by mercy Peter
The president spoke at the 7th edition of the Nigeria diaspora investment submits NDIS, 2024 at the presidential villa Abuja.
The 2024 NDIS has as theme: Adopting Stability through diaspora investment: lNavigating the path to prosperity.
Tinubu who was represented at the occasion by the e Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume also described the diasporans as worth ambassadors of the country.
He said: “The Diaspora plays a critical role in any nation’s development. You, our brothers and sisters abroad, are an indispensable asset to our great nation. You are not only ambassadors of Nigeria in your respective countries, but also torch-bearers of excellence, innovation, and resilience. Your achievements across the globe are a source of immense pride for all of us. Yet, beyond pride, we recognize the unique potential you hold in helping shape the future of Nigeria. We recognize that by leveraging on your knowledge, expertise, and global connections, we can fuel our nation’s progress and thus bridge the developmental gap between Nigeria and the rest of the world. This is why the theme of this year’s Summit, “Adapting Stability through Diaspora Investment: Navigating the Path to Prosperity”, is not only relevant but underscores the role you can play in helping us secure a brighter future for all Nigerians.
“ As highlighted in the theme of this event, “adapting stability” is the cornerstone for navigating the path to prosperity in any nation. It is thus in recognition of this truth, that from our very first day in office, we committed ourselves to a tireless pursuit of stabilization across every key facet of our country. In our journey to reshape our nation, we have placed a focused lens on tackling the longstanding challenges that have so far hindered our progress, particularly within the realms of economic reforms, security enhancement, food security, transportation, energy, education, health and infrastructural development. These areas are not merely pillars of our policy; they are fundamental components of a stable and resilient nation.
“And that is why I want to commend the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and the Nigeria Diaspora Summit Initiative (NDSI) for their thoughtful design of this Summit. By structuring pitching sessions across key sectors such as finance, entertainment, healthcare, agribusiness, education, manufacturing among others, they have demonstrated a deep understanding of our nation’s critical growth areas. And by bringing together local entrepreneurs and diaspora investors, they are not just supporting individual ventures but forging collaborations that will drive our nation’s prosperity forward. Indeed, it is this kind of forward-thinking that aligns with our mission of stabilization and growth, thus paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for Nigeria.
“Ladies and gentlemen, let me use this opportunity to inform all participants that each of the sectors being highlighted at this Summit, whether it is Finance, ICT, Agribusiness, Healthcare, Real Estate, Manufacturing, or Energy, are already experiencing ongoing reforms designed to attract investments. While time may not allow me to go into the specifics of each reform, let me assure you that this government is committed to creating an enabling environment that fosters growth and innovation in these key areas. There are vast investment opportunities waiting to be tapped, and with our focused approach to sectoral reforms, we can assure immense returns for those willing to invest and contribute to our nation’s growth.
“As we implement impressive reforms aimed at transforming our economy and enhancing our nation’s resilience, we know that the government cannot achieve this vision alone. The Diaspora are our invaluable partners in this journey to national prosperity and unlocking the full potential of our initiatives, thus Diaspora involvement is not just welcomed; it is essential. We are well aware of the need to structurally engage and leverage on talent and resources of the Diaspora in achieving a prosperous nation.”
The president also commended the organizers, especially Commission for not only serving as a bridge connecting the Nigerian Diaspora with opportunities at home but has also been at the forefront of several impactful initiatives, which have created avenues for our Diaspora to contribute significantly to our national development.
He also assured the talented pitchers and budding entrepreneurs and investors of government support, saying “We are here to help you navigate the journey ahead and provide the backing needed to turn your ideas into reality.
“And to the investors, let me assure you that Nigeria is open for business; we are committed to providing the support and enabling environment you need to invest with confidence. Together, let us forge partnerships that will drive progress and prosperity for our nation.”
On his part, Director General, Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa, Amb. Rabiu Dagari, did Nigeria Diasporans remains the key to drive the nation forward.
He said: “Our nation stands at a pivotal juncture, where both stability and sustainable growth are imperative and paramount. The Nigerian Diaspora, one of the country’s greatest assets, plays a central role in shaping this future. As a reservoir of talent, resources, and innovation, the Nigeria Diaspora are key to fostering economic resilience and driving Nigeria toward long term prosperity.
“Let us be reminded therefore that our strength in navigating this global economic turbulence lies in our ability to harness the diverse talents and resources of these Nigerians across the globe. The Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS) facilitates this by encouraging Diaspora investment into productive ventures that not only grow and diversify the economy, but also provide jobs and transfer of skills and capacities.”
NDIS Coordinator, Dr. Badewa Adejugbe-Willaims said “this summit is more than just a meeting; it is a
movement. It is a call to action, inviting us all to harness our collective energies,
our ideas, and our resources to shape a prosperous countryfor ourselves and
the generations to come
