NIDCOM awards Health Minister, 23 other diaspora Nigerians for contributing to nation’s economy

At least, 24 Nigerians in Diaspora have been awarded for their various contributions to national development by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).

The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Ali Pate was among the awardees at the 2nd Edition of the National Diaspora Merit Award 2024 held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa.

The first Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu was the special guest of honour on the night. 

NiDCOM chairman/CEO Abike Dabiri-Erewa pointed out Nigerians in the Diaspora are doing great things. 

She stated that this “ must be intentionally noticed, recognized, and celebrated in order to encourage all Nigerians in the diaspora to contribute to national development.”

The award, she said, is to recognise and appreciate the efforts of the Nigerians in the diaspora in national development.

“Contributions of Nigerians in the diaspora to national development are well documented 

“ Over the years, they have contributed on the average of $20 billion as remittances.” 

She said Nigeria in Diaspora also have investment in the various sectors of the economy, including agriculture, education, health, oil and gas, transportation, enterprise, services, sports.

Objectives of the National Diaspora Merit Award, she pointed out “ is to recognise and celebrate Nigerians in the diaspora who have made contributions to the development of Nigeria over a cumulative period of at least five years. 

“To project them as diaspora champions and our role models for others in the community. 

“To change the narratives of the image of Nigeria and Nigerians in the diaspora as our ambassadors  have obliged.

“To establish skill sets of the Nigerians in the diaspora who are active in different sectors  of the Nigerian economy.”

The areas considered for Award, she said, include agriculture, information and communication technology, science, technology  and innovation, water resources, finance and economics, youth and sports, oil and gas and energy, education, medicine and healthcare, entertainment, arts and tourism, hotel and catering management, housing and real estate, transportation, fashion and aesthetics, philanthropy, leadership development. 

The awards, which has been instituted as an annual event, Dabiri-Erewa said is open to all Nigerians in the Diaspora who have made one mark or the other.