Chairman NIDCOM and Other guests dance to Saxophone performance at 2021 National Diaspora Day
The federal government has pledged to create an enabling environment and adopt policies that will ensure the safety a and well being of Nigerians in diaspora.
The minister of state for foreign affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada gave the assurance during his keynote address at the 2021 National Diaspora Day celebration in Abuja. He commended the Diasporas for making Nigeria proud through their resilience and show of patriotism to Nigeria which he described as elating.
“We have taken a step in this direction by the approval and adoption of the National Diaspora Policy 2021 (NDP) and its Action Plans for a more holistic approach in the Nation’s engagement with Nigerians in the Diaspora. The National Diaspora Policy 2021 aims to provide a comprehensive and supporting framework for facilitating Diaspora engagement in national development, empowering the Diaspora to contribute effectively, and maximizing the value of diaspora contributions to Nigeria’s development”.
“The Overall objective of this Policy is to enhance, mobilize and harness the potentials of Nigerians in the Diaspora for sustainable national development.
The NDP also has as its specific objectives the following;
a. To identify the sources of the potentials of Nigerians in the Diaspora that can contribute to national development;
b. To develop robust and dynamic strategies targeted at harnessing Diaspora resources towards national development;
c. To respond to the challenges and needs of the Nigerians in the Diaspora to participate in national development;”
In her opening remarks, the chairman NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa said the commission is doing its best to ensure that Diaspora voting tops the agenda of the on going constitutional review at the national assembly.
She also stressed the importance of peace and collaboration in national development.
“It is well known that development can only thrive in a peaceful environment hence the need for the total collaboration and maximum cooperation of all Nigerians in the diaspora to share their expertise in the use of technology and their global exposure to achieve peace and development in Nigeria. As we are aware Nigeria is home, where we have families, investments, etc. The need therefore to share ideas and techniques that will assist the country in their Post Covid19 recovery process is very important as a peaceful environment is the best to deliver national development”.
The event included a panel discussion by NIDO representatives from all over the world who called for peace and security as the way to drive development among other things.
The event was made colorful by traditional dance performances by the national cultural troupe and a talented saxophonist to whose performance the NIDCOM chairman and other guests danced.
High point of the event was the unveiling and presentation of the national diaspora policy which was approved and adopted by FEC in February 2021.
The theme of this years national diaspora day was: Diaspora Integration for National Peace and Development.
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