The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Mr. Abike Dabiri Erewa, has called for a more strategic relationship between the Federal Government of Nigeria and its citizens at home and abroad to drive national development. He called for a partnership.
The appeal was made during her address at the 12th convocation lecture of Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) in Ado-Ekiti.
In a statement issued by Abdulrahman Balogun, Director of Media and Public Relations at NIDCOM, Mr. Dabilierewa emphasized the important role that Nigerians in the diaspora can play in the development of the country.
The speech titled “Diaspora Engagement for National Development” emphasized the need for cooperation through various government programs aimed at sustainable development.
“It will not be easy, but if we unite towards the common goal of developing Nigeria, we will progress rapidly.Nigerians, both at home and in the diaspora, must come together for nation-building. No foreigner would do this for us,” Dabiri Erewa said.
He further noted that the global exposure of Nigerians abroad, especially through NIDCOM initiatives, offers great potential for national growth.
He encouraged Nigerians living abroad to collaborate with their fellow Nigerians, citing how countries such as India, China and Singapore are successfully leveraging the skills and talents of the diaspora for the development of the country. did.
With ABUAD recognized as a top private university in Nigeria, Dabiri-Erewa believes it is important for the university to foster these connections through staff and student exchange programmes, collaborative research and sabbaticals for diaspora lecturers. He suggested that he could play a role.
Mr. Dabiri Erewa commended the founder of the university, Mr. Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), for his dedication to education and human development. He commended the university for its world-class facilities and positive contribution to Nigeria’s growth.
Echoing Dabiri-Erewa’s sentiments, Aare Afe Babalola expressed pride in Nigeria’s vast human and natural resources, and said that rather than seeking aimless migration abroad, Ale Afe Babalola would like to take advantage of these opportunities within the country. He encouraged young people to focus on making use of their resources.
He highlighted the impact that ABUAD has had on Nigeria’s education and health sector, noting that the university has been internationally recognized for its excellence in just 15 years of operation.
