A group of diaspora stakeholders led by Mr. Joe Mackenzie has proposed the establishment of an Abia Diaspora Village to encourage investment and provide a secure place for Nigerians and Africans in the diaspora who want to return home.
The proposal was presented during a meeting with the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Abia State Diaspora Commission, Rev. Dr. Annie Onu, at the Commission’s office on Tuesday.
Rev. Dr. Onu said the idea is in line with a vision she had earlier shared with Governor Alex Otti, who welcomed the concept. She explained that the proposed Diaspora Village would attract investments from Abians and other Africans living abroad while strengthening the state’s relationship with its diaspora community.
She also suggested the establishment of an Abia State Embassy to serve as a centre for coordinating diaspora affairs and monitoring the arrival of visitors and investors into the state.
Dr. Onu assured the delegation that the Commission would ensure transparency and accountability in handling diaspora investments. She added that the Commission would work with the Abia State Public-Private Partnership and Investment Promotion (PPPIP) Office to assess the proposal before making recommendations to the state government.
Speaking during the meeting, Mr. Mackenzie praised Governor Alex Otti for improving security and infrastructure in Abia. He said these improvements made the state the preferred location for the proposed project.
According to him, the Diaspora Village is designed to provide a comfortable and secure community for people returning home after many years abroad, especially retirees.
He said the project would not be a burden on the state because many of the intended residents are professionals, including doctors, engineers, teachers, entrepreneurs and business leaders, who are ready to invest in Abia’s development.
Mr. Mackenzie revealed that the proposal includes acquiring about 100 acres of land to build residential homes, schools, a hospital, a supermarket, recreational centres, a church, a diaspora community centre and other facilities. The first phase is expected to accommodate about 80 investors and professionals, including African-Americans.
He also called on the Federal Government to strengthen policies that support dual citizenship for Nigerians in the diaspora, saying this would encourage more returnees to contribute to the country’s development.
The Director of Finance of the Abia State Diaspora Commission, Mr. Sebastian Onwuchekwa, welcomed the proposal and urged the promoters to work closely with relevant government agencies.
Also speaking, a representative of the PPPIP Office, Mr. Uchenna Nnaoma, said the proposal would undergo a detailed review, including the examination of the business plan, proof of funds, financial projections and other required documents before any approval is granted.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Mackenzie reaffirmed the commitment of diaspora stakeholders, especially those based in the United States, to partner with the Abia State Government to make the proposed Abia Diaspora Village a reality.
