By Ada Nkong
As part of activities to mark the 2024 national diaspora day, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has given merit awards to 24 Diasporas for various contributions to the country.
Over 150 persons were nominated for the awards which took place at the presidential villa in Abuja with several dignitaries including the first lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu in attendance.
The first lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu called on Nigerians in the Diaspora to tirelessly and enthusiastically partner with the Federal Government in building the Nigeria of our dreams through their skills, talents and expertise.
She said it is only in coming together of all stakeholders in the Nigeria project that will show the pathways to developing a formidable Nigeria for global competition.
She noted with excitement that the National Diaspora Merit Award is a commendable gesture to recognise and celebrate the wonderful contributions of over 20 million Nigerians abroad to motivate and galvanise national development.
She equally eulogised Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) for being proactive in driving the ship of Nigerians abroad for positive national development .
Tinubu further promised to support the Commission in whatever ways possible to realise its objectives in tune with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Earlier, the chairman NiDCOM,Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said that the recognition and awards was given to outstanding individuals and groups who have demonstrated excellence in various fields of human endeavours as well as contributed to national development.
“These remarkable Nigerians have made significant impacts on their host countries and strive to be invaluable assets to their homeland.
Speaking on the criteria for the award, Dr. Sule Yakubu Bassi, the Secretary to the Commission, said the awards were given to selected persons who have excelled in investing tremendously back home and acted as exemplary Nigerians.
He added that over 152 nominations were submitted since November 2023 for various awards but only 21 sailed through the screening process.
He listed eligibility for the award recipient to include being a Nigerian, be of good character with traceable and trackable projects consistently done for a period of five years or more both in Nigeria and country of residence.
Bassi hoped that the Awards will encourage the recipients to be unrelenting and inspire other Nigerians in the Diaspora to find ways to contribute back home.
The winners of this year’s category of award include:
Dr. Akinloye Anthony Bamigboye- Medicine/Healthcare,
Dr. Muktar Aliyu Medicine/Healthcare,
Dr. Malvis Humphrey- Medicine/Healthcare,
Dr. Adeboye Adejare Medicine/Healthcare,
Dr. Omotade Omotosho, Philanthropy,
Chief (Mrs) Sherifat Adesunbo Adegbesan, Philanthropy, and
Dr. Anna Mbachu-Ogbuebile
Philanthropy.
Others include Shola Agboola
Philanthropy,
Dr. Alhassan Saidu Wurno, Transportation,
Dr. Fene Osakwe,
ICT, Dr. Faith Adole (U-VOL Foundation), Volunteerism/Healthcare,
Al-Yaro Brothers International Ltd, Agriculture/Entrepreneurship,
Avenue Impact United, Education/ICT, and Dr. Badewa Adejugbe-Williams, Education/Leadership.
Others are Mr. Alistair Soyode, Media/Entertainment,
Gov. (Engr.) Abdullahi A Sule, Engineering/Leadership,
Mr. Idonuagbe O. Akogun, Education,
Mr. Lamin G. Barrow, Distinguished Service Awards, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, Distinguished Service Awards,
Chief Calistus Elozieuwa, Distinguished Service Awards, and Mr. Abiodun Oyebola, Distinguished Service Awards. (End)
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