The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Diaspora

  • Diaspora Returns: Reconnection journey of African Diasporans on film

    Diaspora Returns: Reconnection journey of African Diasporans on film

    To forge a deeper connection between Nigerians in the diaspora and their homeland, an initiative called Diaspora Returns: Business Beyond Borders has officially launched in Lagos.

    The programme, which brought together partners from Nigeria and the United States to strengthen ties through the nation’s cultural and creative industries, will also generate new opportunities across culture, tourism, and business.

    The project, a collaboration between Strategic Solutions Global (Atlanta), Waterlight Save Initiative (Georgia), East Point Atlanta Convention and Visitors Tourism Bureau (USA), Palton Morgan Holdings (Lagos), and Eko Hotel and Suites (Lagos), is scheduled to begin in November 2025. This inaugural event will include 50 U.S.-based participants who will be visiting Nigeria for the first time.

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    Founder and CEO of Strategic Solutions Global, Nancy Aragbaye, said: “This goes beyond tourism; we are here to start a movement that reconnects the diaspora to Africa with intention; to invest, collaborate, and build cross-continental business. Nigeria is a leading nation across the diaspora. When Nigeria gets it right, Africa gets it right, and when Africa gets it right, the world gets it right.”

    Aragbaye also highlighted the project’s goal of documenting the reconnection journey of African Diasporans on film, which will create new opportunities in the creative industry. “I’m also excited to share that this is going to be captured because we are turning this into a film, which will be led by me. People in the diaspora talk about Africa Rich Namus, Housewives of Lagos, but they have never seen a film that captures the diaspora in a powerful way that showcases the beauty, beauty and high level of business of Africa.” She noted that the first cohort will include a group of ‘Diaspora Advocates,’ including real estate mogul Kiana Watson, philanthropist Ashley

  • Diaspora remittances: The power behind Africa’s sustainable growth

    Diaspora remittances: The power behind Africa’s sustainable growth

    By Mohamed Touhami el Ouazzani

    Remittances may be measured through the movement of money, but their real impact is measured in lives changed. Africa’s diaspora, projected to make up over 25% of the global population, is a formidable force that is rewriting the narrative of migration. While migration is often viewed through the lens of departure, the real story lies in the connection that binds people across borders. These connections fuel economies, empower communities, and transform lives.

    Where people go, remittances follow. In 2023 alone, USD90 billion flowed into Africa from its global diaspora, an amount that rivals the GDP of entire nations. Beyond these impressive figures, however, a more important question emerges: What do remittances mean for Africa’s future?

    Contributions to Sustainable Development

    Remittances symbolize deep ties that keep communities connected across borders. Families with a breadwinner working abroad depend on these funds to provide vital support for day-to-day needs. They also build the foundation for broader financial stability.

    Beyond their immediate impact, remittances are powerful drivers of economic change. They fuel infrastructure development, spur entrepreneurship, and promote financial inclusion – all essential for long-term economic development. Ghana’s National Financial Inclusion and Development Strategy (NFIDS) is simplifying access to remittances, while countries like Kenya, Ethiopia and Nigeria are tapping into diaspora bonds to fund infrastructure and other national projects.

    On a macro-level, remittances play a pivotal role in advancing several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They boost food supply and healthcare services, promote equality, accelerate climate action, enable access to education and clean water. Across countries, remittances are shaping policies aligned with these goals. In Kenya, for example, remittances are a top foreign exchange earner, stabilizing the currency and economy. Morocco is driving financial inclusion through digitization, ensuring reliable digital payments. These efforts directly contribute to SDGs by boosting industry and economic growth, as well as reducing inequality.

    Strategic efforts being undertaken by countries demonstrate how expanding the reach of remittances can uplift communities and support the drive for sustainable growth.

    Empowering Communities through Innovation and Collaboration

    For remittances to be truly transformational, it begins with understanding and meeting people’s aspirations. Ensuring individuals who strive for more can send and receive funds, regardless of their financial status, is crucial. We must cater to diverse needs.

    In a continent renowned for its entrepreneurial spirit, offering multiple channels for remittance access is key. Whether through bank accounts, digital wallets, mobile money apps, or cash pickups, this flexibility ensures that funds are delivered in ways that best suit local realities. Providing innovative and inclusive solutions empowers individuals to not only manage their immediate needs but also to invest in long-term growth opportunities.

