President Muhammadu Buhari has commended the 17 million Nigerians in the Diaspora for being worthy representatives of Nigeria in their various host countries and for their contributions to Nigeria.
President Buhari, who was represented by Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, his Chief of Staff , gave this commendation while declaring open 2022 National Diaspora day celebrations in Abuja. He described the celebration as a recognition of the contributions of Nigerians in Diaspora to National development.
In his words, “Let me reiterate that our government has held and will continue to hold our citizens in the Diaspora in highest esteem and this is evidenced in the following activities
“The passage of the Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission Establishment Act in 2017, the establishment and kick-off of the Commission in 2019, the approval and adoption of the national Diaspora policy 2021.
“The presentation of the compendium of the ‘+600 Diaspora Icons at 60’, which remains a historic record of the worth of our compatriot globally.”
According to President Buhari, “this year’s theme, Diaspora Engagement in a Globally Challenging Time for National Development is apt,” Considering our experiences with COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing Russian-Ukraine war and the general insecurity, which we are experiencing not only in Nigeria but across the globe.”
The President also commended The Nigerians In Diaspora Commission which is led by an excellent administrator, Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri Erewa for organising laudable programmes for Nigerians in Diaspora, which he believes “will have considerable impacts on our economy for sustainable development.
– Bello Akinkunmi Yakub
