The Chairman of 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 other sectors.
Dabiri-Erewa made the appeal in Abuja, while receiving Labour Councillor, Abigail Marshall Katung, on a visit to the commission.
Represented by the Secretary to the Commission, Dr Yakubu Bassi, the NiDCOM Boss emphasized the importance of engaging the Nigerian diaspora in the country’s policies, projects, and overall development.
A statement by Gabriel Odu of NIiDCOM’s media, public relations and protocol unit, said 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.
According to the statement, Dabiri-Erewa further highlighted that diaspora contributions to the nation is crucial, stating that the “Diaspora Phenomenon” is the new deal.
She outlined three areas through which Nigerians in the diaspora could make significant impact. These include: resources, talents, and skills.
The NiDCOM boss also emphasized the need for diasporans to uphold the 3-point Agenda for Nigerians living abroad.
Also speaking, Little London and Woodhouse Ward Labour Councillor, Katung, who is a Nigerian-born politician from Kaduna State, expressed her joy visiting Nigeria and her commitment to collaborating with NiDCOM.
She acknowledged the honor of being recognized by her home country, which she believes gives her an advantage over her colleagues in the UK.
Having left Nigeria over 20 years ago, Abigail 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 individuals each year, with an emphasis on the girl child. She stressed that, “mentorship is about imparting skills and not solely about financial gains.”
Abigail 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 votes, she emerged as the Councillor for the Little London and Woodhouse Ward, UK.
