1.0. INTRODUCTION
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) successfully hosted the annual National Diaspora Day celebrations on the 25th and 26th of July, 2023. This was the 17th Edition and the 5rd to be held by NiDCOM with the theme, “Consolidating Diaspora Engagement for National Development”. It held at the Conference Center of the Aso Villa, Abuja and it was a hybrid event, with a number of participants both present in person and online via Zoom.
1.1 By virtue of the National Diaspora Policy 2021, the 25th of July every year is prescribed as the National Diaspora Day (NDD). The National Diaspora Day is a day set aside to recognize and celebrate the achievements of Nigerians in Diaspora as well as discuss various issues affecting the Diaspora community and most importantly, ways to engage with them towards the economic and sociopolitical development of the nation.
1.2 Physical attendance include:
◦ H. E President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR; The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria ably represented by the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Olufemi H. Gbajabiamila
◦ Sen Godswill Akpabio; The President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria represented the Deputy Chief of Staff Rt. Hon Sylviok Okehere PhD
◦ Sen. Dr. George Akume CON; The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) ably represented by Permanent Secretary, General Services Office [GSO], Office of the SGF Mr Ebere Maurice Nnamdi, PhD FCA ACTI
◦ H.E. Prof. Babagana Zulum; The Executive Governor of Borno State, ably represented by the Deputy Governor of Borno State H.E Hon Umar Usman Khadafur,
◦ H.E. Dr. Peter Mbah; The Executive Governor of Enugu State ably represented by Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidi Onyia
◦ Amb. Adamu Ibrahim Lamuwa; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ably represented by the Director overseeing the office of the Permanent Secretary Ambassador Samson Itegboje,
◦ Honorable Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa OON; Chairman/CEO, NiDCOM
◦ Dr. Laurent De Boeck; Chief of Mission, International Organization for Migration [IOM], represented by Mrs Elizabeth Poage,
◦ Engr Dr Sule Yakubu Bassi; Secretary NiDCOM
◦ Engr. Aliyu Abubakar Aziz; Director-General, National Identity Management Commission [NIMC] ably represented by Mrs. Hadiza Ali- Dagabana
◦ Adepoju Carol Wura-Ola; Ag. Comptroller-General Nigeria Immigration Service [NIS] ably represented by the Comprtoller FCT Command Chief Tony Akuneme
◦ Dr. Chioma N. Ejikeme; Execuitve Secretary Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate [PTAD]
◦ Dr Akinwunmi Adesina; President of the African Development Bank [AfDB] represented by the DG African Development Bank [AfDB] Nigeria Country Department, Mr Lamin Baro
◦ Mr Babatunde Irokera; Executive Vice Chairman/CEO Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission [FCPPC]
◦ Engr. Jelani Aliyu MFR; The Director-General, National Automotive Design and Development Council [NADDC]
◦ Dr Suraj Dankardo; Sarkin Hausa One of Europe
◦ Mrs Rose Ndon; Executive Commissioner Exploration Anchorage Management, Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission [NUPRC]
◦ Mr Madu Hamman; The Managing Director, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria [FMBN]
◦ Brig. Gen Y. D. Ahmed; The Director-General, National Youth Service Corps [NYSC] ably represented by Mr Abdullahi Yusuf
◦ Delegates from the various Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO) groups,
◦ State Diaspora Focal Point Officers from various states of the Federation.
◦ Royal fathers of the day
◦ Members of the Armed Forces,
◦ Management staff of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission [NiDCOM]
◦ Members of the Press.
1.3 Virtual attendees include:
◦ H. E. Ambassador Yakubu Abdullahi Ahmed; From the Nigerian Embassy in Doha, Qatar
◦ Hon Tolulope Akande-Sadipe; Former Chairman House Committee on Diaspora Affairs
◦ Professor Sola Robert Okojie; ICT/Research Expert for the Themed discussion.
◦ Professor Akintunde E. Akinade; Education expert for the Themed discussion.
