The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Channels Television, John Momoh, has called for stronger collaboration between Nigeria and its diaspora community to harness global expertise and accelerate the transformation of the nation’s healthcare system.
Momoh made the call while delivering the keynote address at the 2026 National Diaspora Day Celebration and National Diaspora Merit Awards held in Abuja, where he described the event as a celebration of excellence, patriotism, and the enduring bond between Nigeria and its citizens across the globe.
Drawing from the proverb, “No matter how far a river flows, it never forgets its source,” Momoh said the Nigerian diaspora continues to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the country’s development through outstanding contributions in healthcare and other critical sectors worldwide.
He observed that while Nigerians have excelled across the globe, the country must create the right environment for its talented citizens to contribute meaningfully to national development.
The veteran broadcaster commended the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) for providing a platform that connects Nigerians abroad with development initiatives at home, noting that “when knowledge travels back home, everyone wins.”
Momoh stressed that healthcare should no longer be viewed merely as a social service but as critical national infrastructure requiring sustained collaboration among government, the private sector, healthcare professionals, and Nigerians in the diaspora.
He urged the nation to move beyond celebrating the achievements of healthcare professionals abroad and instead build practical partnerships that encourage knowledge exchange, skills transfer, research collaboration, and improved healthcare delivery.
According to him, harnessing the multiplier effect of diaspora engagement is essential for sustainable national development, describing human capital as Nigeria’s greatest asset.
“Every nation’s greatest resource is not what lies beneath the ground, but what lives in its people,” he said, expressing confidence that Nigeria’s resilience, innovation, and determination would overcome existing challenges.
Addressing Nigerians in the diaspora, Momoh thanked them for projecting the country’s image positively through excellence in their various professions, while reminding them that patriotism is best demonstrated through meaningful contributions to national development.
He also encouraged young Nigerians to maximise available opportunities, stressing that true success is measured not only by personal achievements but by the opportunities created for others.
Congratulating recipients of the National Diaspora Merit Awards, Momoh described the recognition as a celebration of excellence, sacrifice, and outstanding service to the nation, urging them to continue serving as worthy ambassadors of Nigeria while opening doors for others.
He concluded by calling on all stakeholders to strengthen partnerships, build trust, and translate the expertise of Nigerians in the diaspora into practical solutions that will deliver a resilient healthcare system, improve citizens’ wellbeing, and drive national development.
