Diaspora - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Philip Daniel Yatai
Jun, Thu, 2025

Diaspora voting will benefit all Nigerians – Agency D-G

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By Fortune Abang

Dr Loretta Ogboro-Okor, Director-General of the Edo Diaspora Agency, on Thursday emphasised the importance of diaspora voting, stating that it would benefit Nigerians both at home and abroad.

Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, Ogboro-Okor urged Nigerians in the diaspora not to relent in advocating for diaspora voting.

She noted that sustained advocacy was essential to achieving the desired outcome in future elections.

“I want to tell us that diaspora voting is going to benefit everybody. Right now, some people think it will only benefit those in government, but that’s not true.

“It’s a combination of top-down and bottom-up approaches to pushing Nigeria forward,” she said.

She emphasised that legislating and passing the diaspora voting bill into law would help ensure Nigerians elected competent leaders.

“We’ll be putting square pegs in square holes, and that will enhance governance in Nigeria,” she added.

Ogboro-Okor explained that a diaspora voting policy would empower Nigerians abroad to contribute more actively to nation-building by bringing back skills and expertise developed overseas.

“Imagine voting and not feeling left out, you’ll feel a responsibility to return and contribute your quota to national development.

“This is why we in Edo believe it’s a key step towards future growth. We also need to consider second- and third-generation Nigerians abroad.

“They proudly identify as Nigerians, just like I proudly identify as Edo. We must harness their civic engagement at the national level.”

The director-general revealed that an estimated 17 million Nigerians live in the diaspora, with a significant number from Edo State.

She noted that Edo contributed around 31 per cent of Nigeria’s total diaspora remittances.

Ogboro-Okor reiterated that the substantial contribution underscored Edo’s role as a major player in Nigeria’s economic development.

She cited World Bank data from 2017, which reported 22 billion dollars in total remittances to Nigeria, 6 billion dollars of which originated from Edo State alone.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Edo contributes 31% of Nigeria’s diaspora remittances – D-G

Philip Daniel Yatai
May, Tue, 2025

General News

Edo contributes 31% of Nigeria’s diaspora remittances – D-G

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By Fortune Abang

The Director-General of the Edo Diaspora Agency, Dr Loretta Ogboro-Okor, has revealed that Edo State contributes an estimated 31 per cent of Nigeria’s total diaspora remittances.

This significant contribution positions the state as a major player in the country’s economic development.

In a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Ogboro-Okor highlighted that out of the estimated 17 million Nigerians living in diaspora, a significant number were from Edo.

“Edo has played a critical role in diaspora contributions since 2017, when the World Bank reported 22 billion dollars in total remittances to Nigeria, 6 billion dollars of which came from Edo.

“By 2024, remittances had risen to 24 billion dollars, and Edo’s share is projected at 7 billion dollars. That’s a remarkable 31 per cent of the national total,” she said.”

She attributed this achievement to the resilience and strong competitive spirit of Edo indigenes, which she said were rooted in the state’s family and community values.

“The money they remit is transforming lives, uplifting families, and driving development in communities across the state,” she added.

Ogboro-Okor also spoke on the agency’s ongoing outreach efforts, including harmonisation and awareness campaigns in Rome, Verona, and Napoli, aimed at further engaging the Edo diaspora and strengthening ties.

She praised Edo citizens in Italy for their consistent remittances, which not only bolstered the state’s economy but also enhanced Nigeria’s global image.

Gov. Monday Okpebholo, she said, was proud of the diaspora’s contributions and remained committed to working with them to improve their welfare and expand their impact.

She called on Edo indigenes and their partners in diaspora to continue supporting development initiatives in the state, reaffirming that citizen welfare remained a top priority for the current administration.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

NUSA remains voice of Nigerians in South Africa– Nwobi

Ismail Abdulaziz
Apr, Sun, 2025

Foreign

NUSA remains voice of Nigerians in South Africa– Nwobi

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By Mufutau Ojo

Mr Smart Nwobi, the newly inaugurated President of the Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA), says the body will remain the voice of Nigerians in that country.

Nwobi said this in Sandton, Johannesburg, at the inauguration of new executives of NUSA

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured the swearing-in of a 13-member national executive team and the launch of The Migrant Magazine.

The event had as theme: “Uniting Nigerians in South Africa.”

Nwobi, in his inaugural address as the newly elected President of NUSA, emphasised the Union’s unwavering commitment to being the voice of all Nigerians living in South Africa.

“This administration is dedicated to promoting unity among our

diverse Nigerian community in South Africa.

“We will focus on supporting growth in trade and commerce while fostering stronger relationships between Nigerians and South Africans,” Nwobi said.

NAN reports that the ceremony featured the official launch of The Migrant Magazine, a significant milestone for the Nigerian community.

Akindele Olunloyo, the Editor-in-Chief of the magazine and National Publicity Secretary of NUSA, shared insights on the publication’s mission at the forum.

“The magazine was launched to bridge Nigerian migrants’ heritage with their South African presence, thereby creating space for dialogue and community building.

“It documents our migrant experiences with dignity and authenticity,” he said.

Dr Sule Bassi, Secretary of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission represented Abike Dabiri-Erewa, its Chief Executive, at the event.

Bassi, in a goodwill message, highlighted the various opportunities available for Nigerians in the Diaspora to contribute to national development in Nigeria.

The event was attended by dignitaries and community leaders from across

South Africa, underscoring the rising influence and importance of NUSA in South Africa.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz