The Nigeria Union in South Africa said on Thursday that it had concluded arrangements to launch an identity card for Nigerians in the nine provinces of that country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event is scheduled for Saturday in Johannesburg.

The Secretary of the union, Mr Adetola Olubajo, told NAN in Pretoria, South Africa, that the identity card was vital for Nigerians living in South Africa.

`` The Nigerian community will launch the Consular Identity Card to ensure proper identification of Nigerians.

`` It will also check incidence of impersonation of Nigerians by citizens of other countries.

``Also, the card will ensure that Nigerians won’t have to carry their passports around.

`` The card will further assist the union to ascertain the number of Nigerians in South Africa and serve as proper form of identification for Nigerians,’’ he said.

Olubajo also said the union would hold its national congress the same day and launch a publication known as NaiRand News.

He said Nairand News would be used to tell the stories of Nigerians living in South Africa.

According to him, delegates from the nine provinces of South Africa will attend the congress and elect 10 officials who will be part of the executive of the union. (NAN)

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