GOVERNOR SANWO-OLU INAUGURATES A COMPREHENSIVE DIASPORA OFFICE IN LAGOS.
The establishment of a dedicated Diaspora office in Lagos state has been announced, aimed at overseeing the interests and well-being of its citizens residing abroad.
The disclosure came through a press release from Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols Unit at NiDCOM. Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), commended Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for initiating this office.
The diaspora office’s role includes identifying, coordinating, and organizing diasporans who express a desire to contribute to the welfare and development of the state.
In a congratulatory letter to Governor Sanwo-Olu, Hon. Dabiri-Erewa expressed the belief that the establishment of this office would strengthen ties and accelerate development within the state and its diaspora. She highlighted that Lagos has now joined states like Abia, which already has a diaspora commission. Additionally, she pointed out that Ondo and Anambra have full Commissioners for Diaspora, while Edo and Cross Rivers are in the process of establishing diaspora agencies.
Dabiri-Erewa emphasized that every state in the federation has a diaspora focal person and urged other states to prioritize diaspora affairs, acknowledging the contributions of indigenes abroad to state and national development.
Congratulating Governor Sanwo-Olu and the State Diaspora Focal Person, Jermaine Sanwoolu, who will head the Agency, she encouraged other states to emulate this initiative.
Previously, Abia state made history by becoming the first state in Nigeria in 2021 to establish its diaspora commission. The bill, titled “The Abians in Diaspora Commission Bill, 2020,” was sponsored by Honorable Onyekwere Mike Ukoha and came into effect on March 22, 2021. Currently, Ondo, Anambra, Cross Rivers, and Edo states are in the process of establishing their own diaspora offices.
News Reporter: Ngozi Ekugo
News Source: Nariameterics