    Equally vital to this ecosystem is strategic collaboration. Organisations such as the African Development Bank, the African Union and the World Bank have developed strategies and solutions to simplify processes and unlock new growth opportunities. These collective efforts amplify the potential of remittances, ensuring that funds are not only received efficiently but invested wisely as well.

    This is where the cycle begins, ultimately transforming remittances into a critical driving force behind social and economic prosperity.

    Looking ahead: Fuelling Africa’s Future

    Every remittance is a seed of change – a deliberate investment in a future where borders blur. The future of remittances in Africa transcends mere financial support. By strategically directing funds into sectors that need them most, Africa’s diaspora is not just sending money home; they are building resilient economies and challenging traditional models of progress.

    This power demands that we unite with purpose, reimagine prosperity and empower future generations. The question then becomes whether we are prepared to unlock the continent’s true potential and reshape the global narrative of success.

    Mohamed Touhami el Ouazzani is the Regional Vice President of Africa at Western Union

  • Nigerians in Diaspora seek probe of Calabar road diversion

    Nigerians in Diaspora seek probe of Calabar road diversion

    Nigerians in the Diaspora have called on the Federal Government and National Assembly to investigate the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway alleging diversion on Chainage 17-18.

    They argued that their investment in WinHome Global Estate was not part of the delineated coastal road.

    They expressed their displeasure at a press conference at the Lagos Continental hotel.

    The spokesperson for the Diasporans and also the Managing Director of Winhomes Global Services, Stella Okengwu, noted that Winhomes Estate was established to attract diaspora investment, aiming to repatriate $250 million and create 5,000 jobs for young Nigerians.

    Okengwu expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its efforts to encourage investments and stabilize Nigeria’s economy, particularly emphasizing ongoing infrastructural developments including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road.

    She, however, raised serious allegations about recent changes made to the project alignment, claiming these alterations are not only unjustified but also detrimental to legitimate property rights.

    “The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road is originally regulated by the 2006 gazette, and the recent diversion impacts our estate at Okun-Ajah. The minister of works, Mr. David Umahi, has previously affirmed in public meetings that he would revert to the original alignment. It is concerning that he has unilaterally decided to change this without proper justification,” Okengwu stated.

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    Okengwu went on to clarify that the alleged reason for the diversion—to avoid potential conflicts with elevated telecommunications cables—does not hold, stating that the cables are located several kilometers away from the Winhomes estate.

    She said her company possesses all necessary legal documentation, including a Certificate of Occupancy and Governor’s Consent, which affirm the legitimacy of their ownership.

    A stakeholder and partner with Winhomes real estate, Femi Adekoya expressed concerns over the diverted alignment of the coastal road project noting that the section between chainage 17-18 of the Okun-Ajah axis has been redirected from its original gazetted alignment of 2006, during the tenure of former Lagos State Governor and current President of Nigeria.

  • Nigeria seeks to improve Diaspora’s contribution to GDP 

    Nigeria seeks to improve Diaspora’s contribution to GDP 

    Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has said that Nigeria is moving towards improving Diaspora contribution to Gross Domestic Product of the country.

    Tuggar stated this in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the President’s Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement (PAC-ADE).

    He said:  “We are moving closely towards changing those negative narratives about Nigeria and to improve on the contribution to GDP of diasporans,” Tuggar stated.

    A member of PAC-ADE delegation,  Executive Director Deniece Laurent-Mantey, while fielding questions from journalist noted that  Nigeria was part of their first official trip to Africa.

    She explained that the council, inaugurated by President Biden in 2023, aims to strengthen the African diaspora’s role in economic and social development.

     “We chose Nigeria because Nigerian diasporans represent a vibrant part of the African diaspora community,” Lawrence said.

    Laurent-Mantey praised the engaging and interactive discussions with Minister Tuggar and expressed optimism about future collaborations.

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    She added, “We talked about how we can partner with the Nigerians in diaspora, across different sectors. Our partnership should go both ways: how can the US support Nigeria, and how can Nigeria support America as well?”

    The PAC-ADE was established by President Biden via Executive Order 14089 during the 2022 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit and was formally inaugurated in October 2023 by Vice President Harris. The council includes 12 members distinguished in various fields such as government, sports, creative industries, business, academia, social work, and faith-based activities.

    The council advised the President on strengthening relationships between U.S. officials and the African diaspora in the United States.

    In March, the council adopted its first set of recommendations for the President.

