Over 5,000 Nigerian women are currently stranded in Iraq, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has disclosed. The Chairman of the Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, revealed this shocking information while addressing participants at a seminar in Lagos. These women were sent to Iraq as caregivers but ended up stranded and facing uncertain futures.
Nigerian Women Stranded Abroad
According to Daily Trust, many Nigerians, especially women, find themselves stranded in foreign countries after falling victim to promises of jobs through irregular means. These women are left in dire situations, struggling to find a way back home and facing the challenges of being in a foreign land with no support system.
Heartbreaking Stories
Dabiri-Erewa shared a heartbreaking account of a husband who sent his wife to Iraq to work as a caregiver, only for the woman to tragically pass away. The Nigerian Mission is now tasked with bringing back the deceased woman’s body, adding another layer of complexity to an already devastating situation. The Chairman emphasized the risks associated with seeking greener pastures abroad and highlighted the need to explore opportunities within Nigeria to avoid such tragedies.
Opportunities for Diasporan Investment
Despite the challenges facing Nigeria, Dabiri-Erewa stressed that there are significant investment opportunities within the country. The workshop aimed to educate participants about the untapped potential for investment in Nigeria and encourage those in the diaspora to consider investing in their home country. She highlighted the importance of creating pathways for investment and fostering economic development through diasporan contributions.
Through the workshop, the Group Managing Director of G-Consulting, Dr. Godfrey Ajayi Sunday, announced plans to mobilize over $100 million in funding to support participants interested in starting businesses in partnership with the diaspora. Various investment opportunities in real estate, agriculture, and other sectors were presented as viable options for those looking to invest in Nigeria and contribute to its economic growth.
As the event concluded, participants were urged to shift their focus away from irregular migration and towards seizing the potential for growth and development within Nigeria. The stories of the stranded Nigerian women in Iraq serve as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with seeking opportunities abroad and the importance of exploring the wealth of possibilities available within their own country.
