Ondo State Commissioner for Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations, Prince Boye Ologbese, has said that Nigeria has what it takes to attract investors and grow her economy with young brilliant minds just as he noted that investing in entrepreneurial skills serves as the foundation to self reliance that would result into vast opportunities.
The Commissioner stated this in Abuja while addressing newsmen at the just- concluded 6th Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS), a 3-day event with the theme: New Vistas, New Aspirations, New Visions: The Diaspora and National Development.
According to Prince Ologbese “NDIS is a programme that has proven to be a platform for all Nigerians in Diaspora to network, actualize business ideas and foster economic growth of the nation; “We cannot underestimate the value of Nigerians in the Diaspora as they serve as key players for economic development to make transformative visions become reality”.
Speaking on the gains of the Summit, the Commissioner opined that the nation is in need of the numerous ideas presented by young and successful entrepreneurs which would go a long way in encouraging entrepreneurship in the nation. “Ondo State is not left out as it serves as an eye opener for the Ministry to create better partnerships that would attract diaspora remittances”. He said.
Earlier in her opening remarks, the Chief Host and Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, stated that the overall goal of the Summit was to demonstrate that engaging the diaspora is a more effective and sustainable strategy for attracting inward investment into the emerging diversified Nigerian economy, likewise provide a platform for the diaspora community to give back by providing support for several deserving NGO’s.
Dr. Dabiri-Erewa further mentioned that the NDIS was targeted at establishing a platform where diaspora investors can interact with other potential sponsors, partners, business promoters and the government; Showcasing and exploring business and sponsorship opportunities in all the 36 States of Nigeria for Diaspora investment.
Dr. Dabiri-Erewa further mentioned that the NDIS was targetted at establishing a platform where diaspora investors can interact with other potential sponsors, partners, business promoters and the government; Showcasing and exploring business and sponsorship opportunities in all the 36 States of Nigeria for Diaspora investment.
In her address, Nigeria Diaspora Summit Initiative (NDSI) Coordinator, Dr. Badewa Adejugbe-Williams appreciated the NiDCOM boss for her unwavering commitment to national development. Lauding the event she said, “This is a private sector driven initiative organised by Nigerians in Diaspora Commission in collaboration with Nigeria Diaspora Summit Initiative. It is testament to the power of collaboration and unwavering commitment to the improvement of the socio-economic status of our citizens in Nigeria. “A lot of progress has been recorded so far since it began in 2018 which is gradually changing the narrative of the nation”.
The Summit’s sessions focused on Healthcare, Education, Agribusiness, Manufacturing, Finance, Telecommunications amongst others. Highlights of the event were exhibition tour of entrepreneurial projects of pitchers from the various sectors, showcasing their brands to prospective investors.
Also at the seminar were the Chairman, House Committee on International Relations and Diaspora Relations. Hon. Oluwarotimi Fasonu and the Permanent Secretary Mrs. Lola Amuda. Others were Nigerian top government functionaries from both corporate and public sectors.
Debbie Funmilayo
Media Officer (MRI&DR)
