By Abdulfatah Babatunde
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) says Irish Diaspora Engagement should serve as a strategic partnership for Nigeria’s sustained engagement with her diasporans.
Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said this when she received Irish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Peter Ryan in her office in Abuja.
This visit is against the backdrop of the Irish Diasporans pulling their country out of recession.
Dabiri-Erewa added that the commission could tap into Irish’s wealth of engagement with the Diaspora to bring the Nigerian Diaspora closer home.
She added that NiDCOM has created diaspora-centric activities since its establishment four years ago.
Dabiri-Erewa wished the Ambassador the best in all his endeavours.
She assured him of the NiDCOM’s support and partnership with the Irish Diaspora Ministry and by extension, the Irish Government.
Ryan expressed delight at the warm reception received at NiDCOM.
He agreed that the two countries have enjoyed better diaspora relationships, educational and cultural connections via the diaspora agencies of both Ireland and Nigeria.
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The Ambassador explained that he came to compare notes and share ideas with NiDCOM for a more robust diaspora engagement.
Ryan further said “there is still more to learn in this area of focus and find ways of collaboration”.
He noted that the Irish Government recognises the power of the diaspora and the need to engage with its people outside the shores.
Ryan also said that with the Irish 40 per cent diaspora, they have a 25 per cent younger population in Africa.
“They have the resilient spirit as Nigerians, as they perform excellently well in their various fields.”
The ambassador applauded the NiDCOM boss for her show of care to Nigerians during the Ukraine and Sudan Crises.
“The diaspora is the greatest treasure to any country in the world,” Ryan said.
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