Nigeria, Ireland Boost Relations On Diaspora Engagement
Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, says Irish Diaspora Engagement should serve as strategic partnership for Nigeria’s sustained engagement with her Diaspora.
Dabiri-Erewa in a statement issued by Gabriel Odu on Thursday in Abuja stated this when she received Irish Ambassador to Nigeria Mr Peter Ryan in her office in Abuja against the backdrop of Irish Diaspora pulling their country out of recession.
The NiDCOM Boss added that the Commission can tap into their wealth of engagement with the Diaspora to bring the Nigerian Diaspora closer to the country, saying that NiDCOM has created Diaspora-centric activities since its establishment 4 years ago.
Dabiri-Erewa wished the Ambassador the best in all his endeavours, while assuring him of the Commission’s unwavering support and partnership with the Irish Diaspora Ministry and by extension, the Irish Government.
Irish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Peter Ryan, expressed delight on the visit to NiDCOM, agreed that the two countries have enjoyed better Diaspora relationship, Educational and Cultural connections via the Diaspora agencies of both Ireland and Nigeria.
The Ambassador explained that his coming was to compare notes and share ideas for a more robust diaspora engagement, stating that there is still more to learn in this area of focus and find ways of collaboration.
He noted that the Irish Government recognises the power of the Diaspora and the need in engaging with its people outside the shores of their country through various channels as the Irish Diaspora are proud of their homeland.
Mr. Ryan went further to say with the Irish 40% Diaspora, they have 25% younger population in Africa and they have the resilient spirit as Nigerians, as they perform excellently well in their various fields.
Mr Ryan applauded the NiDCOM Boss for her show of care to Nigerians during the Ukraine and Sudan Crises, saying, “the Diaspora is the greatest treasure to any country in the world.”
