By Fortune Abang

Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the  Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), on Tuesday, applauded the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation-Americas (NiDOA) for advancing the common interest of compatriots living abroad.

Dabiri-Erewa praised the NiDOA leadership in a virtual address during the NiDOA 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Conference with the theme: “New Nigeria: Fresh Progress, Vision of United NiDO” held in the U.S.

She praised the leadership of NiDOA for the efforts it has been investing to foster unity among Nigerians living abroad.

“Amidst challenges NiDO faced at the last AGM, a lot has been achieved in one year.

“We want NiDOA to continue to set the pace for advancing unity among Nigerians living abroad.

“So we look forward to working with you and encouraging all of you.

“I appeal that we all work together along with President Bola Tinubu, who is willing to work with and for NiDO in moving Nigeria forward,” the NiDCOM chair said.

On the need to establish a Diaspora Board, Dabiri-Erewa explained that all statutory boards could be constituted only by the President.

According to her, former President Muhammadu Buhari did not constitute some boards while in office, including the NiDCOM board.

She added that President Tinubu would constitute the NiDO Board at the appointed time.

“To cut down the cost of governance, NIDCOM has now become an agency.

“What this means is that I don’t know whether there is going to be a board for it or not.

“I want to encourage you to stay united; unity is the keyword. NiDO has achieved so much more than we have been doing in the past.

“I want to thank you and wish you a successful AGM.

“More so, let us continue to promote a united NiDOA to set the pace for every other organisation in the diaspora,” she said.

In his speech, Amb. Abubakar Jidda, Consul-General of Nigeria in New York, congratulated NiDOA for organising the AGM.

According to him, the AGM makes it easy for everyone to see NiDO’s activities.

He expressed gratitude to Dr Victor Ubani, the Continental Chair of NiDOA, and his team for organising the conference.

“We lend our voice to some issues and challenges Nigeria is experiencing, and to see how we can ensure we have stronger organisations that are ready to contribute meaningfully to nation-building.

“In moving the nation forward we should be setting the pace for other countries and regions.

“The consulate is ready to support NiDOA in achieving its set objectives.

“We can work closely together to set the standard for other countries across the world, which is one thing I look forward to achieving,” Egopija said.

Ubani who is also the Coordinating Chairman of NiDO Worldwide promised to build on the gains the organisation has so far achieved.

“We are forging ahead and forming a new path to rebrand, and take NiDO to greater heights.

“We can do that by being patriotic and working together to ensure national growth.

“I call on everyone to collaborate with us so that we can realise the desired goals we have set.

“Let us see what we can do by coming together as Nigerians to move our country forward,” Ubani said. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim