The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of 21-year-old Nigerian student Qayyum Balogun in Dublin, Ireland, describing the incident as a tragic loss to his family and the nation.
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa, conveyed her condolences to the bereaved family, saying the untimely death of the young student had plunged the Nigerian community at home and abroad into mourning.
Describing the incident as heartbreaking and deeply unfortunate, Dabiri-Erewa said, “His death is a painful loss of a bright and promising young man whose life was cut short in the prime of his youth.”
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Qayyum, a third-year computer science student at Maynooth University, was widely regarded as a peaceful, disciplined and hard-working young man who aspired to become a computer engineer.
The NiDCOM chairman noted that beyond the devastating impact on his immediate family, the loss was also a setback for Nigeria, which continues to celebrate the achievements and contributions of its young citizens across the world.
According to her, every Nigerian, regardless of where they reside, deserves to live, study and pursue their dreams in a safe and secure environment.
She expressed confidence that the ongoing investigation by the Irish authorities would be thorough, transparent and concluded without delay to ensure justice is served.
“We are confident that the Irish authorities will carry out a thorough, transparent and expedited investigation so that justice is served and anyone found responsible is held accountable in accordance with the law,” she said.
Dabiri-Erewa also commended the Nigerian Embassy in Ireland, members of the Nigerian community and all individuals and organisations that have supported the Balogun family during the difficult period.
She prayed for God’s comfort and strength for the bereaved family and for the peaceful repose of Qayyum’s soul.
The NiDCOM boss reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to Nigerians in the diaspora, urging them to remain law-abiding while continuing to uphold the values of excellence, resilience and patriotism for which Nigerians are widely recognised.
