By: Mercy Peter
The Chairman and Chief Executive of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa has expressed the willingness of the Commission to collaborate with the New York based group, Zumunta Association USA Inc.
The group has revealed plans to train 1,000 youth on Information and Communication Technology.
The 1,000 youths are to be drawn across the 19 states of the North.
The initiative is part of the efforts at empowering youth from the region.
Dabiri-Erewa made the disclosure during a press briefing with the group.
Dabiri-Erewa, commended the efforts of the organisation towards development of the country.
The NiDCOM boss who was represented by the Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Sule Yakubu Bassi said the scholarships to 5,000 students was highly commendable and that NIDCOM would want to collaborate with the association in more areas.
On his part, President of the Association, Mr. Sunday Bitrus, said apart from the ICT Training, a medical outreach would be organised between June 14-23 at the Gudi General Hospital, Akwanga, Nasarawa State to provide top medical care for members of the public.
Bitrus, while disclosing that the association is non-partisan and non-religious organisation dedicated to representing the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Nigeria, while also promoting a positive image of the country globally through the impactful actions of its members.
He stressed that Zumunta Association remains committed to serving the needs of members, partnering with host communities and promoting unbiased, inclusive discourse on national development.
He said: “Our flagship Scholarship Programme has transformed the lives of over 5,000 science students in Northern Nigeria, with over N100 million disbursed since inception. We receive more than 810,000 applications annually, a testament to the scale of need—and a call to action for donors and partners.
“We’ve spearheaded numerous palliative projects through partnerships with over 30 NGOs. Our work includes: School renovations; Health interventions; Community development initiatives across all 19 northern states and the FCT.
“In 2024, we joined hands with the government to enroll vulnerable populations into Essential Health Care Package
programmes, combating illnesses such as malaria, typhoid, and reducing under-5 mortality rates.”
He noted that during the Convention apart from the ICT Training and Medical Outreach, other activities lined up include Zumunta Golf Classic Tournament; Tennis Tournament, Business Meeting on Strategic Sectors such as Agriculture, Mining and Minerals, Health, and Housing; Gala, Awards and Fundraiser; Engagement with Traditional Rukers and Stakeholders.
The New York based Zumunta Association USA Inc. which was formed in 1991 planned to host its 2025 Annual Convention between July 14-25 in Lafia, Nasarawa State has since inception given scholarships to over 5,000 students worth above N100 million.
