A United States-based cleric, Apostle Queen Belemzy, has identified insecurity and extortion at Nigerian airports as major factors discouraging millions of Nigerians in the diaspora from returning home. She made these remarks at a three-day spiritual revival programme, Holy Ghost Encounter, and her birthday celebration in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The event drew attendees from various countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and Dubai.
Apostle Belemzy admitted that she too had struggled with the decision to return to Nigeria. She initially hesitated to announce the programme, despite being directed by God to do so seven weeks prior. The cleric stated that fear of kidnapping and robbery remains a significant deterrent for many diasporans. She emphasized that Nigeria's rich cultural heritage, organic food, and talented individuals should attract citizens abroad, but fear has taken over.
The cleric disclosed that over 20 of her members flew in from abroad for the programme, highlighting the challenges they faced. Apostle Belemzy noted that Nigeria is richly blessed with organic foods, talent, and culture that should ordinarily attract its citizens abroad. However, she lamented that fear has taken over, making it difficult for people to consider returning.
Apostle Belemzy also expressed concern about the high rate of begging and alleged extortion at the airports, describing the experience as discouraging for visitors. She observed that many people in Nigeria are not financially well-off, leading them to beg. The cleric noted that this phenomenon starts at the airport, where visitors are often approached for money.
The cleric narrated an ugly experience encountered by some of her members on arrival at the airport. A lady allegedly forced them to pay $20, threatening that they couldn't pass without payment. One of Apostle Belemzy's members had to intervene and bail them out. She emphasized that such experiences at the airport are discouraging and make visitors question their decision to return.
Apostle Belemzy called on authorities to address insecurity and restore dignity at the nation's entry points to encourage diasporans to reconnect with home. She stressed that removing these obstacles would make people more willing to return to Nigeria. The cleric's remarks highlight the need for the government to tackle these issues and create a more welcoming environment for visitors.
The event, which featured attendees from various countries, demonstrates the potential for spiritual and cultural exchange between Nigerians in diaspora and those at home. Apostle Belemzy's ministry, Queen Belemzy Ministry School of Power, aims to promote spiritual growth and empowerment. Her comments on insecurity and airport extortion serve as a reminder of the challenges that need to be addressed to facilitate greater engagement between diasporans and their homeland.
Key points
- Insecurity and airport extortion are major factors discouraging Nigerians in diaspora from returning home.
- Apostle Queen Belemzy's event drew attendees from Germany, the UK, US, and Dubai.
- The cleric called on authorities to address insecurity and restore dignity at Nigeria's entry points.