◦ Chisom Ilogu, Aisha Rimi and Ajayi Erogbogbo; 2nd and 3rd Generation Diaspora for the ‘Home Strings’ segment.
◦ Registered participants that logged in via Zoom, Facebook and other social media platforms from around the world.
2.0. OVERVIEW
2.1. Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa OON in her Opening Address welcomed all participants to the 17th Edition of the National Diaspora Day 2023 and the 5th to be hosted by NiDCOM. She acknowledged the work being done by some of the Diaspora groups (the NIDO UK South, NIDO Europe and NIDO Americas groups) who came for “A Week in Nigeria Programs” of the Diaspora Day, and urged the Diaspora community to keep working together to engage, harness and deploy the “talents, skills, resources as well as global exposure of Nigerians in the Diaspora for national development”. She highlighted that this year’s edition of the Diaspora Day was special because it will be the first time that NiDCOM will host the Diaspora Merit Award. She also higlighted the take-off challenges of NIDCOM and calls on the Federal Government to address same for effective engagement with the diaspora.
2.2. H.E Hon Umar Usman Khadafur (the Deputy-Governor of Borno State) in the Special Remarks noted that the Diaspora Day is truly an important national event, because Nigerians in the Diaspora represent an important contribution to National Development through the diaspora remittances and human capital investment. He also highlighted the key roles the various Diaspora groups play most especially in creating forums for social networking and ideas exchange. He noted that this year’s theme was very apt, as it best captures the country’s appreciation of the Nigerians in the Diaspora towards national development. He also charged States to provide an enabling environment as well as waivers aimed at attracting Diasporas to invest their resources in the development of the motherland, with NiDCOM serving as a middleman between both sides. Agriculture is a mainstay for Borno State, and the government is inviting investment in this industry, as well as in Education and Health.
2.3. Hon. Olufemi H. Gbajabiamila (the Chief of Staff to the President) in the Presidential Address he read praised the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM for her success as the Chairman/CEO thus far. His Excellency also assured that all deliberate efforts will be made to involve the Nigerian community in the Diaspora in the design, implementation and review of Public Policy Plans and Programs. The President assured the diasporas that he is willing to and will continue to engage with the Nigerian Diaspora Community through the Presidential Diaspora Town-Hall meetings as they arise. This government is a Diaspora friendly government and will continue to provide an enabling environment to encourage diaspora engagement for nation building, the President emphasized.
2.4. A major highlight of the Diaspora Day celebrations was the Celebrity Interview with Prof. Ali Pate (Public Health Leadership, Harvard University), anchored by the Chairman/CEO Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, OON as well as Miss Kanyinsola Adetumbi in which he highlighted that the Diaspora is an asset to the country and charged NIDCOM through the Chairman to see how it can harness these assets towards national development. It remains a gain to the country in the Health Sector. The future of health sector is promising, but only if the country and its officials put in the work to make it so. He re-eriterated the urgent need for the Nigerians in the Diaspora to stay connected to Nigeria for national development.
2.5. The event featured Goodwill Messages from Sen. Godswill Akpabio (Senate President, ably represented) who identified the need to consolidate and harness the Diaspora connection and engagement for nation building at these auspicious times, especially in the exploration of the review of the Diaspora Voting Bill. In another goodwill message delivered by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Sen. Dr. George Akume CON (ably represented) charged that we should continue to celebrate all our world icons in their fields of endeavor, and assured that the Government will continue to support the efforts of NIDCOM. Other goodwill messages came from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate [PTAD]) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). They all recognized the contributions of Nigerians in the Diaspora and look forward to working with them for national development.
2.6. A Diaspora Champions Discussion panel took place, with the topic of “Immigrants in the Political Space – Journey so far Challenges and Prospects” with the discussants participating via Zoom. Participants on this panel include: Dr Oye Owolewa (US House of Representatives, DC), Mrs Carol Kazeem (Councilwoman, Pennsylvania House of Representatives) and Dr. Adekunle Osibogun (Deputy Mayor of Buckingham UK). This panel was moderated by Madam Lara Okunobi of the Nigerian American Public Affairs Committee [NAPAC] USA. All the participants stated that as much as they are celebrated for excelling in their host countries, they are looking for how to contribute their quota towards national development.
