* Calls it giant stride toward increased inclusion
By Folorunso Alagbede, Abuja
The Nigeria Diaspora Voting Council (NDVC) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government for the unprecedented launch of the USD $10 Billion Nigeria Diaspora Fund Multi-Sectoral Investment through the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
The NDVC, in a statement on Tuesday by its Secretary, Tolu Oluwatuyi, Esq, said that “this significant financial initiative allows Nigerians in the Diaspora to play a developmental role in driving their home country’s economy by helping to accelerate the injection of private sector and foreign direct investments in the Nigerian economy”.
The transformative initiative was launched earlier this year, and the request for fund managers was advertised in April 2024.
It is now set to enter the market through authorised and selected agent(s) sooner rather than later.
President Tinubu, through his manifesto and action plan, according to Oluwatuyi,
has consistently urged more Diaspora Nigerians to help shape the great nation’s future.
He added, “Establishing the Diaspora Fund is a progressive commitment, providing opportunities for Nigerians living abroad to invest directly in the development of their country.
“The steps taken thus far to implement this Diaspora inflow clearly demonstrate the government’s commitment to leveraging the resources of our Diaspora community.
“It establishes a platform for government collaboration and sets the stage for future initiatives, including the much-anticipated Diaspora Voting.
“This is another progressive step towards realising the dream of Diaspora voting. The NDVC has long advocated for this right, believing that every Nigerian, regardless of location, should have a say in our democracy.
“The fund’s ongoing processes and the promise of Diaspora voting are a cause for excitement and hope.
“The government is effectively paving the way for greater engagement and representation, encouraging closer financial ties and participatory relations between the Diaspora and the homeland.
“Prince Ade Omole, the Chairman of the Nigeria Diaspora Voting Council, shares his optimism for the future of this initiative:
“This is a significant milestone for Nigerians living in the Diaspora.
“The launch of the $10 billion Nigeria Diaspora Fund is not just an investment opportunity; it goes along the way to say that this administration really put its mouth and money where its heart is towards the Diaspora community.
‘ It signifies a giant leap towards our ultimate goal of Diaspora voting, and we at NDVC are proud to be walking this journey in collaboration with the Federal Government.
“The Diaspora Bond provides an opportunity for investment by all Nigerians in the Diaspora, collectively and individually.
“Therefore, with every step taken, we move one step closer to realising the Diaspora Voting, a future where every Nigerian shall indeed have a say and a vote wherever they may be.
“It has thus been termed a fund that acts as a bridge. A connection to our roots, our identity and our shared future. “It proves that the government is not only talking the talk but, indeed, walking right beside us.
“We urge our Diaspora community to take full advantage of this opportunity as we collectively shape Nigeria’s destiny. Omole added.
“The NDVC remains optimistic and resolute in its pursuit of urging and facilitating provisions that would integrate Nigerian Diasporas into all aspects of national life.
“We must thank the Federal Government for this bold move and look forward to further partnership and understanding”, the Secretary of the NDVC declared.
END
