Fellow Nigerians,

2. However, a last minute change in programme

Compelling me to travel out of the country on short notice has made that impossible. That notwithstanding, I feel I should share my feelings through a representative delegated to deliver this address.

3. Let me say that I share the feeling of frustration and unfulfilled mission that would normally occupy the minds of many of you who had dreamt to live in Switzerland side by side with citizens of this country, a dream propelled by manifold reasons, who have however been declared unwanted to their great disappointment, also for different reasons that I will not want to dwell upon here. I say to you that you should not see your present predicament as the end of road.

4. As the adage goes, where there is a will there is a way.

I want you to see the disappointment as a challenge and urge that you be positive about it, put it behind you and face the future with optimism. I recall that a number of you left the Nigerian shore some years back, when in all intents and purposes, there was visible social and political persecution occasioned by non democratic governance. You preferred then to check out and seek asylum in this country.

5. Since then and in the last six years, a new government has been trying hard to install a purposeful administration and good governance. This is however a demanding task as a destruction process that took many decades cannot be turned over in a couple of years. What you need to know is that although it is a gradual but steady process, Nigeria is fighting hard to get out of the woods, and things will sooner or later change for better and then best.

6. Having said that much, I would like to underscore that it is the responsibility and right of the receiving state to either accept or reject any migrant. This is a practice situated within the framework of international law and practice. I appeal to you to bear this in mind and to know therefore that there is a limit to which you as individual immigrants and even your Embassy can do to change the position of the receiving state in this circumstance.

7. My major concern is therefore the conditions governing return back home. As I presumed you are all aware, there are two options available in this regard – voluntary and involuntary return. The latter is honourable while the former is not. Considering all factors, to my mind, the voluntary which is honourable would naturally appeal to any reasonable human being, and I see you all as reasonable. Arising from this, I urge you to embrace it and preach it to others in similar situation that are not here today.

8. Good enough such voluntary return also attracts some facilities put in place by the Swiss authorities within the framework of bilateral relations between Nigeria and Switzerland. These constitute monetary assistance to those who accept to return home without being forcefully moved, and to the tune of about $6,000.00. While not exactly a princely sum, you would agree that the sum can help who really want to help himself’/herself back home. Some of you have already availed of these facilities. I urge therefore that you all give it serious consideration. Opportunity, it is said, does not come often.

9. The alternative to this is very bitter. It may sound incredible but it is a reality. It is forced repatriation where those who refuse to return on their own are bundled with force into aircraft and flown home to be greeted with shame, Two such flights have already gone and another is scheduled to go in a couple of weeks from now.

10. In conclusion, I will like to state that the Embassy is doing its best, and as the ambassador I want to assure you that I and my officers will continue to do our best within the limit permitted by the circumstances in our host country to render consular assistance to any Nigerian who may require such assistance.

11. On your on part, I urge that you continue to remain good representative of your country and continue to respect the laws of the land where you are, albeit temporarily residing.

12. I wish you the best in all your endeavours.

Joseph U. Ayalogu

Ambassador