'We remain committed to welfare of Nigerians,' Nigerian Union

The Nigeria Union in South Africa said on Sunday that it was committed to the welfare of Nigerians and the protection of their interests in that country.

The President of the union, Mr Ikechukwu Anyene, said this in a Christmas message to Nigerians in South Africa.

A statement issued in Pretoria by the Public Relations Officer of the union, Mr Emeka Ezinteje, quoted Anyene as saying that the body would use all legal means to protect the interests of Nigerians in South Africa.

The statement also quoted Anyene as urging Nigerians to embrace the identity card project initiated by the union and the Nigerian Consulate in South Africa.

`` The identity card project is important for all Nigerians living in South Africa.

`` It has features that contains the vital data of the individual.

`` It also saves Nigerians the burden of carrying their international passports around with the attendant risk of losing it," he said.

Anyene, according to the statement , urged Nigerians to remain law abiding and respect the laws of South Africa.

`` We equally urge our members travelling home for the Christmas season to be cautious and be law abiding.

`` There is no place like home and we enjoin our people to celebrate the Christmas knowing that much still needs to be done after the celebration,’’ he said.