NIDCOM and the dilemmas of our diaspora, By Abiodun Adeniyi
It might as well be said that foreign or diasporic relations is a continuation of the local condition.
The NiDCOM chairman, Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
It seemed heartening for a lot of them to see state officials like ministers, the NIDCOM chairperson, and others talking to them, and answering their questions – a thing that home residents often now hate to see, because of the expanding trust deficit between the leaders and the lead. Seeing the state officials, at close quarters, talking to them, was for the travelled people, like the rare angels’ visit…
Abiodun Adeniyi, a Mass Communication teacher at Baze University, Abuja, expresses concern that the Nigerian in Diaspora Commission might be moribund, after the tenure of its present charge, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa
It was interesting listening in, at a recent symposium organized by the Nigerian in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM). Entiitled ‘Mobilizing Nigerians in the Diaspora for National Development’, the symposium was supposedly another conversation around exploring the potentials of the absent citizens. It was valuable, and consistent with the image of NIDCOM as one that is rich in ideas, but often unfortunately weak in execution. This weakness is no fault of theirs, nevertheless, for some reasons.
It was an interesting listening at a recent symposium organized by the Nigerian in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM). Entitled Mobilizing Nigerians in the Diaspora for National Development, the symposium was supposedly another conversation around exploring the potentials of the absent citizens. It was valuable and consistent with the image of NIDCOM as one that is rich in ideas, but often unfortunately weak in execution. This weakness is no fault of theirs, nevertheless, for some reasons.
Advertisement
First is poor funding, and second, because of a subtly loud indifference for its mandate. Third is some suspected threat of a conflict of responsibility between it and the overarching foreign ministry, leading to real but unacknowledged tension. Fourth is the poor structural and facility support it presently has, plus a disinterest in helping them out, or even a concern for denying them of the little they have, especially with the recent treatment they got from the penitent fanatic, and M
(AFRICAN EXAMINER) – Amb. Zubair Dada, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, has assured that Nigerians in the Diaspora would soon be able to vote from their countries of residence.
He gave the assurance at a webinar organised by Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) on Saturday.
The minister said the Federal Government was working with relevant authorities, including the National Assembly and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to achieve this feat.
He noted that there were about 17 million Nigerians in the Diaspora making a significant impact on the country’s economy that could not be ignored.
He added that Nigerians in the Diaspora were critical components when considering the country’s development, saying that the need to effectively mobilise them could not be over-emphasised.
Nigerians in diaspora will soon be able to vote, says minister
May 09
Advertisement
He spoke on Saturday at a webinar organised by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
The event, themed ‘Mobilising Nigerians in the Diaspora for National Development’, was attended by Nigerian in the diaspora.
“The national assembly is working closely with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fashion a way to actualise diaspora voting. I remain very optimistic that in the not-too-distant future, it should be possible for Nigerians in the diaspora to participate in our national elections, ” the minister said.
Advertisement
According to Dada, there are about 17 million Nigerians in foreign nations making significant impact on the country’s economy that could not be ignored.