Diaspora Day: Appraisal of Dabiri -Erewa’s address

Hon. Abike Dabiri – Erewa hit the nail on the head in her recent address on the issues affecting Nigerians abroad. It is very interesting that she noted the dysfunctional nature of many groups claiming to represent Nigerians in the Diaspora.

I could not hold back applauding her, when she admitted that Diaspora day tend to be a gathering of those who lack the capacity to focus on many important issues affecting Nigerians abroad. A jamboree!!! The same person attends the so called Diaspora day without

significant impact on those they claim to go to Nigeria to represent.

Many of the groups do not have any office base, no financial support to enable effective representation in many countries abroad – for example the UK. These are groups I consider to be on shoe strings. !!!

It is about time Nigerians abroad organise themselves to take up issues with the country to whom they pay their dues – for example Council Tax in the UK!!! Whilst many Non – Nigerian communities in the UK strategically and successfully present issues of importance to UK Local, Regional and Central Governments, Nigerians in the UK continues to focus on the Nigerian government via the Nigerian High Commission.

The mission with many highly dedicated and good staff but inadequate resources to function as a Diplomatic Mission, let alone represent a group of people who are British with legitimate with legitimate rights to seek assistance from Britain.

May I suggest that in future the Diaspora Day should seek to focus on how Nigerians who are abroad can effectively present issues to the government of the countries in which they reside.

I have always wondered why Nigerians in the Diaspora should be of any importance to Nigerian government when many do not wish to return to Nigeria.

Those who wish to contribute to the development of Nigeria cannot remain abroad to do so – (Unless they wish to invest cash). Perhaps Nigerian government should create opportunities for those who wish to return to make such contribution. The latter I believe is inappropriate simply because, many abroad are out of touch with the realities of life in Nigeria, consequently those who may choose to go to Nigeria will require orientation to be fit for purpose.

 

Finally, may I suggest that future Days for Nigerians in the Diaspora should be hosted outside of Nigeria in different countries to enable the representatives who have been going to Nigeria to show case the groups they represent. There are a number of groups in Liverpool who are successfully set up to cater for the needs of Nigerians in Merseyside area of the UK.

A visit by Hon. Abike Dabiri should be an eye opener!!!

 

Hon. Lola Ayorinde, writes from the UK.

 

Get more trends like this

Subscribe to our mailing list and get latest Nigeria trends in your inbox.

Get more trends like this
in your inbox

Subscribe to our mailing list and get latest Nigeria trends in your inbox.