Chima Azubuike, Gombe
Director General, Gombe Diaspora Affairs Commission, Amb. Seriki Edward on Monday, urged Nigerians living abroad to remember where they are coming from, adding that no place like home.
He added that whether or not they have lost hope in Nigerian project, the country remains a strong rally point.
Edward stated this in an interview with newsmen after handing over consumables received from Nigerian’s living in Diaspora to the Covid-19 committee in Gombe.
According to him, “Whether you have lost hope in Nigeria, Nigeria remains and will exist. You started your life here even if you were born there your root is here. I always refer to Barrack Obama, who made Africa proud, he was one of those that migrated. When you are outside there don’t forget home.
“Home is home and we are doing all we can, the governor is giving me a solid support, we want to set up a structure where in all parts of the world in Europe we will have regional coordinator and other continents. They will be made up of sons of Gombe, after that we can have a comprehensive lists of Gombe people living outside but we urge them to remember home.”
While underscoring the importance of diaspora commission, Edward said it is the next source of revenue for government, describing it as huge market.
He said, “We call it the next oil field or huge market. According to the World Bank the diaspora last year contributed not less than 25 billion dollars to the to the Nigerian economy through remittances. Which other sector contributed up to that apart from oil, that should be our next focus.
“Presently I’m in a federal government committee called Nigeria diaspora investment trust fund, it will allow those living abroad to come home and invest in their own little way. Here in Gombe the governor has assured that the state will partner Nigerians whom are interested in setting up businesses as the state won’t hesitate to provide enabling environment.”
Receiving the items, the Deputy Governor Dr. Manassah Jatau, promised that the items will be effectively utilized in mitigating the spread of Coronavirus in Gombe.
Jatau while appreciating the donors for finding the state worthy of the items added that the committee will ensure that the items are distributed such that every strata will benefit.
