Abuja: The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has declared that Nigeria’s foreign policy under President Bola Tinubu’s administration has significantly enhanced the country’s global credibility. This assertion was made during her keynote address at the 2025 National Diaspora Merit Awards and Dinner held in Abuja on Saturday, as part of the National Diaspora Day (NDD) celebrations.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the minister highlighted the accomplishments of Nigerians abroad in fields such as medicine and technology, which have been instrumental in strengthening Nigeria’s international relations. She commended the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) for its role in recognizing the achievements of Nigerians overseas, emphasizing that the success of these individuals serves as motivation for others. Furthermore, Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that Nigeria’s foreign missions are being restructured to better serve the diaspora, providing efficient services and protection for Nigerians abroad.
The event saw contributions from notable figures, including NiDCOM Chairman/CEO Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who encouraged greater private sector involvement in future National Diaspora Day events. Dabiri-Erewa acknowledged the support of Arco Group, the first private sector entity to sponsor an award category at the event. Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Mr. Abiodun Akanbi, praised the large turnout of diaspora participants, highlighting the potential of the diaspora to drive national development.
Dr. Sule Bassi, Secretary to NiDCOM, provided an overview of the National Diaspora Merit Awards, stressing the importance of celebrating Nigerians who contribute to the nation’s development while living abroad. He also mentioned that the awards aim to counter negative perceptions of Nigeria.
Among the awardees was Mrs. Voke Ogueh, a U.S.-based STEM educator and consultant, who expressed gratitude for the recognition and reiterated her commitment to inspiring more Nigerians. Mr. Michael Okoigun, Managing Director of Maintenance of Engineering at Arco, emphasized the company’s belief in the diaspora’s potential to aid national growth and industrialization.
Day two of the 2025 National Diaspora Day featured NiDCOM’s Youth Empowerment Summit, where President Tinubu, represented by Sen. George Akume, acknowledged the significant contributions of over 20 million Nigerians in the diaspora. The president committed to fostering collaboration through supportive policies and partnerships.