“Prof Yemi Osibanjo described NDIS as arguably one of the surest means of securing investment for the local economy” Hon. Abike Dabiri started as she began her speech at Day two of the Nigerian Diaspora investment summit. The summit which began in 2018 has provided a platform where investors from the diaspora can network and collaborate with potential partners, business owners and government officials for ease of doing business. With a proven track record of providing opportunities for businesses to grow, a notable success story includes Quebec food processing who came to a previous edition of NDIS as a pitcher and returned this year as one of the sponsors for the event. It is no surprise then that inspired by the success of the summit, The governors of Enugu state and rivers state sent delegates to the point event to observe and work with NIDCOM to create a version of the summit at their state level. With the minister of Sports Hon. John Owan Enoh expressing his desire for also creating a version of the sole purpose of generating diaspora investment towards the Sports sector.
A Major highlight of the event was the Formal launching of the Diaspora housing scheme by the Minister of housing and Urban Development Architect Ahmed Dangiwa. The Diaspora Housing Scheme allows for Nigerians in Diaspora to access up to N50 million naira loan for mortgage with an interest rate of 6.9 per cent, paid over a period of 10 years. The Minister, who initiated the scheme while serving as the MD/CEO of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, described his position as a positive twist of fate. Dangiwa added that the Mortgage scheme will be formally launched in the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States soon, called on the Diaspora community to take full advantage of the opportunity and massively subscribe to reap its short and long-term benefits. Dangiwa also encouraged the Diaspora to key into the Diaspora City Project which is in collaboration with NiDCOM, FHA, the Federal Capital Territory Administration and the Private Sector.“This city will accommodate bungalows, semi-bungalows, terrace, mansions and other infrastructures for the convenience of the Diaspora “, he explained. NIDCOM Chairman/CEO, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa explained that the scheme has been in the heart of the Commission and will do all it takes to actualise it, hence the launch.
The event also featured a touching tribute to Oluchi Jaqueline Ironkwe, a member of the team charged with guiding the pitchers and preparing them for the Summit, as the hall stood in a minute of silence for the lost comrade and Hon. Abike Dabiri struggled to collect herself to speak. It became glaringly obvious that more than just a body charged with handling the affairs of Diaspora engagement, NIDCOM and NDIS was a family of likeminded individuals with a common goal, driven by love for one another and a desire for playing their part in building a better Nigeria for all.
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