    These included programs focused on student exchanges between Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and African educational institutions, advocating for more U.S. Government policy support for the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), funds for climate-focused initiatives in Africa, improving visa processes for Africans traveling to the United States, and enhancing investments and collaborations in African creative industries.

    The council’s visit to Nigeria underscores the significance of bilateral relations and the impact of the Nigerian diaspora.

    This follows the historic Framework of Cooperation signed between the U.S. and Kenya in May 2024 at Spelman College in Atlanta.

    This agreement included funds to support the Edtech Africa Initiative, a public-private partnership recommended by PAC-ADE to promote STEM education partnerships between HBCUs, the Open University of Kenya, Mastercard, and Microsoft.

  • Diaspora mortgage scheme operational in next three month

    Diaspora mortgage scheme operational in next three month

    The much talked about Diaspora mortgage scheme will become operational in next three months, The Nation has learnt.

    This is as the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) harmonised plans towards commencement of the scheme.

    The Diaspora Mortgage Housing Scheme is primarily targeted at Nigerians in the Diaspora to become home owners in their country and create credible investment opportunities for themselves and other Nigerians.

    Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, NiDCOM  and the new leadership of the bank, under Mr.  Shehu Usman Osidi,  the new Managing Director and Chief Executive, FMBN according to a statement by Mr  Gabriel Odu, Media, Public Relations and Protocol unit, NIDCOM met in Abuja to perfect the programme.

    The meeting, Odu said drew out next steps on the continuity of the Diaspora Mortgage Housing Scheme  Project, which had reached an advanced stage before the  change in the management of the FMBN.

    The statement reads in part: “The NiDCOM Chairman/CEO, agreed with the MD Mr Shehu Usman Osidi that an extended three-month test run will be done to avoid lapses on the portal in the long run and enable the new Head of FMBN gets sufficiently acquainted with the project.

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    “The new FMBN helmsman is confident  that the project will be launched as promised before the second half of the year.

     “Also,  Mr Osidi noted that providing a platform where Diaspora Nigerians can access funding facilities for housing projects, is one of the pragmatic steps from the Federal Government in recognition of the Diaspora’s efforts to the country,  as key players in economic sustainability.

    “He further said that having this platform will result in job creation and a high patronage in Made-in-Nigeria products and services which will bolster Nigeria’s GDP.

    “The new FMBN Chief Executive stated that though plans have been in place for the Launch before the first quarter of 2024, he agreed  to have  more test-runs done on the platform to ensure a seamless and user- friendly portal, for the next three months.

    “To that effect, FMB boss presented an amended draft of the Memorandum of agreement while stating that a six-man technical party, consisting of  three members each from FMBN and NiDCOM, will spearhead the conclusion of the novel project.

  • Ondo to host diaspora investment summit

    Ondo to host diaspora investment summit

    Ondo State government has said it was ready to host a diaspora investment summit with a view to mobilizing resources for rapid and sustainable local growth and development.

    It said the summit was organised with support from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the European Union Commission through the Integrated National Financing Framework (INFF) Phase II programme led by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Economy and supported by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs (OSSAP-SDGs).

    Scheduled to take place virtually on December 2nd and 9th, 2023, the summit will bring together top government officials and investment/development experts. They will showcase opportunities within the state and encourage the diaspora community to seize them, particularly in critical sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, technology, and infrastructure.

    The project acknowledges the crucial contributions of the Nigerian diaspora community to the country’s development. Last year, Nigeria received $21.9 billion in diaspora home remittances through official channels, surpassing the value of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) by fourfold.

    The summit, according to the state’s Commissioner for Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations, Hon. Boye Ologbese, would feature panels exploring topics related to investment opportunities in the state and how the diaspora could leverage them for a mutually beneficial commercial and developmental outcome.

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    Hon Ologbese said the summit showed the Akeredolu-led government’s serious commitment to enhancing the state’s relationship with the diaspora.

    Ologbese said the summit would provide an opportunity for the state to fully leverage its diaspora’s financial capacity and knowledge acquired from residing in countries with higher levels of development than Nigeria.

    He said the state achieved a milestone by becoming the first state in Nigeria’s South West region to secure the approval of the Federal Government to establish the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) office in Akure, the state capital.

