Hon. Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians In Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has advised Nigerians planning to travel out of Nigeria not to follow short corners and engage in irregularities in the immigration process.
She said though freedom of movement is a basic human right,she therefore urged those who have traveled out to abide by the laws of their countries of residence and be good Ambassadors of Nigeria.
NiDCOM Boss gave this advice on Thursday while briefing Journalists on the programme of events for 2024 National Diaspora Day celebrations and Diaspora Merit Awards scheduled to hold in Abuja.
In her words;”Another year for us at the Commission means another opportunity to stand on the threshold to commemorate the National Diaspora Day/ Diaspora Merit Awards to appreciate our outstanding Nigerians in the Diaspora.
“This year’s theme Japa Phenomena and its Implications for National Development, is very timely as it aptly describes the country’s migration status especially within our youth population
‘Japa is a Yoruba word which mean to flee or escape has overnight become the trademark for Nigerians leaving the country for better opportunities abroad.
“Factors such as economic instability, security concerns, and inadequate standard of living are ranked high among reasons for the exodus of Nigerians abroad.
“The consequence of this phenomenon is the decline of strong human resources because most of the Nigerians relocating are the youths. This in turn, makes a downward turn on labour and productivity in the country.
“However, we have to turn our lemons into lemonades. Today, we change the story by celebrating those vibrant Nigerians who are making positive impacts in the Diaspora and making the country very proud. Also those who while abroad are contributing positively to National Development”.
She added”The National Diaspora Day Celebrations is a call to action for us all; public and private driven sectors, government agencies and the media. This phenomenon demands our collective attention to find ways to leverage the expertise and resources of our Diaspora for national development.
“On our part as the sole government agency for Diaspora affairs for Nigeria, we will host the second edition of the National Diaspora Merit Awards, after its maiden outing last year.
“The Awards ceremony as usual recognises wonderful Diaspora Nigerians in the areas of agriculture, business, health, leadership, philanthropy, sports, education, entertainment, technology, industry etc.
“The 2024 NDD celebrations will include the following:
An opening Ceremony with a special Address by His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
Discussion of the THEME: – “JAPA Phenomena and Its Implications for National Development”
Goodwill messages from International Organisations/Partners dealing with Diaspora matters.
Solidarity messages by prominent Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora.
Presentations on special Diaspora projects by Nigerians in Diaspora Commission.
Presentations on Investment projects by members of the Diaspora community in Nigeria.
Celebrity Interview- Diaspora Role Model.
Home Strings Programme for the 2nd and 3rd generation of Nigerians in the Diaspora.
National Diaspora Merit Award 2024 and Dinner”.
The events venue for the NDD 2024 celebrations will be at the State House Conference Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, by 14hrs (WAT) on Thursday, the 25th of July and Diaspora Merit Award on Friday, the 26th of July 2024 at 17hrs (WAT) respectively.
In light of the above, you are cordially invited as a SPECIAL GUEST to the National Diaspora Day 2024 celebrations on the 25th of July, 2024.
For further enquiries, please contact [email protected] OR the Local Organizing Committee Chairman, Mr. Abiodun Akanbi – +2347039266676 (Call/WhatsApp). The registration link for the event: https://nidcom.gov.ng/diasporaday2024/
