The 2025 edition of the National Diaspora Day (NDD) celebrations, held in Abuja, emphasized the importance of youth empowerment and recognized the contributions of Nigerians in the diaspora. The event drew influential leaders, industry professionals, and members of the Nigeria diaspora.
Key Highlights
– Youth Empowerment Summit: The summit focused on STEM education, with over 500 young participants from 14 schools across Abuja. Speakers urged youths to be purpose-driven, resilient, and courageous in pursuing their dreams, emphasizing the importance of hard work and humility.
– Diaspora Housing Platform: The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) launched the “Diaspora Home and Abroad platform, designed to provide safe, reliable, and accessible housing options for Nigerians living abroad.
– National Diaspora Merit Awards: The awards ceremony honored exceptional Nigerians in the diaspora for their outstanding contributions across various fields, including:
– Prof. Akintunde Akinde: Scholar and diaspora advocate
– Hon. Bobby Digi: Community leader in the U.S
– Engr. Oluyemi Ogundele: Technologist and inovator
– Pro Hauwa Ibrahim: Renowned legal scholar
– Mrs. Voke Ogueh: STEM leader and mentor
– Engr. Alfred Okoigun: Industrialist and philanthropist
– Prof. Adam Abba-Aji: Mental health expert
– Capt. Adebanke Osilaja: Trailblazing pilot and the first female to fly the Dreamlifter Boeing 747-BAS
Economic Impact:
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, highlighted the significant contribution of diaspora remittances to Nigeria’s economy, noting that Nigerians abroad sent over $20 billion in remittance in 2024, surpassing the country’s foreign direct investment.
The event concluded with a call for policy frameworks that integrate diaspora skills and expertise into Nigeria’s national development strategy, reimagining the Nigerian diaspora as co-architects of national progress.
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The role of disporians in Nigeria especially on capital flight with its attendant positive development in the economy cannot be under estimated. I commend the organisers of the National Disporians day celebration for this historic feat . The youth development aspect of their involvement is legendary. The foreign affairs ministry should put necessary policy framework that will ensure that disporians continues their role in national development.
I celebrate all hardworking Nigerian abroad who thinks home .
Thank you, sir for your commendable comment. We will continue working hard.