The Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission NiDCOM has said Nigerians living abroad possessed immense potential as catalyst and contributors to Nigeria’s national development.
She said over 17 million Nigerians abroad were performing feats, internationally in the fields of Education, Medicine, Health, Sports, Media & Entertainment, Leadership & Politics, Finance, Science & ICT, Transportation, Tourism, Industry and Agribusiness. She said their skills, knowledge, network and experiences are indispensable assets which can be harnessed to bolster Nigeria’s progress and development.
Dabiri-Erewa disclosed this today in Abuja at a World Press Conference in commemoration of the 17th Annual National Diaspora Day 2023, scheduled to hold July 25-26, 2023.The theme for 2023 National Diaspora Day is “Consolidating Diaspora Engagement for National
Development”.
Dabiri-Erewa said”We must accept that the Diaspora characterises a powerful force for change- not because of the financial remittances, but because they pose a lot more than the figures remitted. They are the link to our past and present, and possibly our hope for a better future for Nigeria.
“These men and women from Nigeria, therefore, must be intentionally celebrated in every possible way for their role as Ambassadors of our dear country globally; trendsetters in various walks of life but most importantly in encouraging them to invest in the sustainable growth of the country. Hence, the celebrations each year is to recognise them and mainstream them into our national development agenda.
“Today, I stand to address you, Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora on the celebrations of the National Diaspora Day (NDD) 2023. As you know, the National Diaspora Day Celebrations is an annual event in Nigeria to celebrate and recognise the contributions of Nigerians in the Diaspora to national development.
“This is as prescribed by the National Diaspora Policy 2021, Section 2.3.4. as approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
“This event is the 17th edition after its declaration in 2006 and is the fifth in the
series since the establishment of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) in May 2019.
“Each year is thematic as it poses a general agenda for the Diasporas and
stakeholders in Diaspora engagement to deliberate upon. Last year’s occasion
discussed “Diaspora Engagement in Global Challenging Times for National
Development”, which reflected on emerging issues, such as food security,
insecurity and the Russia-Ukraine war since post-COVID-19, which adversely
affected the world and the contributions of Nigerians in the Diaspora in national
development.
“Nigeria, as a nation, is blessed with rich and diverse diaspora population, worldwide”.
NiDCOM boss said this year celebration is the first under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.and It will consist of:
• An opening ceremony with goodwill messages by invited dignitaries
• Presidential address by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
• A panel discussion on the theme, Consolidating Diaspora Engagements for
National Development in Nigeria
• Celebrity Interview Segment
• Presentation by the State Diaspora Focal Point Officers (SDFPOs)
•Presentation by the 2nd and 3rd generation Nigerians in Diaspora
• Visit to selected Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as, Diaspora initiatives
• First time Diaspora Merit Awards in various sectors: Global Diaspora Icon,
Education, Engineering, Medicine & Healthcare, ICT, Philanthropy,
Humanitarian and Leadership.
•And many other activities.
Dabiri-Erewa maintained that Consolidating Diaspora Engagements for National Development cannot be overlooked.
“Our diaspora community is a vast low hanging fruit of untapped resources, and by harnessing their expertise, investments, and cultural influence, we can launch Nigeria towards greater heights.
“This quest is a joint effort for the Government, Private & Public sectors, the Diaspora and other strategic stakeholders in effective Diaspora Engagement to come on board to bridge the gap and build a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria that benefits from the mutual strength and prowess of its sons and daughters, home and abroad.
“I therefore invite you to attend the National Diaspora Day 2023, either as an in-person attendee or, as a virtual attendee. You are also called upon to register on the NiDCOM website: www.nidcom.gov.ng in order to attend.
The National Diaspora Day main event will hold on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at the State House Conference Centre, Presidential Villa, Abuja, while the Diaspora Merit Awards is scheduled for Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at the same venue
