-By Mfon Jacott
July 25th of every year being declared national diaspora day by the federal government of Nigeria, is in recognition of the contributions of Nigerians in diaspora towards national development. The Chairperson/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has disclosed that the 2024 National Diaspora Day, on 25-26 July, will focus on the growing “Japa” phenomenon – the mass migration of Nigerians seeking better opportunities abroad – and its implications for national development.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja, Dabiri-Erewa said the “Japa” trend, driven by economic hardship, security concerns, and a lack of opportunities, has led to a significant brain drain, with many skilled Nigerians leaving the country.
In a recent development, the Akwa Ibom State Governor, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno has appointed the Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora Matters, Hon. Linda Akon Umoh, to become the first State Diaspora Focal Point Officer (SDFPO) for the State on 13th June 2024. This commitment is in line with the ARISE AGENDA for building trust and engaging diaspora community towards the mobilization of resources for homeland development. Hon. Linda has concluded modalities to participate in the two-day event, which ends on 26th June 2024 with the diaspora merit award at the banquet hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja Nigeria.
This event presents a great opportunity for effective policy formulation aim at providing a comprehensive framework for facilitating diaspora engagement in national development, empowering the diaspora contribution, and maximizing the value of their contribution to Nigeria’s development.
Research shows that the ‘Japa’ phenomenon stems from various perspectives of frustrated citizens who view relocating overseas as the only escape for greener pastures and an idealistic pathway for personal growth and economic independence.
Also, the recent strategic partnership between the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID-NIGERIA) in engaging Nigerian professionals in the United States of America for the establishment of a strategic think-tank will benefit both the public and private sectors in Nigeria and projected to leverage Hon. Linda’s commitment in empowering the Akwa Ibom diaspora community in the affairs of State development.
It is worthy to note that the Akwa Ibom State Governor has reinstated the importance of the diaspora community as an asset to nation building. Through the partnership between the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission and USAID Nigeria, there will be capacity to build trust and engage diasporans in homeland development while celebrating their achievements.
Melissa Jones, Country Director of USAID, has expressed the agency’s commitment to funding and empowering local partners and NGOs to develop talents and skills for economic progress in Nigeria.
Jones highlighted the importance of the diaspora for Nigeria’s development, noting that many of the most qualified and competent professionals in the United States of America are Nigerians. She sees this as an opportunity for Nigeria to strategically engage with its citizens abroad.
She also proposed a structured and planned relationship between NiDCOM and USAID for future projects, discussing opportunities that could benefit both the public and private sectors in Nigeria.
Going forward, the USAID Country Director also expressed a willingness to support the Commission through partnerships at its Diaspora Day and other key events by engaging with the US President’s Advisory Council to actively participate in the 2024 National Diaspora Day Celebrations.
