As Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) took its Sensitisation and Advocacy Programme to promote diaspora investment across Nigeria, to the South East, Enugu State hosted the first edition in the zone with immediate creation of Diaspora Desks in all the Local Governments.
The State Government stated during the flag off of the programme that it is crucial for the Nigerian Diaspora in driving economic growth and development.
Dr. Peter Mbah, the Governor, represented by Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, in his welcome address, noted the significant contributions of the diaspora through remittances, expertise, and innovation.
Mbah stressed the importance of harnessing these resources for mutual benefit, adding that Enugu is committed to increasing its GDP from $4.4 billion to $30 billion by creating an investor-friendly environment.
In her opening address, Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, NiDCOM, emphasised the need to decentralise diaspora engagement, which will motivate Nigerians in the diaspora, known for their global achievement, to homewards, particularly, in their states.
Dabiri-Erewa highlighted NiDCOM’s ongoing programmes, including the Nigerian Diaspora Day (NDD), Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS) and the Badagry Door of Return Festival, among others, as its avenues to maintain effective diaspora engagement.
She commended the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, for his hospitality and leadership in improving the socio-economic status of Enugu citizens.
Also, Barr. Olangwa Ezekwu, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Diaspora Matters, informed that remittances recorded by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reached $4.22 billion between January and October 2024; with over ₦60 billion sent home during December.
She stressed the need for the South-East to channel resources effectively, particularly as more people look to invest at home.
The programme, which attracted participants both physical and virtual, marks a significant milestone in unlocking the economic potential of diaspora contributions to the South-East and Nigeria at large, which will bring a collaborative pathway to national prosperity.
It will be recalled that a similar summit took place in Lagos for South West zone on Tuesday where stakeholders took part in the exercise.
E-signed:
Abdur-Rahman Balogun (MNiPR),
Director, Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit,
NiDCOM, Abuja.