Chairman of Renewed Hope USA, Chief Emeka Molokwu, has said Nigerians in the diaspora played an active role in shaping the nation and building a prosperous country.
Speaking at the meeting in Washington, D.C., United States of America yesterday, Molokwu highlighted the significant contributions that the Nigerian community can make to the Nation’s development.
This landmark meeting, attended by prominent Nigerians and stakeholders, focused on diaspora engagement and contributions to Nigeria and showcased the community’s diverse expertise and talents.
“We are committed to supporting President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and promoting Nigeria’s progress, he said.”
The keynote speaker, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), discussed initiatives such as the Diaspora Bridge for diaspora contributions to Nigeria’s education sector.
Similarly, Dr Nurudeen Abubakar Zauro, executive Secretary and CEO of the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI), highlighted Nigeria’s economic and financial inclusion progress and provided a comprehensive overview of the country’s efforts.
Prof. Shaffideen Amuwo emphasised that President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda continues NADECO’s dream of ‘a Nigeria free, strong, and unified under justice and opportunity’.
The meeting highlighted Nigerians’ significant financial and talent contributions in the diaspora.
He further emphasised the need for better government engagement with Nigerian-American talents.
“We believe that the Nigerian government can tap into the vast pool of talent and expertise in the diaspora community,” he said.
According to Dr. Dada, many Nigerians in the diaspora, including himself, were beneficiaries of government scholarships to study in the USA. Despite acquiring valuable skills and expertise over the years, many of these individuals have not been utilized effectively by the government.
Other notable contributors included Prof. Hakeem Ibikunle Tijani, who discussed recent developments in Nigerian education, highlighting “The Ten Points Agenda” and the government’s implementation of technical and vocational training programs. Dr. Charles Mambula emphasized the importance of foreign direct investment for Nigeria, highlighting its potential to create jobs and develop the economy. Hon. Waidi Masha emphasized the importance of commitment and suggested creating a well-structured agenda to encourage enthusiasm and reward members. Mr. Ibrahim of PreCEFI presented an overview of Nigeria’s economic and financial inclusion progress, highlighting various foreign investments and commitments.
Dr. Emmanuel Dada emphasized the need for better government engagement with Nigerian-American talents. “We believe that the Nigerian government can tap into the vast pool of talent and expertise that exists in the diaspora community,” he said. “We are not just remittance senders; we are also skilled professionals who can contribute to Nigeria’s development in meaningful ways.”
In her closing remarks, Ambassador Khairat Animashaun-Ajiboye, the Chief Host of the zoom meeting and Secretary of Renewed Hope USA, expressed gratitude to the participants and special guests for their valuable contributions, emphasizing their collective efforts to make Nigeria better.
The meeting concluded with a call to action for the Nigerian government to engage more effectively with the diaspora community and tap into the vast pool of talent and expertise that exists among Nigerians abroad.
Prince Babatunde Kolawole, Chief Media Editor of Brooom Nigeria, noted that meetings like this are a call to action for the Nigerian government to recognize the value of its diaspora community.
