By Olubunmi Omoogun – Today, Nigerians in diaspora have Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa to thank for spearheading the creation of a commission backed by law, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM). The Commission is responsible for coordinating and providing an organized system of collaborations of Nigerians in Diaspora for their contributions by identifying, preserving, and mobilizing the human capital and material resources and expertise to the development of Nigeria.
The Commission has been documenting the great exploits and amazing feats of Nigerians across the world.
While some Nigerians are moving back to Nigeria to contribute their quotas to the development of Nigeria through their expertise and foreign experiences acquired over the years in the diaspora. Others have decided to stay back in their respective countries of abode to work and contribute meaningfully to those countries.
Nigeria, like many other developing countries, recognizes the enormous potentials of her diaspora population to contribute towards the overall development of the country, Nigeria.
Nigerians in diaspora have continued to make Nigeria proud in various fields, whether it is in politics, sports, business/investment, health, military, media, education and so on.
Recently, sports personalities of Nigerian heritage, such as world champion boxer, Anthony Femi Joshua, England and Arsenal star, Bukayo Saka were in Nigeria to spend some time with families and friends, using their foundations to develop and impact in the roots as well as sponsor intervention programmes for the people in need.
Nigerians have shown that beyond numbers, they are progressive, hardworking, and contribute significantly to where they live, highlighting the importance of fostering closer ties between their country and newly adopted country.
Quoting the Chairman, Nigerians In Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa she said, “Nigeria is full of opportunities and possibilities. A country with resilience, rich culture, and immense economic potentials.”
The NIDCOM Boss also urged Nigerians to invest in their homeland, to reinforce the need for stronger economic partnerships between Nigeria and its diaspora, “By investing back home, we build bridges that foster growth and prosperity for both Nigeria and its diaspora.”
Nigerians play essential roles in education, social work, and legal services.
Foreigners have always said that Nigerian leadership in various sectors across the globe showcase their good nature and strengthen the bond between their homeland and their adopted countries.
The indispensable role of the diaspora in our national development and nation-building transformative effort designed to provide succour to the people,
demonstrated a deep understanding of our nation’s critical growth areas. And by bringing together local entrepreneurs and diaspora investors, they are not just supporting individual ventures but forging collaborations that will drive our nation’s prosperity forward. Indeed, it is this kind of forward-thinking that aligns with our mission of stabilization and growth, thus paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for Nigeria.
The current Honourable Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in Osun State, Rev. Jenyo Samuel Atanda Bunmi, a diasporan who used to live in the United Kingdom came back to Nigeria to contribute towards nation building in his state where he coordinates the planning, devising, and implementing the state policies on Commerce and Industry. This ministry was established to ensure business prosperity and consumer satisfaction in Osun State.
His ministry also formulates and implements policies and programs to attract investment and engages investors to boost industrialization as well as promotes economic growth, creates jobs and generates wealth for the state.
Born on the 26th of February, 1962, Rev. Jenyo attended University of Northampton, before then, he was at the University of Liverpool, England.
He also attended Osun State College of Education Ila-Orangun, Osun State, Ansar u deen (AUD) Comprehensive Secondary School, Owo, Ondo State.
He had his primary school education at A.U.D Modern School and Methodist Primary School both in Owo, Ondo State.
A holder of Masters in Business Administration (MBA) and a Unit Manager at American Life Insurance Services (ALICO), UK, Rev. Jenyo has been applauded for contributing to national development and empowering his people.
In the political circles, Rev. Bunmi Jenyo was a zonal Secretary, South West, PDP from March 2012 to March 2016.
Outside the shores of Nigeria, he was president of Osun State Union, UK and Ireland between 2004 and 2006.
The Commissioner had also been President, Yoruba society UK and Ireland in 1997-2000, Organizing and Social Secretary, Yoruba Society Osun State Union UK and Ireland between 1991 and 1995.
In recognition of Rev. Bunmi Jenyo’s selfless service, exemplary leadership, and outstanding contributions to the development of mankind in Osun State, he got awarded by Rotaract district 9125, Nigeria and Rotary International on 4th June, 2011. He also got a Justice of Peace Award from Osun State Ministry of Justice, in 2008.
Two former Nigerian Ministers who are also outstanding and making Nigeria proud in the globe are the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina.
Both are the first set of Nigerians to hold the exalted global positions.
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