2.7. A Themed Discussion on the topic “Consolidating Diaspora Engagement for National Development” also took place. Participants on this panel included Omo Naija (Health Sector), Dr John Abraham Godson (Agriculture Sector) Dr. Alhassan Wurno (Transportation), Mr Wale Rabiu (Industries Sector) and Prof Anthony Segun Adebulugbe (Energy Sector) joining in person while Prof Akintude E. Akinade (Educaion) and Professor Sola Robert Okojie (ICT/REsearch) participating virtually via Zoom. This segment was moderated by the Director-General, Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa [DTCA] Ambassador Rabiu Dagari, mni. All stressed the need for Nigerians in the Diaspora to contribute their quota to national development.
2.8. The Home String Segment of the programme, hosted by Mrs Aisha Dankano focused on the 2nd and 3rd generation Nigerians who reside in the Diaspora who shared their experiences, future dreams and ambitions as it relates to their aspirations for the development of Nigeria. Speaking at this segment for the first time were Ada Ari (Promoting African language and legacy throughout the United States) and Mubarak Mahmud (Agriculture PhD student) who were present at the venue, as well as Aisha Rimi (Writing and Journalism). Returning to the Home Strings Segment were Chisom Ilogu (focusing on the Festac ‘77 documentary) and Mr. Ajayi Erogbogbo (Youth Leaders and Political Advocay) who participated via Zoom.
2.9. The crowning event of the National Diaspora Day 2023 celebrations was the first ever National Diaspora Merit Award, which was held on July 26th 2023. This was established to acknowledge, celebrate and honor Nigerians in the Diaspora who are excelling in their host countries and imparting development in Nigeria. The pioneer awardees are as follows:
S/N NAMES CATEGORY STATE OF ORIGIN COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE
1. Amina J. Mohammed Global Diaspora Icon Gombe United States of America
2. Dr Mrs Ngozi Okonjo-Eweala Global Diaspora Icon Delta Switzerland
3. Dr Akinwumi Adesina Global Diaspora Icon Oyo Cote
d’Ivoire
4. Prof. Emeritus Augustine O. Esogbue Engineering/Leadership Delta United States of America
5. Prof Geoffrey O. Okogba Education/Leadership Rivers United State of America
6. Prof. Mohammed Kabiru Farouk Education/Leadership Kano United State of America
7. Prof. Mobolaji Ebenezer Aluko Education/Leadership Ekiti United Kingdom
8. Prof. Rotimi Jayesimi Medicine and Health Care Oyo United Kingdom
9. Dr. Jonathan Obaje Medicine and Health Care Kogi Singapore
10. Dr. Oluyinka O. Olutoye Medicine and Health Care Ondo United States of America
11. Prof. Manny C. Aniebonam Information Communication Technology (ICT) Anambra United States of America
12. Chief Olawuyi Folarin Alao Philanthropy Oyo United Kingdom
13. Mr Kunle Adeyanju Philanthropy Kwara United Kingdom
14. Engr. Jelani Aliyu Engineering/ Leadership Sokoto United State of America
15. King Wale Adesanya Humanitarian/ Diaspora Mobiliser Lagos Canada
16. Ms Lola Visser-Mabogunje Humanitarian/ Diaspora Mobiliser Ogun Cote d’Ivoire
17. Dr. John Abraham Godson Politics/Agriculture Abia Poland
18. Dr Philip Ozuah Philanthropy/Health Delta United States of America
19. Lewis Bolaji Finance and Economics Lagos United Kingdom
20. Ahmed Musa Philanthropy/Sports Kano Turkey
21. Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Ogbonna-Erondu State Diaspora Focal Point Abia Nigeria
22. Nigerians Canadian Business Network (NCBN) Philanthropy/Support Group Canada
23. Association of Nigerian Physicians in America (ANPA) Philanthropy/Support Group United State of America
24. Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation – NIDO UK South Philanthropy/ Support Group United Kingdom
25. Zumunta Association USA Inc. Philanthropy/Support Group United State of America
2.10. Senator Ned Nwoko informed the conference that he is championing a bill at the National Assembly that will amend the Constitution to include Diaspora Voting. He noted that it will not be an easy task, but that Nigerians in the Diaspora should not relent in mobilizing efforts for this to happen and encouraged their contributions towards national development.
