The Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has called on Nigerians in the Diaspora to consider investing in Nigeria’s healthcare, agriculture, real estate, and others sectors.
The Commission’s boss made the appeal was made during when played host to Little London and Woodhouse Ward Labour Councillor, Abigail Marshall Katung, Tuesday, at NIDCOM headquarters, Abuja.
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, she emerged as the Councillor for the Little London and Woodhouse Ward, UK.
NIDCOM Media, Public Relations, and Protocols Unit, disclosed this in a press statement, noting that Katung expressed delight at being recognised by her home country.
The statement signed by Gabriel Odu said during the visit, Secretary to the Commission, Dr Yakubu Sule Bassi, who represented the NiDCOM boss, emphasized the importance of engaging Nigerians in the 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,” Bassi stated.
He further highlighted that the Diaspora’s contribution to the nation is crucial, referring to the “Diaspora phenomenon” as the new deal.
Bassi further outlined three areas through which Nigerians in the diaspora could make significant impact. These include: resources, talents, and skills.
The Commission’s boss also emphasized the need for Diasporans to uphold the 3-point Agenda for Nigerians living abroad.
He said Diasporans were to be exemplary ambassadors wherever they are, excel in whatever they do, remain connected to their homeland, and give back to their communities.
Since its inception, four 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.
He said Katung, a Nigerian-born politician from Kaduna state, expressed her joy visiting Nigeria and her commitment to collaborating with NIDCOM.
According to her, the honour of being recognised by her home country gives her an advantage over her colleagues in the UK.
Odu further stated that having left Nigeria over 20 years ago, the Councillor shared her passion for education and her involvement in medical and educational recruitment, particularly in facilitating Nigerian students’ admission into UK institutions.
She highlighted her focus on empowering young women through a mentorship scheme, mentoring 12 people yearly with emphasis on the girl-child.
