As preparations are being concluded to celebrate the 2021 National diaspora day, the chairman Nigerians in diaspora commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa has reiterated the need to celebrate diasporans.
Speaking at a pre-event press briefing Thursday in Abuja, the chairman said Diasporan remittances constitute 83% of the Nigerian budget which is about $25 billion US dollars annually.
She said since the celebration of diaspora day was instituted by the government on July 25 2006, 14 editions have been celebrated though the celebration was virtual in 2020 die to the covid-19 Pandemic.
Dabiri-Erewa said seeing the huge contributions of this cross section of Nigerians which she said” serve as economic buffers and safety nets to families for school fees, feeding, hospital bills and many other social support systems, it is necessary to celebrate them.
Areas in which diasporans have contributed to the economy to talking 6.1 % of the GDP according to her include investments like real estate, commercial businesses and others.
The Chairman also acknowledged the fact that among those from diaspora are many professionals from diverse fields like engineering ,medicine,cutting edge technology, sports, the media and others giving Nigeria a positive profile out there.
This years National diaspora day which is targeted at pro ting networking, reunion and stock taking has the theme “Diaspora Integration for National Peace and Development”.
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