IOM Chief Applauds NIDCOM’s Diaspora Engagements

Mr Frantz Celestin, the out-going  Chief of Mission, International 
Organisation for Migration (IOM),  says the Nigerians in Diaspora 
Commission (NIDCOM) under the Chairmanship of Hon. (Dr) Abike 
Dabiri-Erewa is at the forefront in its engagements with the Nigerian 
Diaspora Community globally.

Gabriel Odu in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday said the IOM Chief stated this when NIDCOM’s Management led by Hon. (Dr) 
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who was represented by Secretary to the Commission, 
Engr. Dr Sule Yakubu Bassi, paid him a solidarity visit in Abuja.

Celestin maintains that Nigeria is a worthy country having the best of 
the best African Diaspora globally, adding that Nigerian immigrants in 
the United States alone have more Ph.D degree holders than anywhere 
else.

According to him, “IOM is committed to pushing this frontally and 
encouraging them coming back home to push development”.

The IOM Chief of Mission believes that after good years in Nigeria, he 
is ably qualified to tell the Nigerian story of strength and resilience 
in achieving target goals.

Earlier, Engr. Dr. Sule Yakubu Bassi, Secretary to the Nigerians in 
Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) commended the IOM Chief for his exemplary 
leadership in helping NIDCOM take-off immediately after its 
establishment with the publication of the National Diaspora Policy, 
making Nigeria, the first to engage its Diaspora; training of foundation 
staff and honouring all NIDCOM activities and engagements.

Bassi added that the IOM Chief has helped made NIDCOM a reference Agency 
at continental and global levels with countries like Ethiopia, Tanzania, 
Namibia and Turkey, embarking on study tour of NIDCOM as a model.

The IOM Chief, Mr Frantz Celestin will be leaving Nigeria to Somalia 
after spending six years for further assignments.