The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, (NIDCOM) says for Africa to experience socio-economic resurgence, prosperity and development, the key lies with Africans at home and across the globe.
The NiDCOM Chairman/CEO, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, states this when she received a delegation from Zimbabwe led by its High Commissioner to Nigeria, Maxwell Ranga, on a study tour of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, in Abuja, Nigeria.
Dabiri-Erewa expressed joy that more African States are beginning to recognise the worth of their Diasporas, as she noted that these Diasporas are the catalysts for a progressive continent and cannot be ignored.
She asserted that this intentionality can produce a synergy between Africans and Africans in the diaspora, to proffer solutions that will revive the socio-economic situation of the continent and building the Africa of our dreams.
The NIDCOM Boss explained that the commission being the official Agency for diaspora relations and engagement in Nigeria, has taken pragmatic steps in her engagement and empowerment of the Nigerian Diaspora.
Some of the steps include but not limited to: the Nigerian Diaspora Investment Summit, the National Diaspora Day and National Diaspora Merit Awards, the Diaspora Housing Scheme, the Badagry Door of Return Festival, Diaspora Medical Outreaches, Presidential Diaspora Townhall Meetings, Interventions, the Establishment of the NiDCOM Act and the formation of the National Diaspora Policy, as well as, partnering with non-political and professional diaspora groups and government agencies that align with the Commission’s objectives, mandates and goals, among others.
Dabiri-Erewa expressed that it has been rewarding as many of Nigerians outside the country are enthusiastic about being active participants in Nigerian affairs, particularly in homeward investments.
“So far, it is nice to see especially the younger ones getting involved and wanting to invest in one form or another, and we support them in our capacity in order to encourage them”, she said.
The NiDCOM Chairman/CEO, therefore, urged the Zimbabwean Government to create an agency that deals strictly with their diaspora, stating that “It is not about the numbers but what they are able to do.”
She added that the dedicated agency should be a strong environment that will engage, enable and empower the Zimbabwean Diaspora, effectively.
The NIDCOM Boss stressed further the importance of rewriting Nigeria’s narrative through its diaspora to counteract the negative reportage by the western media.
“Here, we find regular means of celebrating our diasporas to tell the world that not all Nigerians are frauds. Most times, the western media are quick to spread the negative stories about Nigeria but hardly will you see such energy when something good is done by a Nigerian
“Therefore, it is up to us to tell the world who we truly are as Nigerians”, she added.
Zimbabwean High Commissioner to Nigeria, Maxwell Ranga on his part lauded Nigeria’s tactical forwardness in her engagement with her diaspora for nation building.
The Zimbabwean Envoy commended the astute leadership of Abike Dabiri-Erewa in bringing not only the Nigerian Diaspora closer to Nigeria but also the entire continent.
“We are here to learn from the best, our big brother, Nigeria and we happy to be here”, he said.
He stressed that he was keen to replicate the Nigerian model in Zimbabwe, in terms of diaspora relations and engagement.
The Envoy added that Zimbabwe had its first Investment Forum and Homecoming event, last year, which drew all Zimbabweans worldwide and expressed his desire to have the NiDCOM Boss as a guest speaker at the second edition which will hold in April, this year.
Also, the Director Bilateral Trade and Diaspora, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Zimbabwe, Mrs Sienzeni Mateta said that the Ministry is hugely invested in this project to properly harness the material, intellectual and human resources Zimbabwe has to offer in terms of diaspora engagement for national development.
The Study Tour of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) by Zimbabwe makes a total of Eight countries after Ethiopia, Tanzania Namibia, Ghana, South Korea and Southetn African Development Community, (SADC).
Comments are closed.