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Tuggar: Nigeria can be Propelled to Economic Growth with Effective Harnessing of Strengths of Her Diaspora

Tuggar: Nigeria can be Propelled to Economic Growth with Effective Harnessing of Strengths of Her Diaspora
By: Michael Mike
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar has said that with the effective harnessing of the strengths of Nigerians in Diaspora, the country can be propelled to economic growth, social development, and international standing.
Speaking on Thursday at the Diaspora Study Stakeholders Engagement Workshop organised by the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER) in collaboration with Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NISER), the Minister who was represented by the Director Economic, Trade and Investment in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bolaji Akinremi said: “Nigeria boasts one of the most dynamic and influential diaspora populations in the world.
“Across continents, Nigerians in the diaspora have made remarkable contributions to various sectors, including academia, medicine, technology, entrepreneurship, and diplomacy. Their remittances, expertise, and global networks serve as strategic assets that, when effectively harnessed, can propel Nigeria’s economic growth, social development, and international standing.”
He added that: “This workshop provides a platform to engage relevant stakeholders in the proposed diaspora study, ensuring its design and implementation align with national objectives and global best practices. It is imperative that we leverage the insights and inputs of key players, including government agencies, businesses, and scholars, to develop a study that informs policies aimed at maximizing diaspora contributions.”
The Minister to fully take serious the sessions, noting “that the success of this study will not only enhance diaspora engagement but also reinforce Nigeria’s position as a nation that values and integrates its global citizens in national development.”
On her part, the Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said: “Nigeria is blessed to have one of the world’s most resourceful and active diaspora groups, with professionals flourishing in a variety of fields across continents. One untapped resource that could greatly aid Nigeria’s economic and social change is the abundance of networks, expertise, and knowledge they hold.”
She added that: “In order to effectively engage and utilise the enormous potential of our diaspora population, this study aims to give us a thorough grasp of how to do so. It is about developing evidence-based policies and initiatives that will lead to significant contributions to the development of the country, not just gathering data.”
She noted that: “Some of the policy measures to harness Diaspora contribution for national development include creating investment opportunities, establishing diaspora-specific investment funds, facilitating knowledge transfer through mentorship and training programs, enabling easier access to markets and networks in their home country and many more. By implementing these measures effectively, we can leverage the skills, resources, and networks of our diaspora communities for sustainable national development.”
Dabiri-Erewa while stating that: “This workshop is a platform to exchange ideas, dig into think-tanks of knowledge, refine strategies, and ensure that the study’s design and implementation are robust and inclusive,” told the participants that: “Your insights, experiences, and recommendations will be invaluable in ensuring that this research leads to actionable policies that truly make an impact.”
The Director General of Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Prof. Antonia Simbine said Nigeria’s diaspora community is one of the largest and most influential in the world, with over 17 million Nigerians residing abroad, noting that: “Our diaspora population is distinguished by its high level of professional expertise, spanning fields such as medicine, information technology, engineering, education, finance, and entrepreneurship.
“Beyond remittances—which amounted to $23.8 billion in 2019 before declining to $19.5 billion in 2023—the Nigerian diaspora contributes to national development in non-financial ways, including technology transfer, knowledge exchange, investment, and policy advocacy.
She said: “However, despite these contributions, a significant portion of diaspora remittances (about 70%) is directed towards consumption, rather than productive investments that could drive large-scale industrial growth and innovation in Nigeria. This reality underscores the need for this study, which aims to identify policy measures that will enhance the efficiency and impact of diaspora contributions to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.”
She revealed that: “This workshop provides a platform for engagement with key stakeholders—including government ministries, professional bodies, Nigerian diaspora organizations, embassies of our study countries, and the academia—to ensure that the study design, implementation, and outcomes align with national development goals.”
Tuggar: Nigeria can be Propelled to Economic Growth with Effective Harnessing of Strengths of Her Diaspora
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Armed Men Go on Rampage in Edo, Attack National Park Security Post and Destroy Property Following Hunter’s Death

Armed Men Go on Rampage in Edo, Attack National Park Security Post and Destroy Property Following Hunter’s Death
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed men reportedly went on a rampage in Edo State, attacking a security post at the National Party and destroying several properties in retaliation for the death of a local hunter, Timi Jimoh.
The body of the deceased hunter, Jimoh, was found with a single barrel gun nearby and signs of violence and burns on his body.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on March 31, 2025, when a group of armed individuals, believed to be Ijaw youths from Inikorogha, launched a violent attack on a security post near Okomu National Park.
The group, armed with dangerous weapons, destroyed various properties, including houses, mattresses, doors, windows, plantain crops, and a water tank. This act of destruction came in response to the death of Jimoh, who was found dead on March 29, 2025, with visible signs of violence on his body.
The security outfit was targeted by the attackers in a bid for revenge. Despite the chaos, the armed group fled the scene before law enforcement could intervene.
A Police sources said that the authorities have yet to determine the full circumstances surrounding his death, and investigations are ongoing.
According to him, the property destruction has been documented and investigations are underway to track down those responsible.
Armed Men Go on Rampage in Edo, Attack National Park Security Post and Destroy Property Following Hunter’s Death
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National Unity, Peaceful Coexistence Must Be Our Gift To One Another – VP Shettima

