The Abia State Diaspora Commission has opened discussions with the Embassy of Mexico on areas of collaboration aimed at promoting orderly migration, educational exchange, and skills development for Abians.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Rev. Amb. Annie Onu, who led a delegation of senior officials on a courtesy visit to the Mexican Ambassador to Nigeria, Alfredo Miranda, at the Embassy of Mexico in Abuja, emphasised the need for proper guidance and documentation for citizens pursuing opportunities abroad.
She explained that the Commission is poised to protect Abians in the diaspora and to strengthen relationships with host countries.
The Abia Diaspora Commission boss, noted that the administration of Governor Alex Otti remains committed to supporting and safeguarding the welfare of Abians abroad and ensuring that students and professionals represent the state positively in their host countries.
“We want to ensure that our citizens who travel abroad do so with the right documentation and guidance.
“Our office is there to create awareness, mentor, and project the good image of our state. This is about service and building cordial relationships that foster investment, cultural exchange, and educational opportunities”, Rev. Onu said.
Also speaking, Abia State Liason Officer in Abuja, Hon. Frank Chinasa, emphasised the prospects for collaboration between Abia and Mexico in skills development, particularly in civil engineering and construction.
He noted that Mexico has a proven track record of exporting technical expertise across the globe adding that Abia is exploring avenues to establish training programmes that will enable it’s citizens to acquire these skills, particularly in civil engineering and construction.
“Mexico has a track record of exporting technical expertise around the world. We are exploring possibilities of setting up training schemes or schools where our people can acquire these skills, especially in construction and engineering”, he said.
Responding, Ambassador Alfredo Miranda stressed that Mexico places a high priority on regulated migration and respect for human rights.
The Mexican Ambassador revealed that about 4,500 Nigerians currently reside in Mexico, mostly students and professionals and outlined the requirements for student and tourist visas.
“For us, what is most important is to maintain an orderly and regulated migration process. We want to avoid situations that create problems, hence the need for proper guidance before people travel”, he explained.
Ambassador Miranda congratulated Rev. Onu on her recent appointment as Executive Secretary of the Abia Diaspora Commission, noting that women are excelling in leadership roles and expressed confidence that she would discharge her duties effectively.