    Director-General of the Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA), Mr. Gbenga Badejo, expressed optimism that the event would provide a platform for forward-thinking discussions, the formation of substantial partnerships, promotion of investments and development, and the generation of innovative solutions to address issues pivotal to the advancement of the state

  • Multilingual author to empower diaspora children

    Multilingual author to empower diaspora children

    Nigerian-American author, Taiye Ayoola-Adedeji is set to empower children in the diaspora about their rich culture and beautiful language.

    According to the author of the best-selling electronic entitled, YORTONES (Yoruba Sound Book For Children), her mission is to help children secure their cultural identity by learning their language, recognizing the challenges parents often face in teaching the language and passing on their heritage in their busy lives.

    She said her initiative not only empowers the children but also supports their families, contributing to their livelihoods and economic independence.

    “’The Electronic Yoruba Sound Book’ has made a significant impact in the United States, where there is a substantial Nigerian diaspora community. This book has filled a crucial gap by providing a resource for children to learn their language and to see their culture represented in literature,” Ayoola-Adedeji said.

    She added, “African-American children and their parents who discover their Yoruba heritage through genetic testing also find the book inspiring, as it connects them with their roots and encourages a deeper exploration of African culture. We have been engaging with local communities, offering programs such as “The Children’s Hour with Yoruba Language,” which brings together children of various backgrounds to learn about African culture and language.”
    Ayoola-Adedeji expressed that she is not resting on her laurels as she is on a mission to greater heights by attending the upcoming United Nations General Assembly.

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    “My bilingual book has brought attention to a groundbreaking development within the United States Motor Vehicle Administration, particularly in the DMV area. In Maryland, they have acknowledged the growing importance of the Yoruba language by introducing translations for learner’s permit exams in Yoruba. I believe that preserving cultural identity and language is vital and encourages everyone, regardless of their location, to embrace their culture and language.”

    With the increasing globalization of Yoruba culture and the incorporation of Yoruba words into mainstream music and media, Dr. Ayoola-Adedeji stresses the importance of passing on the language to the next generation.

  • Monarch seeks support for diaspora 10th anniversary in Cameroon

    Monarch seeks support for diaspora 10th anniversary in Cameroon

    Barely two months to the 10th anniversary of a Cameroon-based Nigerian international magazine, Naija Diaspora, HRH Eze Thomas .J. Onyengubo, Eze Gburugburu 1 of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo in Cameroon, has called Nigerians across the Republic of Cameroon and all over the world to join in celebrating the landmark event coming up in November 2023.

    The monarch, during an official visit by the Organizing Committee of the event recently, applauded the initiatives of the event by the publisher of the magazine Ismaila Adegbola, stressing that it is an opportunity to celebrate Nigeria’s image to the world.

    Naija Diaspora Magazine is billed to celebrate its 10 years in existence in November 2023. The event will bring together high personalities from Cameroon, Nigeria and beyond.

    As part of the activities to mark the event, several activities have been lined up, including a symposium. This symposium shall bring together business leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and cultural actors on a platform to share their experiences and ideas in Cameroon.

    The topic of the symposium is: ‘Diaspora and Nation Building: Challenges, Opportunities and Prospects.’

    “I’m highly impressed with what you are doing in Cameroon with Naija Diaspora Magazine, and this is the time for every Nigerian in the country to support you in celebration. On this day, you have received my blessings, and I am very confident that the blessing of God has already manifested in the preparation,” said Gburu Gburu.

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    “I am using this opportunity to call upon every Nigerian to ensure this event becomes a success to the benefit of our dear country Nigeria and Cameroon.”

    In his speech, the publisher of Naija Diaspora Magazine said: “Your Royal Majesty, you have been part of this great company, your support has been wonderful till date. The success of this magazine will not be complete without mentioning your categorical support over the years. I am happy to receive your royal blessings. Like you have always been a father figure to every Nigerian here in Cameroon, I pray to God to give you a long life in good health.”

    Eze Gburu Gburu has remained one of the eminent Nigerians flying the flags of Nigeria in Cameroon, he was recently honored by the Cameroonian government for his contributions to curbing the unemployment rate amongst the youthful population and his impact on the growth of Cameroon’s economy.

    Mostly known for his leadership role as the Traditional Head of the Igbo Community in Cameroon, literally referred to as “Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo in Cameroon”.

  • Black History Month: ‘Africa must tap potentials of Africans in the diaspora’

    In order to develop the continent, Africans have been reminded of the need to bridge the gap between it and Africans in the diaspora.

