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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
Dignitaries Gather In Borno For APC Deputy National Chairman’s Children’s Wedding
By: Our Reporter
Prominent Nigerians on Saturday converged in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, to attend the wedding ceremony of three children of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy National Chairman (North), Hon. Dr. Ali Bukar Dalori.
Gatekeepers News reports that there was heavy traffic in parts of Maiduguri as dignitaries from all works of life made frantic effort to access the residence of Dalori and the Al-Ansar Mosque, the two main venues of the wedding ceremony.
Among those in attendance were top government officials, party leaders, traditiona rulers, business moguls, and religious leaders from within and outside Borno State. The ceremony attracted a large crowd, reflecting Dr. Dalori’s political influence and wide network across the country.
Leading the array of dignitaries is the National Chairman of the APC Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, othe members of National Woking Committee of the APC and large numbers of States Chairmen of the party .
Also in attendance were the Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, his Deputy, Hon Umar Kadafur , three Senators from the state- Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Senator Mohammed Ndume Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan and members of the House of Representatives from Borno State
Others are the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen, Abubakar Kyari, Speaker, Deputy Speaker and members of Borno State House of Assembly , former Nigeria Ambassador to China, Ambassador Baba Ahmed Jidda, Former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Alh. Ibrahim Bunu, Ibrahim , Former Deputy Governors of Borno State- Ali Jatau and Adamu Dibal .
The Deputy National Chairman of the APC was full of gratitude to his guests who left their various confort zones to attend wedding of his children- Usman, Falmata and Aisha .
” I’m immensely grateful our National Chairman of APC Professor Nentawe, our amiable Governor of Borno State Prof Babagana Zulum, the Deputy Governor Umar Kadafur and the too many important personalities who came from far and near to honour my invitation, may Allah (SAW) bless you all ” Dalori said .
The wedding rites were conducted in accordance with Islamic injunctions, featuring special prayers for the couples, their families,. The atmosphere was marked by joy, unity, and cultural splendour, as guests exchanged pleasantries and goodwill messages with the host and his family
Security operatives were deployed in large numbers around the venues to maintain law and order and ensure the smooth flow of activities. Traffic control officers were also on ground to manage the influx of vehicles and guests, while emergency and protocol teams worked tirelessly to coordinate movements and logistics.
The wedding ceremony came to a successful end with a reception that featured traditional music, refreshments, and continued interactions among guests, bringing together leaders and citizens in a rare atmosphere of celebration and solidarity.
Dignitaries Gather In Borno For APC Deputy National Chairman’s Children’s Wedding
JUST IN: Boko Haram terrorists demand N423m ransom to release Borno ex-LGA vice chairman
By: Our Reporter
A new video has emerged showing two men, allegedly abducted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Borno State, pleading for help.
One of the victims, Hon. Hassan Biu Miringa, a former Vice Chairman of Biu Local Government Area, is seen in the video appealing for rescue.
The two men were taken hostage on December 17, 2025, while traveling from Miringa to Maiduguri.
In the video, the abductees said the terrorists are demanding a ransom of $150,000 per person, totaling $300,000, for their release.
‘We were abducted on our way from Miringa to Maiduguri around 2:30. Alhamdulillah, we are alive,’ one of the victims said. ‘We are calling on the government and individuals to come to our rescue.’
The victims specifically appealed to Deputy Governor Umar Usman Kadafur, Hon. Mukhtar Betara Aliyu, Hon. Sule Ali Rimi, Hon. Yakubu Gambo Kimba, and Alhaji Musa Dogo Biu to intervene and help secure their freedom.
‘We are pleading with them to come to our rescue. We are their sons,” the victim said. ‘They said we must provide $150,000 each. For the two of us, it is $300,000. We want to be reunited with our families.’
JUST IN: Boko Haram terrorists demand N423m ransom to release Borno ex-LGA vice chairman
Nigerian Solidarity Groups Mourn Cubans Killed in Venezuela, Condemn U.S. Actions
By: Michael Mike
The Nigeria Movement of Solidarity with Cuba (NMSC) has expressed deep condolences to the government and people of Cuba following the killing of 32 Cuban internationalists in Venezuela.
In a press statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, the pro-people coalition, which includes labour unions, civil society organisations and intellectuals, alleged that the Cuban nationals were killed during an attack in Caracas on January 3, 2026, while protecting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, his wife, Cilia Flores, and what it described as the sovereignty of Venezuela.
The group said the Cubans chose to resist despite being overwhelmed, describing their actions as a demonstration of courage, honour and commitment to international solidarity.
NMSC drew parallels between the incident and past historical events where Cuban nationals were involved in overseas struggles, including the 1983 U.S.-led invasion of Grenada and Cuba’s military support for African liberation movements in Angola, Namibia and South Africa during the fight against apartheid.
According to the organisation, thousands of Cuban youths lost their lives in Africa while contributing to the dismantling of apartheid systems backed by Western powers. The group noted that Cuba’s internationalism has not been limited to armed conflicts, citing the country’s long-standing medical outreach to developing nations, including Nigeria.
The statement also recalled Cuba’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it dispatched medical teams to dozens of countries and received hundreds of stranded cruise ship passengers at a time many nations had closed their borders.
NMSC extended its sympathy to the families of those killed in Venezuela and called on the United States government to respect international law, halt what it described as foreign military interventions, and lift sanctions imposed on Cuba, Venezuela and other countries.
The group further aligned itself with repeated resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly calling for the end to the decades-long U.S. embargo against Cuba, insisting that global peace and development require cooperation rather than conflict.
The statement was signed by veteran labour activist and writer, Owei Lakemfa, on behalf of the Nigeria Movement of Solidarity with Cuba
Nigerian Solidarity Groups Mourn Cubans Killed in Venezuela, Condemn U.S. Actions
Dignitaries Gather In Borno For APC Deputy National Chairman’s Children’s Wedding
JUST IN: Boko Haram terrorists demand N423m ransom to release Borno ex-LGA vice chairman
Nigerian Solidarity Groups Mourn Cubans Killed in Venezuela, Condemn U.S. Actions
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