2.11. There were exciting and thrilling performances by the ever talented OreOfe Sax, Christina Igbokwe, a cultural performance from the National Council of Arts and Culture, a musical session from Canadian based artiste Oluwa Toni and a performance from popular Nigerian based artiste, Teni the Entertainer.
3.0. OBSERVATIONS
At the end of the celebrations, the following were observed:
3.1. The theme of the National Diaspora Day 2023 celebrations “Consolidating Diaspora Engagement for National Development” is very apt and in tune with the times in Nigeria, as “…development can only thrive with all hands being on deck” both those at home and in the diaspora. This speaks of the efforts being made by the Nigerians in the Diaspora towards national development which is evident in the projects, activities and contributions that the Diaspora have made in various development sectors of the country.
3.2. The National Assembly is working towards the possibility for Nigerians in the diaspora to vote by amending the Constitution accordingly during the 10th Assembly.
3.3. The Federal Government of Nigeria is working assiduously with the aim to create an enabling environment for Nigerians in the Diaspora to participate in National development
3.4. The Federal Government is adopting policies tailored to support our citizens in Diaspora to ensure their safety and well-being”.
4.0. RECOMMENDATIONS
4.1. Nigerians in the Diaspora are an important component of the developmental plan of the nation and should be mainstreamed into Nigeria’s development agenda and be reminded of the 3-point agenda of the Government as follows:
i. Our diaspora are our Ambassadors-at-large by behavior and character in host countries.
ii. Whatever legitimate endeavor they do, they must excel and be the best in their host countries.
iii. Our diaspora should not forget home, Nigeria, by giving back and engaging in its development.
4.2. Engagement with the Nigerians in the Diaspora should be a process rather than an outcome; focusing not just on what Nigeria can do for the Diaspora but also what the Diaspora can do for Nigeria especially towards National Development.
4.3. As observed during the Home Strings segment, all Nigerians young and old are desirous of giving their contribution in terms of resources, skills, talents and global exposure to the development of Nigeria.
4.4. Diaspora Voting remains high on the agenda, and significant steps should be taken to achieve this in the shortest possible time.
4.5. The National Diaspora Merit Award was well received and it was adopted to be an annual event and part of the National Diaspora Day Celebrations.
4.6. The Federal Government is called upon to urgently address the take-off challenges of NIDCOM for effective diaspora engagements.
5.0. CONCLUSIONS
It was evident that the National Diaspora Day 2023 celebrations achieved its set objectives. From the presentations, goodwill messages and the interactive panel, it is acknowledged that the Diasporas are important for national development. The National Diaspora Merit Award is an elixir for consolidating diaspora engagement for national development. The current administration is committed to providing an enabling environment to make it attractive for the Diaspora to be involved in the policy making process in Nigeria. Furthermore, Diaspora Voting is important as a tool to involve Nigerians in the Diaspora in the development of the nation. Nigerians in the Diaspora should therefore continue to invest not just their financial capital, but their human resources into the development of Nigeria. The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) on behalf of the Commission did pledge to work with Nigerians in the Diaspora towards nation building and encourages the Diaspora to play their part effectively.
Made and adopted this 30th day of July, 2023
1.0 Engr. Dr. Sule Yakubu Bassi
Secretary
Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM)
Abuja
2.0 Barrister Abdullahi Bello
Legal Adviser,
Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM)
Abuja.
