happiness at receiving His Greatest Blessing.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's meeting with the Nigerians in Diaspora put together by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission NiDCOM under the Chairmanship of Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa OON, and the Nigerian Mission in the US.

20th Sept., 2023.

NIDCOM Demands Answers from Egyptair Over Tragic Death of Remilekun Toyosi Meshioye.
Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), has formally requested Egyptair to address the tragic death of Nigerian citizen, Ms. Remilekun Toyosi Meshioye, on their September 4, 2023 flight.
In a letter personally delivered by the Commission's Head of Media and Public Relations, to Mr. Majdi Al Aridi, Egyptair's General Manager in Abuja, she expressed deep sorrow over Remilekun's untimely passing.
Dabiri-Erewa's petition emphasized that Remilekun's case came to NIDCOM's attention through a plea from Mrs. Olufunmilola Olaniyi-Alabi, Remilekun's sister based in the UK, acting on behalf of the family.

The Chairman noted that since Remilekun's tragic passing during her flight from Lagos to Cairo, Egyptair has not initiated contact with any family member or her designated next of kin as listed in her travel records.
On behalf of the grieving family and the Federal Government of Nigeria, NIDCOM now seeks transparency regarding the circumstances of Ms. Remilekun Toyosi Meshioye's untimely death on Egyptair's flight.
Dabiri-Erewa, who has conveyed her condolences to the family and prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased's soul, has assured them that justice will be pursued in Remilekun's memory.
Remilekun, aged 41, was en route to London for further studies when the tragedy occurred. She departed Lagos on Egypt Air MS 876 flight to Cairo on September 4, via Murtala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA), Lagos. Regrettably, she fell ill during the flight and was pronounced deceased upon arrival at Cairo International Airport.
According to Mrs. Olufunmilola Olaniyi-Alabi, the family was not notified by the airline but instead received a message from the Nigerian consular office in Cairo, informing them of her in-flight passing. Mrs. Olaniyi-Alabi expressed the family's urgent need for clarification regarding the circumstances of Remilekun's death, repatriating her remains to Nigeria for burial, and retrieving her belongings from the airline's custody.

Abdur-Rahman Balogun
Head of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols Unit
NiDCOM, Abuja.

Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa OON, the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, welcomed a delegation of investors, including members from Wyclef Jean's team such as Jean Alfred, Marques Brown, Princess Jamilah, Yayah Abubakar, Gilbert Hippolyte, and Barrister Kehinde Bada. The purpose of the meeting was to explore and discuss future collaboration opportunities with Nigeria.