The Unveiling and Rebranding Nigeria Initiative (URNI) has entered into a partnership with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) to enlist about 17 million citizens living abroad in efforts to promote the country’s image and accelerate national development.
The collaboration was formalised when a delegation from URNI, led by its Board of Trustees chairman, Brigadier General Buba Shajiaba (rtd), visited NIDCOM headquarters in Abuja.
At the centre of the project is a resolve to reshape global perceptions of Nigeria through cultural diplomacy, youth-focused engagement and diaspora-driven initiatives.
Shajiaba said, “Our core mission is to inspire deep patriotism and unity, while strategically projecting Nigeria’s immense strengths and achievements to a global audience. We are moving beyond talk to actionable partnerships.”
He noted URNI’s expanding international reach, particularly its partnership with the France-based Friends of Nigeria in Europe (FON), co-chaired by John Okoro.
“These collaborations are not merely symbolic; they are already strengthening cultural exchange and mobilising vital diaspora resources for developmental causes back home in Nigeria,” Shajiaba added.
The team also presented NIDCOM with its inaugural Faces of Patriotism book, which celebrates exemplary Nigerians and outlines a roadmap for the rebranding effort.
Receiving the publication on behalf of NIDCOM Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the commission’s Secretary, Dr. Sule Yakubu Bassi, lauded the initiative and underscored the importance of the diaspora in the nation’s growth.
“The Nigerian diaspora community represents a vast reservoir of potential. Their contributions in investment, innovation and diplomacy are increasingly vital to elevating our nation’s global standing.
“We encourage URNI to align its programmes with NIDCOM’s flagship initiatives. This partnership is a transformative step in building international confidence in Nigeria, while reinforcing unity and patriotism at home,” Bassi said.
The URNI delegation praised Dabiri-Erewa for her “visionary leadership in championing the welfare, protection and empowerment of Nigerians abroad,” stressing that her work in diaspora investment and policy aligns with their mission.
Established in 2007, URNI has been at the forefront of grassroots campaigns to promote national pride. Both organisations pledged to sustain the momentum, describing the partnership as a catalyst for uniting Nigerians worldwide under the banner of rebranding the nation.
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