The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has lauded Abia State as the first in the Federation to establish a functioning Diaspora Commission.
The Chairman of NIDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, gave the commendation during a debriefing session at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, where senior officials of the Abia State Diaspora Commission, led by the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Reverend Annie Onu, were formally received and briefed on their expected responsibilities.
The NIDCOM Chairman, represented by the Commission’s Secretary, Engr. Dr Sule Bassi, also commended Governor Alex Otti for the transformation unfolding across Abia State, noting that his administration’s bold reforms are repositioning the State for sustainable growth and development.
Engr. Bassi explained that the meeting was standard procedure for NIDCOM to debrief all newly appointed State Diaspora Focal Point Officers of the commissions to align them with the National Diaspora engagement framework.
He outlined NIDCOM’s expectations of the Abia Diaspora Commission and emphasized the need for structured engagement with Diaspora community, data collection and alignment with the Commission’s mandate among others.
He urged the Abia delegation to develop a dedicated website and social media platforms to amplify its work and maintain visibility among the global Abia Diaspora community.
Engr. Bassi who also encouraged the Abia team to fully participate in all major events on Nigeria’s Diaspora calendar, urged State Government’s to provide logistic support for NIDCOM’s participation in state-led activities.
“Diaspora engagement is not just about remittances, it is about knowledge, service, identity and nation-building.
“Engage Abians in Diaspora to key into and participate in the development of the state through investment, volunteerism or charitable cause.
“I urge you to liase with NiDCOM to harness the resources, talents and skills of Nigerians in diaspora towers the overall socio-economic, cultural and political development of Nigeria in general and Abia State in particular”, he said.
The Executive Secretary/CEO of the Abia State Diaspora Commission, Amb. Rev. Annie Onu, in her remarks, expressed appreciation to NIDCOM for its leadership in guiding state-level Diaspora engagements.
Amb. Onu, who highlighted the operational milestones achieved under her leadership, disclosed that the Commission has established a solid framework to support its growth.
The Abia Diaspora Commission Boss revealed that plans are underway for the construction of a dedicated Abia Diaspora Commission Headquarters, which will feature modern facilities for effective diaspora engagement and service delivery.
She disclosed that work is ongoing to develop a robust diaspora database that will categorise citizens based on their professions and expertise to enable the Commission link diasporans to opportunities back home, facilitate business partnerships, and fast-track State development.
According to Amb. Onu, the Commission is also preparing to host the Abia Diaspora Business Summit, which is expected to strengthen connections within the global Abia network in terms of investment and development opportunities in the State.
She commended Governor Otti for creating an enabling environment for Abians in the diaspora to contribute to the development of the State through investments, volunteerism, and charitable causes.
“We are able to stand where we are today because of the vision of our Governor, His Excellency Dr. Alex Otti. He understands the value of the Diaspora and has created the enabling environment for us to function.
“His commitment to good governance and innovation has been a driving force behind the Commission’s success”, Amb. Onu said.
She assured that the Abia Diaspora Commission would continue to collaborate with NiDCOM in harnessing the resources, talents and skills of Nigerians in the Diaspora for the sustainable development of Abia State and the nation at large.
Present at the meeting were NIDCOM’s Desk Officer for State Diaspora Focal Point Coordination, Ms Funke Olaye, the Commission’s Assistant Director of Media, Mrs Violet Nwosu aa well as the Abia delegation comprising the Director of Planning Mr Chimezie Emenike, Head of Finance, Mr Sebastian Onwuchekwa, and Mr Saviour Odah.
