Abuja – Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has called for collaboration with Nigerians in the Diaspora in building key sectors of the nation’s economy.
Osinbajo made the call at the 2016 Diaspora Day with the theme,“ Harnessing the Potentials of the Diaspora for National Development’’ on Monday in Abuja.
Osinbajo, who was represented by Amb. Yemi Dipeolu, his Special Adviser on economic matters, expressed hope in the ability of Nigerians abroad to support infrastructural projects in the country.
He said that the Federal Government was working toward finalising the national policy on Diaspora matters, adding that this would further strengthen their participation in developmental strides.
“Nigeria is our country. It is our duty to do our bit to develop the county. This present administration is, therefore, committed to good governance, prosperity and progress of the Diaspora.
“The Buhari administration recognizes the effort of our Diaspora and it is for this reason I charge diplomatic commission to give priority to Diaspora all over the world as it concerns matters affecting their interest.
“I want to challenge our Diaspora not to see Nigeria from the negative perspective but rather contribute their quota toward developing the country.
He said that the participation of Nigerians living in the Diaspora could not be over emphasised as they gcontributed about 21 billion dollars to the economy in 2015.
He charged diplomatic issions to give concern and attention to the needs of Nigerians in the Diaspora across the globe.
Mr Babachir Lawal, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, said that the contribution and active involvement of the Diaspora to national development had gained currency and global contribution.
Lawal said Nigeria should take a cue from the Government of China and India, whose citizens in the Diaspora were helping to strengthen their own countries.
He commended the efforts of Nigerians in Diaspora for their huge sacrifices and invaluable contributions to national development.
“ Overtime, the immense contributions and active involvement of the Diaspora in national development have gained currency and global recognition.
“ Many countries such as China and India have made it a deliberate policy to train and build the capacities of their citizens abroad, who are motivated to return home thereafter, in order to contribute to national development.
“ Some of these countries are today reaping the benefits of their laudable initiatives.
He also commended the Federal Government for training Nigerians in Diaspora who were now actively engaged to ensure that their skills, expertise and resources were harnessed.
Lawal expressed satisfaction in Nigerians who had made commitment to intervene in many developmental projects such as health, youth empowerment, agriculture and education, among others.
He reiterated the determination of the government to continue to offer necessary assistance to the Diaspora in their effort to contribute to national development.
He, however, urged the Diaspora to take advantage of the business opportunities available by investing in the country.
Also, Mrs Herientta Abraham, the Chairman, Nigerian in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), called for the diversification of the economy so that Nigeria would become Africa’s strongest economy.
“ Nigeria has the largest Diaspora in the world. Nigerians in Diaspora can play significant role in national development.
“They are a real source of knowledge and experience which can be tapped into.’’
She said that Nigerians in Diaspora were always ready to work and contribute their own quota to strengthen the nation’s economy.
Also speaking, the Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita, called for active participation of the Diaspora while urging them to exploit other areas for revenue generation in the country.
