By: Mercy Peter
Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM )
Chairman Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa, on Thursday said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be giving the keynote address at this year’s Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit, NDIS.
Dabiri-Erewa also disclosed that Business magnate, Alhaji Aliko Dangote will be among the guest speakers at the three day event.
Dabiri stated this whIle addressing the press in abuja ahead of the 7th Edition of NDIS, scheduled for 5th to 7th November 2024.
The 7th Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit which is organized by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) in collaboration with the Nigeria Diaspora Summit Initiative (NDSI), has as theme: New Vistas, New Aspirations, New Visions
She said: “We are honored to announce that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will serve as our special guest of honor. This underscores the significance of this event and the Diaspora in our president agenda.
“In attendance, we anticipate distinguished business leaders, including Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who will be our Guest Speaker on the first day. His presence is aimed at drawing from the wealth of his knowledge and practical experience in successfully conducting business in Nigeria. Mr. John Olajide will deliver the keynote address on the second day, contributing his own valuable experience and insights. Additionally, prominent personalities from the entertainment industry, such as Richard Mofe-Damijo, among many others, will also be present
“This Summit will focus on key sectors that are pivotal to driving investment and fostering growth in Nigeria, including Finance, ICT, Fintech, Creative Industries, Sports and Entertainment, Agribusiness, Healthcare, Education, Real Estate and Infrastructure, as well as Manufacturing and Mining.
“This year’s Summit promises to be exceptional, featuring insightful discussions, networking opportunities, and actionable strategies to harness the potential of the Nigerian Diaspora.”
Speaking on the NDIS, NIDCOM boss said it is yielding desired goals so far since its 1st Edition in 2018.
Nidcom boss said: “The Diaspora and National Development, highlight our continuous commitment to unlocking new opportunities for Nigeria’s development through Diaspora engagement.
She stressed that “It is becoming increasingly clear that the Nigerian Diaspora holds a unique position that enables them to contribute significantly to the nation’s development.
“Given the current socio-economic challenges and the relentless effort of the current administration, the diaspora’s involvement is not just beneficial; it is essential, especially in boosting investment prospects and sustainable development in the country and that is why this Summit is apt.
“The Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS) has consistently provided a vibrant and impactful platform for the Nigerian diaspora to play a pivotal role in the country’s economic development.
Dabiri-Erewa said, NDIS serves as a bridge, connecting diaspora investors with local entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and start-ups across various sectors of the Nigerian economy.
Through this initiative, members of the diaspora have been empowered to channel their resources, expertise, and networks into fostering economic growth and creating opportunities for Nigerians back home.
Erewa said the direct engagement by the diaspora has not only infused much-needed capital into the local economy but had also brought in new skills, knowledge, and global best practices that have strengthened the capacity of local enterprises to compete on a larger scale.
She said over the past six years, the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS) has not only facilitated interactions between Diaspora investors, potential business partners, sponsors, and government officials .
She listed some of the gains of the past summits to include: A multimillion-dollar movie production, involving two past moderators from the entertainment sector, is currently underway as a direct result of the connections made through the NDIS.
“The Royal School of Education Therapy (RSET) a school set up for tutoring pupils with disability, just by pitching and participating at the NDIS, received a ₦2 million promissory donation and grants for training special education teachers, enhancing their service delivery.
“Quebec Food Processing Industrial Parks Ltd secured a partnership for equity financing, negotiating a deal worth ₦462 million following their participation in the summit.
“By participating and pitching their business at the NDIS, Adubiaro Farms attracted nearly ₦50 million in investments.
She said, As a result of their engagement with the NDIS, iSTEMLabs Africa is currently exploring a promising partnership with NiDCOM to establish a Software Engineering campus.
“After participating in the NDIS 2022, the Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA) received a number of expressions of interest from international partners keen on the distribution and marketing of their chocolate products
“The impact of the NDIS extends beyond these, with countless other success stories that time may not permit us to enumerate.”
