By Clement Adeyi
Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT), was agog over the weekend as a galaxy of Nigerians in the diaspora from various parts of the world, alongside scores of eminent dignitaries, poured into the city to celebrate the 2025 edition of National Diaspora Day.
The usually serene Presidential Villa, venue of the event, came alive on Friday, July 25, as the Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) hosted the celebration themed: “Optimising Formidable Diaspora Potentials for National Development and Growth.”
The annual event aims to engage the diaspora as a key pillar in Nigeria’s development strategy.
By 9:00 a.m., participants had already begun streaming into the venue, which sparkled with splendour and was marked by a palpable ambience of warmth and conviviality.
It became a sea of faces as many Nigerians based in Europe, America, Asia, and other regions, joined by counterparts at home, filled the grand Banquet Hall of the Conference Centre, where the event took place.
Among the distinguished dignitaries was the Chief Host and Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa. She was clearly in high spirits throughout the two-day event.
As she arrived, beaming with smiles, a large crowd surrounded her, welcoming her warmly. She responded with cheerful greetings and shared pleasantries, as cameramen captured the moment in rapid succession.
In her detailed and eloquently delivered speech, the NiDCOM boss offered valuable insights into the Commission’s vision, mission, programmes, activities, impact, and achievements.
Underscoring the relevance of the event’s theme, Dabiri-Erewa emphasised the importance of recognising both the government’s and the diaspora community’s contributions to nation-building. She also discussed strategies to enhance diaspora engagement for national development.
She stressed that the contributions of Nigerians living abroad are critical to the country’s growth and development, highlighting the diaspora community’s academic, professional, and global exposure as key assets.
According to her, their extensive experiences provide the leverage needed to contribute meaningfully to national discourse and policy formulation, fostering national progress.
Another prominent figure at the event was the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr. George Akume, who delivered a speech on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.
“It is a great delight to address our over 20 million Nigerians in the diaspora on this auspicious occasion of the celebration of our National Diaspora Day 2025—only Nigerians, both at home and abroad,” he said.
President Tinubu commended the increasing significance of diaspora remittances, revealing that in 2024 alone, “Nigerians abroad sent home $20.9 billion through official channels—more than four times the value of the country’s foreign direct investment.”
He further praised other strategic contributions made by Nigerians abroad, noting: “The Nigerians in the diaspora are also actively investing in our healthcare, agriculture, education, information and communication technology, housing and real estate, sports, transportation, oil and gas, and other sectors. This, I must say, is commendable and in our enlightened self-interest.”
The Minister of Youth Development, Hon. Ayodele Olawande, was also in attendance. He commended Dabiri-Erewa for consistently involving young people in diaspora engagement.
“Commitment is the key to success,” he said, urging the youth to remain focused and believe in their potential.
Hon. Bobby Digi-Olisa from New York, who was present at the event, encouraged the youth to know themselves and take bold steps to maximise their potential and fulfill their purpose in life.
Alex Oturu, from the National Commission for Refugees and Migration, also participated. In his remarks, he warned against overstaying visas or disregarding travel regulations, noting that such actions could render one an irregular migrant. He also cautioned youth about the dangers of human trafficking.
Other notable speakers included Prof. Fene Osakwe, who urged the youth to always make Nigeria proud wherever they found themselves.
Ms. Pelumi Nubi, who famously drove from London to Lagos, encouraged young Nigerians to dream big despite challenges. “Start with what you have and trust yourself,” she advised.
Isabelle Wolfsgruber, Head of Office at the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), delivered a goodwill message in which she praised NiDCOM for its consistent efforts to strengthen the bond between Nigeria and its global diaspora communities.
“This year’s theme: Optimizing Formidable Diaspora Potentials for National Growth is both timely and inspiring. Our gathering here is not just a celebration; it is a call to action and a recognition that the Nigerian diaspora—among the most dynamic, educated, and resourceful globally—holds boundless untapped potential to contribute meaningfully to national development,” she said.
“At ICMPD, we are proud to work alongside partners such as NiDCOM to ensure inclusive migration governance that fully integrates diaspora contributions. Through the EU-funded Support to Free Movement of Persons and Migration in West Africa Phase II Project (FMM West Africa II), in partnership with ECOWAS, IOM, and ILO, we support efforts to build strong institutional frameworks that place diaspora engagement at the centre of sustainable development through the Demand Driven Facility (DDF),” she added.
Wolfsgruber also noted that the organization is strengthening the capacities of heritage institutions in Lagos for sustainable heritage festival development through diaspora collaboration, under the EU Global Diaspora Facility.
“As we celebrate today, we are reminded that migration, when well-governed, serves as a powerful driver of prosperity, resilience, and inclusive growth. To the Nigerian diaspora, your patriotism, resilience, and commitment continue to inspire and uplift Nigeria’s path toward a brighter future,” she concluded.
Ms. Sharon Dimanche, Chief of Mission at the International Organization for Migration (IOM), also delivered a goodwill message in which she commended NiDCOM for its leadership in championing diaspora engagement and for its unwavering commitment to organizing the annual event.
She specifically lauded Hon. (Dr.) Abike Dabiri-Erewa for her tireless and visionary leadership, which she said had kept diaspora engagement prominent on the national agenda.
Dimanche reaffirmed IOM’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian government in translating diaspora potential into tangible development outcomes.
“Let us work together to ensure that no talent is left behind—at home or abroad,” she said.
Miss Diaspora Nigeria-USA, Oyemen Ehikhamhen, also participated in the event. She shared how the arts gave her purpose and confidence, declaring: “My crown is not just beauty — it’s a symbol of power and storytelling.”
