The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has expressed profound sadness over the death of 21-year-old Nigerian student, Qayyum Balogun, in Dublin, Ireland, describing the incident as a tragic loss to his family, the Nigerian community and the nation.
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, conveyed the Commission's condolences in a statement issued by the Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, Abdur-Rahman Balogun.
She described the late Balogun as a promising young Nigerian whose life and aspirations were cut short at a time when he was pursuing his academic and professional dreams.
Balogun, a third-year Computer Science student at Maynooth University, was known among friends and colleagues as a peaceful, disciplined and hardworking young man with a strong ambition to become a computer engineer.
According to Dabiri-Erewa, the loss extends beyond the Balogun family, noting that Nigeria has been deprived of a talented young citizen whose future held great promise.
She maintained that Nigerians living abroad deserve to pursue their education, careers and other aspirations in an environment that guarantees their safety, dignity and security.
The NiDCOM Chairman expressed confidence that the investigation being conducted by the Irish authorities would be comprehensive, transparent and concluded without unnecessary delay, while ensuring that anyone found culpable is brought to justice in accordance with the law.
Dabiri-Erewa also appreciated the efforts of the Nigerian Embassy in Ireland, members of the Nigerian community and other well-wishers who have stood by the bereaved family and provided support during the difficult period.
She prayed for God's comfort and strength for the family to bear the irreparable loss and also prayed for the peaceful repose of Qayyum Balogun's soul.
The NiDCOM boss reaffirmed the Commission's unwavering commitment to protecting the interests and welfare of Nigerians in the diaspora, urging citizens abroad to remain law-abiding while continuing to uphold the values of excellence, resilience and patriotism that distinguish Nigerians around the world.