The House of Representatives’ Member, representing Oluyole Federal Constituency, Hon. Tolulope Sadipe has described Nigerians in the diaspora as major contributors to the country’s socio-economic development.
Hon. Akande-Sadipe, who is the Chairman, Committee on Diaspora, disclosed this on Friday at the launch of the National Diaspora Policy by Nigerians in Diaspora Commission.
The lawmaker clarified that Nigerians in Diaspora are not criminals, but people who are adding value across the world.
According to her, “We are not criminals but a people who are adding value across the world. Nigerian Adults and Children are making their positive mark and contributions worldwide. Our positive narrative is greater than the negative, we and the world need to embrace that.
“A large number of those in the diaspora are professionals with specialization in all fields of human endeavour including education, research, medicine, law, ICT, engineering etc. This represents a large pool of human resource capacity that needs to be effectively engaged and coordinated to promote National Development. These our diasporans are changing the narrative, helping to showcase Nigeria as it truly is, showing that Nigeria is not a Nation of Criminals as some will want you to believe.
“It may Interest you to know that one of the legislative priorities of the 9th Assembly of the House of Representatives, as articulated in the Legislative Agenda of the House, is in the area of Human Capital Development and Social Investment; and one of the prioritized legislative actions, is to pursue reforms in our foreign policy to ensure the protection of Nigerians and Nigeria interests in the diaspora. Also, to harness the potential of the Nigeria communities in the diaspora for development, particularly in the area of skills and technology transfer, investments and the promotion of the country’s national image abroad,” Hon. Akande-Sadipe said.
The Chairman also noted that an effective Diaspora Policy will provide a framework for the promotion of trade and foreign direct investment; create business opportunities and spur entrepreneurship, and the transfer of new technologies and skills.
She stated that Nigeria is the largest remittances-recipient country in Sub-Saharan Africa, and therefore, there is need for effective coordination and regulation of diaspora remittances to contribute positively to the social and economic development of the country.
Hon. Akande-Sadipe, while congratulating the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the lawmaker charged them not to relent and seek more collaborative efforts from the civil servants.
“I would like to congratulate the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) under the able leadership of Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa for the tireless effort towards articulating a clear policy direction to effectively utilize, support and engage the diaspora for National Development. In all we do we must not forget our traffic Nigerians in diaspora, who are living in inhumane circumstances in the diaspora.
“I encourage you all to continue to work with NiDCOM and the various Committees that have been set up to ensure an effective and sustained diaspora engagement for National Development”. I would also like to use this opportunity to assure you of the total support of the House Committee on Diaspora and indeed the House of Representatives,” She added.
Hon. Akande-Sadipe also congratulated all State Diaspora Focal Point Officers for their achievements in the mandate of harnessing the human capital and material resources of Nigerians in Diaspora for the overall socio-economic, cultural and political development of Nigeria.