    Participants gave this advice on Thursday at a panel discussion organised by the United States Embassy, Abuja in commemoration of the Black History Month.

    The theme of the event was “Building bridges between Africa and the Diaspora.”

    The Black History Month began in 1926 in the United States when historian Carter Wooden and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History announced the second week of February as “Negro History Week.”

    Aside from the lecture, there will be a performance by the Theatre Arts Department of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria to showcase African-American contributions to the arts.

    The performance titled “The Meeting” is a play about the meeting between two prominent black- American civil right activists, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr in 1965 during the height of the civil right movement in the US.

    According to the African Union, the African Diaspora is composed of “people of African origin living outside of the continent, irrespective of their citizenship and nationality, and who are willing to contribute to the development of the continent and the building of the African Union.”

    Speaking at the event, Tanya Hill, an officer with the American embassy said the Black History Month is very important because it helps the “lost” diaspora find a connection to their roots.

    Ms Hill, who is an African American, said though she has not traced her descent in Africa, she is proud about everything that makes her African.

    She said as a child of the slave trade, she can only trace her genealogical roots to the 19th century.

    She, however, said it is very important to African countries to start building bridges with Africans in the diaspora.

    This, she said, has become important as it can assist with the socioeconomic development of the continent.

    Ms Hills said revaluing the relationship with Africans in the diaspora is a great way to bridge the gap between people of African descent across the globe. She said many black Africans have been doing so through DNA genealogical tracing of their roots,

    According to the African Union, the African Diaspora is composed of “people of African origin living outside of the continent, irrespective of their citizenship and nationality, and who are willing to contribute to the development of the continent and the building of the African Union.”

     

     

     

     

  • Diaspora Lakeview Estate makes debut in Lekki

    A real estate company, Diaspora Lakeview Estates Limited, said it is partnering  with Thesaurus Gardens Limited to co-develop ‘Diaspora Lakeview Estate’ which is the first CCTV powered estate of its kind.

    The estate is located within the Caribbean Lake City, along Lekki-Epe Expressway, opposite Crown Estate, and situated in the neighbourhood of other estates namely Emperor Estate, Fara Park and Novare Mall.

    According to the promoters who spoke to the The Nation they revealed that  the Lagos State  allocated to Thesaurus Gardens Limited 51 hectares of land, from which Diaspora Lakeview Estates Ltd derives its title.

    They said the joint venture would seek to improve and restore confidence of Nigerians abroad who have always wanted to invest in landed properties but have fallen victims to land grabbers popularly referred to as ‘Omo-Oniles’.

    The Managing Director of Thesaraus Gardens Limited, Bolaji Olasode, said the collaboration with Diaspora Lakeview Estates Limited is strategic for both companies geared towards giving prospective land owners a peace of mind in acquiring property.

    He went further to state that a unique feature of the estate is the waterway transport system through which people can travel by sea to all parts of Lagos State, while stressing that the cost of land at the Diaspora Lakeview Estate will appreciate rapidly and the return on investment is speculated at 100 per cent in two years.

    According to the Chairman of Diaspora Lakeview Estates Limited, Prince Williams-Joel  said  the innovation in real estate will seek to provide an outstanding level of service, excellence, expertise, and security in securing real estate investment and development.

    He said: “We act in the best interest of our clients who are domiciled abroad by offering unquestionable ethics on all land transactions. Through this joint venture, we are restoring people’s confidence in investing in Nigeria, having fallen victims of fraudsters in the past. The Diaspora Lakeview Estate is one of its kind because you do not have to travel several kilometres to purchase a land; we bring the land to your door step, home or abroad, and considering that everyone wants to own a land in Lagos State, the Centre of Excellence, it would be a very good opportunity to invest in this unique offer.”

    Joel further said that the estate will boast of 24 hours power supply, internet services, waterways transportation, amongst others.

    As part of its goal in offering affordable real estate services, the company is embarking on a Real Estate Promo with a plot of land being sold for only N10, 000,000 (Ten Million Naira) as against N12, 500,000 (Twelve Million and Five Hundred Thousand Naira) and the promo closes on the 16th of February, 2019.

    Whilst enumerating the benefits of acquiring land especially along the Lekki-Epe axis of Lagos State, he also stated that preparations are on top gear to make similar arrangements for those interested in developed buildings in Abuja and Port Harcourt, with a development of duplexes and blocks of flats.