Nigerians in the Diaspora have been called upon to invest in Nigeria’s healthcare, agriculture, real estate, and other sectors of the economy.
The Chairman Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa, made the call during a courtesy visit paid to her by the Little London and Woodhouse Ward Labour Councillor, Abigail Marshall Katung, at the Commission’s Headquarters, in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
The Secretary to the Commission, Dr Yakubu Sule Bassi, who represented the NiDCOM Boss emphasized the importance of engaging the Nigerian diaspora in the country’s policies, projects, and overall development.
“With over 17 million Nigerians residing abroad, the establishment of the Commission was a strategic move to harness the immense human capital and material resources available within the diaspora community for Nigeria’s socio-economic, cultural, and political advancement.”
Mr Bassi further highlighted that the Diaspora’s contribution to the nation is crucial, referring to the “Diaspora Phenomenon” as the new deal.
According to him “Three areas exist through which Nigerians in the diaspora could make significant impact. These include resources, talents, and skills. There is need for Diasporans to uphold the 3-point Agenda for Nigerians living abroad. Diasporans are to be exemplary ambassadors wherever they are; excel in whatever they do; remain connected to their homeland, and give back to their communities”.
Imparting knowledge
Also speaking the Little London and Woodhouse Ward Labour Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, a Nigerian-born politician from Kaduna state, expressed her delight at being recognized by her home country. She expressed her joy in visiting Nigeria and her commitment to collaborating with NiDCOM.
“I am honoured of being recognized by my home country, which has given me an advantage over my colleagues in the UK”.
She said that having left Nigeria over 20 years ago, her passion for education and involvement in medical and educational recruitment, has helped in facilitating Nigerian students’ admission into UK institutions. She highlighted her focus on empowering young women through a mentorship scheme, which involves mentoring 12 individuals each year, with an emphasis on the girl child. She stressed that “mentorship is about imparting skills and not solely about financial gains“.
Abigail Marshall Katung recently made history as the first African and Nigerian to be elected as a member of the Leeds City Council in the UK. With an overwhelming majority of votes (1,749 votes), she emerged as the Councillor for the Little London and Woodhouse Ward, UK.
Since its inception 4 years ago, the Commission has implemented various programmes to celebrate diasporans, such as the National Diaspora Day, Diaspora Investment Summit, the Badagry Door of Return, and most recently, the Global African Diaspora Symposium.
Emmanuel Ukoh
