An attorney and founder of Diaspora District in the United States, Manal Al-Ansi, has called for the formal adoption of 25 July as Global Diaspora Day.
Al-Ansi believes the moved will deepen global unity and strengthen engagement among diaspora communities worldwide.
In a statement by Gabriel Odu of the Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the proposal was presented during a strategic meeting with the Chairman/CEO, Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in Lagos, South-West Nigeria.
Al-Ansi applauded Nigeria’s leadership in institutionalising its National Diaspora Day, celebrated annually on 25 July, and emphasised the value of elevating the occasion to a global platform.
According to her, designating a unified date would “promote shared identity, collaboration, and a sense of belonging among diaspora groups across continents.”
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She added that such recognition would support coordinated activities across cities worldwide, enabling diaspora members from diverse cultures to connect and feel welcomed within a broader global community.
Dabiri-Erewa expressed NiDCOM’s support for the initiative, affirming the Commission’s readiness to partner with Al-Ansi in pursuing global recognition for the date.
She also highlighted the significance of the Badagry Door of Return Festival held every October, describing it as “an emotional, historic journey through a preserved slave trade route, an experience she encouraged Al-Ansi to witness.”
NiDCOM noted that the proposed Global Diaspora Day aligns with ongoing efforts to strengthen connections between Nigeria, Africa, and the global diaspora community.