By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Minister, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has urged Nigerians diaspora, under the umbrella of NIDO, (Nigerians in Diaspora Organization), to invest in infrastructural projects in Abuja by collaborating with the FCT Administration and other relevant authorities to identify key areas of needs and opportunities.
Wike made this call yesterday at the opening ceremony of a One- Week ICT training organized to mark 2024 NIDO Worldwide Diaspora Week, (Nigerians in Diaspora Organization), in collaboration with FCTA.
The FCT Minister, stated that the collaborative insights, expertise and financial resources of Nigerians in Diaspora can play critical roles in enhancing basic infrastructure, amenities, and overall quality of life of citizens in the Nigeria’s capital city.
The FCT Minister who was represented by the Mandate Secretary, FCT Social Development Secretary (SDS), Alh. Ibrahim Aminu, expressed gratitude to the organizers for creating the platform for engagement and knowledge exchange between the Diaspora community and the youths.
According to him, there are countless ways in which their investments can leave a lasting transformative impact on the landscape of Nigeria’s capital city for the better.
He said, “Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient Abuja that serves as a model for sustainable urban development and innovation. By tapping your talents and resources, we can create enduring partnerships that can drive inclusive growth, ensure job creation, and improve the standard of living of our people.”
“You have to see Abuja not just as a city, but also as a source of our pride as a people and as a canvas of opportunities, waiting to be tapped. Other areas like transportation, housing, healthcare and renewable energy.”
“Our Diaspora community plays a pivotal role in shaping the development and progress of our nation, bringing with them a wealth of resources such as knowledge, skills, experiences and finances which are invaluable to our economy and growth.”
He said, “Nigerians abroad are regarded as one of the most educated individuals who are the leading lights in their chosen professions and careers; I wish to emphasize the importance of harnessing this professionalism, expertise, and resources to accelerate the development process in Nigeria and the FCT, in particular.”
“The Diaspora input and collaboration will no doubt be very critical in our determination to create a more vibrant and sustainable capital city that is comparable to the world’s best capital cities in terms of infrastructure and service delivery.”
“That’s why it is imperative that we leverage on interconnectedness and build productive networks of all our Diaspora community to attract investors to partner with us in our quest for accelerated growth and progress.”
In his welcome remarks, Chairman, America Diaspora Committee, Dr. Ezekiel Macham, explained that the Diaspora Week is an initiative of NIDO Diaspora Worldwide, as ways of giving back to the society.
Macham disclosed that about 500 youths registered but only 300 from Ogun State and the FCT were selected for the 5-Day intensive and extensive ICT training programme, in Abuja.
He commended the FCT Minister for accepting to host the training that has participants , adding that shows his commitment to human development in the FCT.
Furthermore, the Chairman, NIDO-America and Coordinating Chairman, NIDO Worldwide, reiterated the diaspora community’s continued support towards Nigeria’s rapid development.
Ubani, who was represented by Engr. Obed Menagr, said that NIDO as an umbrella body of diaspora community will always encourage Nigerians abroad to explore ways of investing in the country.
Some beneficiaries of the training programme expressed happiness for the opportunity and promised to utilise the ICT skills and other technical assistance by mentoring their peers to advance the society.
Present at the well attended training programme were NIDO America FCT Committee Chairperson, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, among some FCTA top management officials.
