Africa Diaspora, Catalyst For Continental Development- Dabiri-Erewa
For Africa to experience socio-economic resurgence, prosperity and
development, the onus lies with Africans at home and more importantly
its Diaspora.
Dabiri-Erewa, stated this when she received a delegation from Zimbabwe
led by its High Commissioner to Nigeria Amb. Maxwell Ranga, on a study
tour of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, in Abuja.
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 was impressed with the Zimbabwean Government’s interest
in its Diaspora explaining that NiDCOM, 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 re iterated the fact that many 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, as well as give back ,and
we support them in our capacity in order to encourage them”, she said.
The NiDCOM Chairman/CEO, added that a
dedicated agency , if set up by Zimbabwe , will engage, enable and
empower the Zimbabwean Diaspora, effectively.
Just like Nigeria, the NIDCOM Boss stressed further the importance of
rewriting its nation’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 remarked.
Amb. Maxwell Ranga, Zimbabwean High Commissioner to Nigeria, lauded
Nigeria’s tactical forwardness in her engagement with her diaspora for
nation building.
The Envoy commended the astute leadership of Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa in
bringing not only the Nigerian Diaspora closer to Nigeria but also the
entire continent adding that, “we are here to learn from the best, our
big brother, Nigeria and we happy to be here”, he said.
He stressed that this action was key to replicate the Nigerian model in
Zimbabwe, in terms of diaspora relations and engagement.
Amb. Ranga informed that Zimbabwe had its first Investment Forum and
Homecoming event, last year, which drew all Zimbabweans worldwide. He
expressed his desire to have the NiDCOM Boss as a guest speaker at the
second edition which will hold in April, this year.
Mrs Sienzeni Mateta, Director, Bilateral Trade and Diaspora, Ministry
of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Zimbabwe, stated 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, Egypt, Tanzania
Namibia, Ghana, South Korea and Southetn African Development Community,
(SADC).
, Hon AbikeDabiri-Erewa, stated this when she received a delegation){kind=link}