National Unity, Peaceful Coexistence Must Be Our Gift To One Another – VP Shettima
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima has urged Nigerians to embrace unity, peaceful coexistence, and tolerance as key pillars for national progress, drawing from the lessons of Ramadan.
The Vice President also called on everyone to support the administration’s ongoing economic reforms, assuring that short-term difficulties would yield long-term benefits for the country.
Speaking on Monday in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, during a luncheon with Borno State elders and his schoolmates in celebration of Eid-El-Fitr, the Vice President, who spoke through the member representing Maiduguri Metropolitan Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Abdulkadir Rahis, said there was a need for continued harmony among citizens.
“We thank the Almighty Allah for sparing our lives to witness this Eid-El-Fitr. I wish to also say that we should all perfect, maintain, and build on the sense of unity that exists among us for our collective gain and progress as a gift for one another.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to implementing policies that will create sustainable development for all Nigerians. Just as Ramadan teaches endurance, we ask for your continued patience as these necessary reforms take root and bear fruit,” he said.
The Vice President, who arrived in his home state on Sunday evening, urged Nigerians to continue embodying the spiritual lessons gained during Ramadan as a pathway to national development.
“Peaceful coexistence is very important and we should not relent in maintaining that virtue. It will go a long way in bringing about the development of ourselves and the nation,” he said.
VP Shettima enjoined the citizens of Borno State and Nigerians in general to always maintain traits of humility and communal living in line with the teachings of the Holy books, values he described as foundational to national progress.
Also speaking, Senator representing Borno Central Senatorial District, Kaka Shehu Lawan, SAN, prayed for lasting peace in Nigeria.
He urged Nigerians to rally round President Tinubu as the father of the nation, stressing that the President needs the prayers and support of Nigerians, as he implements the good policies he has for the improvement of the economy and overall development of Nigeria.

The Senator urged his constituents to imbibe the attributes of Vice President Kashim Shettima, saying, “His Excellency the Vice President is an epitome of leadership, sacrifice, resilience, integrity, perseverance and above all courage.
“So, I will like my constituents and indeed people of Borno State and Nigerians at large to emulate his virtues. He is a leader and we are proud of his achievements.”
The lawmaker thanked the Vice President for hosting his schoolmates and elders of Borno State in his usual magnanimity and demonstration of love.
“In his usual show of love every festive period, the Vice President extends hands of fellowship to all and sundry from Maiduguri Metropolitan Council to Borno Central District and by extension the entire state” he said.
Also, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security,Senator Abubakar Kyari, commended the Vice President for his show of love, especially to the needy, despite his tight schedule.

“When he is in Abuja, his schedule is overwhelming, yet he always finds time for his people. Seeing the joyful faces of his classmates, elders, and other guests at this event is a testament to his character,” Kyari noted.
The Agric Minister said the Vice President’s humility has endeared him to his people, adding that he is a man of good character and extreme humility.
Earlier, Chairman of the Borno State Elders Forum, Alhaji Gambo Gubio, expressed appreciation for the Vice President’s hospitality and assured him of continued prayers for success in his duties.
Among the dignitaries present were the Secretary to the Borno State Government, Bukar Tijjani, and several of VP Shettima’s former classmates and neighbours in Maiduguri.
End
News
SSG, Senator Shehu, led Borno government delegation to Eid, Durbar

SSG, Senator Shehu, led Borno government delegation to Eid, Durbar
By: Our Reporter
The Secretary to Borno State Government (SSG), Hon. Bukar Tijjani, and the Senator representing Borno Central, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, led a government delegation to observe the two raka’at Eid prayers at Ramat Square Eid ground.
This was in accordance with the directive of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who is currently in Mecca for a spiritual exercise.

The Deputy Governor, Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur was unable to attend as he is in mourning following the passing of his elder brother, Mai Aliyu Usman Kadafur, in Biu town.
The Eid prayer marks the conclusion of the sacred month of Ramadan, a period dedicated to spiritual blessings and devotion.
Accompanying the SSG and the senator were former deputy governor, Hon Usman Mamman Ndurkwa, the State Head of Service, Dr Muhammad Aminu Ghuluze, commissioners, special advisers, heads of government agencies, stalwarts of the All Progressives Congress (APC), heads of security agencies, and members of the business community.

His Royal Highness, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin Elkanemi, also led members of Borno Emirate Council to attend the prayers.
In a sermon shortly after the prayers, the Imam Idaini of Borno, Imam Shettima Mamman Saleh, urged Muslim faithful to apply the lessons learned during the Ramadan fast to foster harmonious relationships and peaceful coexistence among diverse groups across the country.
He further described Eid al-Fitr as a period of self-reflection and reassessment of the values inculcated during the holy month.
The Imam encouraged Muslims to give alms to the needy, known as Zakatul Fitr, and to observe six days of fasting in the month of Shawwal to earn Allah’s blessings and rewards.
Delivering the governor’s message shortly after the eid prayers at the Government House, Hon. Bukar Tijjani expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for witnessing a hitch free sallah celebration.
He called on people of the state to continue to support Zulum’s administration, stressing the need for a peaceful and harmonious relationship.
In a remark, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan said the governor is in Saudi Arabia to offer special prayers for peace and prosperity to continue to reign in the state and the country at large.
He extended Governor Zulum’s Sallah message, who directed them to take part in all activities lined up for the eid celebration.

The delegation later proceeded to the Shehu of Borno’s palace, where the royal father staged a durbar, displaying the rich cultural heritage of the people of Borno and a sign that peace has returned to the state
In a message, Shehu Abubakar Garbai Elkanemi lauded governor Zulum for his relentless effort towards the restoration of peace in the state.
He commended the federal government for the reconstruction and expansion of the Alau dam and called for prayers to avert the reoccurrence of last year’s flood disaster and for restoration of sustainable peace in the state.
SSG, Senator Shehu, led Borno government delegation to Eid, Durbar
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