The Federal Government has lauded the resilience and patriotism of Nigerians living in the United States, praising their commitment to the country’s development.
The commendation came during a joint virtual meeting organised by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and the Nigerian Centre, Washington.
The event brought together about 15 Diaspora groups, represented by their leadership, from across the US.
Speaking at the webinar, the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, urged the Nigerian community in the US to actively engage in national issues, particularly in light of recent developments in the country.
The Chief of Staff, speaking at the webinar, noted that the country is undeniably experiencing serious violence in some parts of the country but what is needed now is not discordant tunes rather concerted focused-driven efforts to stem the tide.
Gbajabiamila emphasised that cooperation, not blame, will be key to resolving the crisis.
He recalled how Americans resolved the post 9/11 crisis, urging Nigerians to unite against insurgency, regardless of ethnic or religious differences.
Speaking in the same vein, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, noted that claims of “genocide” were misleading, stressing that the challenges were rooted in regional conflicts.
He added that ‘misdiagnosing’ the issue would inevitably lead to ineffective solutions.
Tuggar highlighted contributing factors, such as the collapse of Libya under Gaddafi, the failure of the EU–Sahel strategy, and past restrictions on the sale of arms to Nigeria.
He stressed that Tinubu’s administration is committed to actualise the 4D Agenda of: Democracy, Development, Demography and Diaspora.
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, NiDCOM, and facilitator of the virtual conference, said this cooperation was essential, as conversations always breed further comprehension. Dabiri-Erewa, while appreciating the participants, concluded that all discussions and recommendations will be compiled and a communiqué will be submitted to the President through the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Mr. Gbenga Ogunjimi, from the Nigerian Centre, Washington, who moderated the event, stressed that the Nigerian Diaspora represents the nation’s global communities, and therefore diplomacy must go beyond government-to-government interface.
He emphasised the key role Nigerians in the US could play particularly in recent developments between both countries.
Representatives of key Diaspora groups called for stronger collaboration with the government, pledging their support whenever needed.
Stakeholders also recommended that the forum continue regularly, with clear identification of pressing issues and strategic, Nigeria-focused lobbying mechanisms.
