In a landmark move to deepen diaspora contributions to national development, the Zumunta Association USA Inc. has announced that its 2025 Annual Convention will be hosted in Lafia, Nasarawa State. This marks only the second time in its 35-year history that the prestigious gathering will be held on Nigerian soil.
Themed “From Connection to Action: Mobilizing Local Experience and Diasporan Insights for National Development,” the 10-day convention is scheduled for July 14 to 23, 2025, and will coincide with the National Diaspora Day and Diaspora Week events in Abuja from July 25–26.
Speaking during a joint press conference in Abuja, the National President of Zumunta, Mr. Sunday Bitrus, emphasized the Association’s commitment to transitioning from dialogue to action in transforming communities. “This homecoming is not symbolic it’s strategic,” Bitrus said. “We are shifting from connection to action, from diaspora dialogues to real-time delivery at home.”
He highlighted Zumunta’s longstanding scholarship scheme, which has supported over 5,000 science students in Northern Nigeria with over ₦100 million disbursed, alongside other health and humanitarian projects conducted in partnership with more than 30 NGOs.
The convention will feature a comprehensive lineup of programmes including a Free Medical Outreach (July 14–16) at Gudi General Hospital, ICT Training for 1,000 youths (July 14–18) in Lafia, a Golf Classic and Tennis Tournament (July 19–20), and a Strategic Business Meeting on agriculture, mining, health, and housing (July 21).
Other major events included an Opening Ceremony and Plenary Sessions, Gala, Awards and Fundraiser Night (July 22), Stakeholder Engagement and Royal Courtesy Visits (July 23), culminating with participation in national diaspora celebrations in Abuja (July 25–26).
Representing the Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Commission’s Secretary, Dr. Sule Yakubu Bassi, described the forthcoming convention as a milestone in diaspora engagement. “Zumunta is demonstrating that the diaspora is not just watching, they are working,” he said.
Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, a former National President of Zumunta, conveyed his excitement via Princess Margaret Elayo, Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources. “As a proud alumnus of Zumunta, I understand its vision, values, and capacity,” he stated, pledging full state support and highlighting investment opportunities in agriculture, mining, health, ICT, and education.
Founded in 1991 in New York, Zumunta Association USA Inc. remains a non-partisan, non-religious organization dedicated to national development through structured diaspora engagement.
