From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has successfully facilitated the return of Adeola, the 41-year-old daughter of veteran Yoruba actress Jumoke George, who had been missing for four years and was recently found in Mali.
Adeola was discovered stranded in Mali without valid travel documents, unable to make her way back home. Her disappearance first came to public attention when Jumoke George revealed the distressing news during an emotional interview on the popular “Talk to B” show hosted by actress Biola Adebayo.
Jumoke shared that Adeola had been living with her grandmother in Ibadan and was last seen after informing the family she was traveling to Lagos.
Following the interview, Biola Adebayo took immediate action by contacting Adeola and confirming her whereabouts in Mali. She then liaised with the Nigerian Embassy in Mali and NiDCOM, under the leadership of its Chairman/CEO Abike Dabiri-Erewa, to coordinate Adeola’s safe repatriation.
In a statement issued on Monday, NiDCOM reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and welfare of Nigerians abroad, particularly those in distressing or exploitative situations.
The commission did not provide full details of the conditions under which Adeola was discovered in Mali but assured that she would receive necessary support, including psychosocial care and reintegration assistance.
Jumoke George, who is currently undergoing medical treatment in Lagos, visibly emotional, expressed gratitude to NiDCOM and everyone involved in reuniting her with her daughter and expressed immense relief and gratitude upon hearing the news of her daughter’s safe return.