17th National Diaspora Day: Our Diaspora, Our Pride- Dabiri-Erewa
In line with preparations ahead of the 17th National Diaspora Day (NDD)
celebrations, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in
Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) at a press briefing in Abuja, announced
that the NDD event this year, will wear a new look.
which holds July 25 annually, is the fifth in its series since the
establishment of the Commission, will be a two-day ceremony, this year,
unlike previous ones.
According to her, this was made to accommodate the Diaspora Merit
Awards as well presentations by Diaspora groups and associations
Dabiri-Erewa who stated that the Diaspora Merit Awards has been a long
time coming, noted that many Nigerians in the Diaspora have positively
contributed both to Nigeria and their host countries.
To her, this was done to recognise and celebrate them, as well as
encourage them to continue to contribute to the country’s national
development
In her statement, she maintained that: “We must accept that the
Diaspora characterises a powerful force for change- not because of the
financial remittances, but because they pose a lot more than the figures
remitted.
They are the link to our past and present, and possibly our hope for a
better future for Nigeria”, she said.
In addition, the Chairman, NiDCOM pointed out that several Nigerians in
the Diaspora are flying the Nigerian flag high and making the country
proud in all fields of endeavor
“Yes, there are few of us portraying the country poorly abroad, but we
have many success stories coming from the Diaspora worth celebrating as
well. So, there are more positive than negative narrations about
Nigerians”, she said.
She further added that it was necessary to honour a select few to
inspire them to continue to be good Ambassadors of the country wherever
they go.
Dabiri-Erewa stated that going forward, canvassing for more Diasporas to
be on the National Honours List will be a priority
The theme for this year is: “Consolidating Diaspora Engagement for
National Development”, which focuses on galvanising the skills, network
and experiences of the Diaspora as indispensable assets to bolster
Nigeria’s growth.
Dabiri-Erewa said that the NDD ceremony will have various thematic
panel discussions, celebrity interview segment with Dr Mohammed Pate
,presentations by the State Diaspora Focal Point Officers (SDFPOs), as
well as, the second and third generation Nigerians in Diaspora, on the
25th , while the Diaspora Merit Awards will take place the next day
The Head of the Commission commended the Diaspora groups for their
contribution towards development in Nigeria, while encouraging them to
foster peaceful cooperation with sister Diaspora groups to achieve
remarkable projects.
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa used the medium to appeal to the Nigerians in
Diaspora to visit the diaspora portal which serves as a mechanism to
ascertain the number of Nigerians in the Diaspora.
Speaking at the briefing, Mr. Omusa Baba Onyoma, the Vice Chairman,
NIDOE, representing the Chairman, Mr. Bashir Obasekola, thanked the
Chairman, NiDCOM for all her support through the years. He expressed
his happiness at the novelty of the 2023 NDD ceremony.
He stated that his group will be on a week-long engagement as they
propose courtesy visits to some agencies, medical outreaches and
participate in the Diaspora day celebrations.
In the same vein, Mrs Susan Waya, the Chairperson, NIDO UK-South, lauded
Hon. Dabiri-Erewa for her unwavering efforts for the Diaspora, through
the Commission’s platforms for Diaspora engagement.
An equally excited Mrs Waya called on all Nigerians in the Diaspora to
join hands to build our Nation.
The National Diaspora Day is an annual event to celebrate the success
stories of Nigerians in the Diaspora.
This year’s event is a hybrid one with an expectation of thousands of
participants, virtually and physically
