From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Ondo State government is set to host a Diaspora summit aimed at mobilising resources for rapid and sustainable local growth and development. The summit is being organised with support from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the European Union Commission through the Integrated National Financing Framework (INFF) Phase II programme led by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Economy and supported by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Office of Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs).
Ondo State Commissioner for Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations, Bayo Ologbese, explained that the Governor Rotimi Akeredolu-led government is ready for the summit, scheduled to take place virtually from December 2 – to 9, 2023. He said it will bring together top government officials and investment/development experts.
“They will showcase opportunities within the state and encourage the Diaspora community to seize them, particularly in critical sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, technology, and infrastructure”, he said. Ologbese further explained that the project acknowledges the crucial contributions of the Nigerian Diaspora community to the country’s development.
“Last year, Nigeria received $21.9 billion in Diaspora home remittances through official channels, surpassing the value of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) by fourfold.
“The summit will feature panels exploring topics related to investment opportunities in the state and how the Diaspora can leverage them for a mutually beneficial commercial and developmental outcome,” he said.