The Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Americas (NIDOA) has reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) to address the effects of Japa phenomenon.
Japa is a trend where countless talented youths seek fortune beyond the nation’s shores.
The group said this in a statement in Abuja on Monday and jointly signed by its Chairman and Secretary, Board of Trustees (BoT), Mr Bukola Olaoye and Uche Uzoigwe.
“We reaffirmed NIDOA’s commitment to working collaboratively with NIDCOM to address the effects of the Japa phenomena as we believe on collective efforts.
“The current challenges can be turned into opportunities for sustainable national development.”
The group commended NiDCOM for providing diaspora community platform and opportunity through the just concluded 2nd edition of the National Diaspora Day 2024 Celebration.
It stated that the event, which had “Japa Phenomena and Its Implications for National Development” as its theme, gave the platform for interactions and networking between Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.
The group noted that the ‘Japa’ phenomenon, a colloquial term referring to the significant number of Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad, has been a subject of considerable debate among Nigerians in both formal and informal settings.
“The event, which held between July 25 and 26, 2024 at the Banquet Hall of Nigeria’s Presidential Villa in Abuja, witnessed a large convergence of Nigerians from all over the world.
“This underscores NIDCOM’s commitment to fostering stronger ties between Nigeria and her Diaspora Community.”
The group said it was commendable how the event brought together diverse voices from various sectors to deliberate on the ways in which the diaspora community could contribute to national development despite the challenges of migration.
It stated that the innovative ideas and strategies discussed would undoubtedly serve as a foundation for future policies and initiatives, aimed at leveraging the talents and resources of our diaspora community.
The group also emphasised the importance of creating a conducive environment for talent retention and reversing brain-drain thereby turning it to brain-gain.
It called for the implementation of some of the recommendations at the event which included enhancing diaspora engagements, improving local opportunities, and fostering international collaborations.
“Every Nigerian in diaspora is looking forward to the day when diaspora voting will become a reality and is delighted to see leaders of the Nigerian parliament taking turn to make commitment towards making that dream come through.”
The group thanked NiDCOM Chief/CEO, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa and her team for organising an occasion that afforded participants the opportunity to network among themselves.
“The event encourages unity and friendship which is expected to lead to collaborative initiatives between the diaspora community and local entities in the days ahead.
“NIDOA delegates were able to engage other continental delegates and also connected with representatives of the Nigerian Immigration Service and had fruitful discussions concerning passport intervention for members, and plans for future ICT partnership among others.
“They promised to establish a mentorship programme that connects young professionals in Nigeria with experienced diaspora members, create partnership with investment forums to attract diaspora investment in key sectors of the Nigerian economy.
“They also resolved to develop skill-transfer programmes that will facilitate the transfer of skills and knowledge from the diaspora to home based professionals.” (NAN)
