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NASS Establishes Diaspora Liaison Office, Assures Of Beneficial Laws

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The 10th National Assembly has inaugurated a liaison office aimed at strengthening collaboration with Nigerians residing abroad, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs), and Civil Society groups.

Sen. Victor Umeh, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora, NGOs, and Civil Societies, revealed this information during the third phase of the Zumunta Association USA Inc Benevolent Palliative Project Awards in Abuja on Thursday 9th.

Speaking through his Deputy, Sen. Anthony Siyako Yaro, the chairman emphasized that the establishment of this office, which was non-existent previously, is intended to strengthen and broaden the connection between Nigerians living abroad and those residing in the country, with the ultimate aim of benefiting the nation.

The legislator pledged that the National Assembly is committed to enacting laws that are mutually advantageous, ensuring that the interests of Nigerians in the Diaspora are safeguarded while they actively contribute to the overall development of the nation.

He said: “We at the Senate have actually fashioned out our programmes and plans in the next four years of making sure diasporans are Nigerians and they are always home with their minds. Our main objective is to make laws, amend laws to suit the circumstances of the present situation.

“We appreciate you very well and we will give you maximum support and the commitment level that is required to push this project forward. Diasporans are the engine level because they always bring something extra and something new.

“We are doing financial instruments with financial institutions to see how you can not only be helping your people but also benefit from your own wealth and investments. So we will make laws to make sure that these things are put right and they are put into use and we will see the benefits.”

In her statement, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, mentioned that recipients chosen from Yobe, Zamfara, Kebbi, Jigawa, and Katsina States, along with various NGOs, received a grant of N700,000 to implement a series of relief projects.

On behalf of the NiDCOM Chair, Dr. Sule Bassi highlighted that Nigerians in the Diaspora, including the Zumunta Association USA Inc, play a crucial role in Nigeria’s development. This is evident through remittances, the transfer of skills and talent, global exposure, and the latest initiatives such as Diaspora Direct Investment (DDI).

“The Zumunta Association USA Inc. is a nonprofit cultural community Organisation based in the Diaspora in the United States of America. Its Chapters spreads across twelve (12) states in the USA and its membership comprises individuals of Northern Nigerian origin from the 19 Northern states, FCT and some of the southern states of Nigeria.

“Zumunta Association USA Inc has been involved in benevolent projects in Nigeria, the Republic of Philippines and Haiti. It also has an active scholarship Programmes supporting students in Nigerian Universities.

“The palliative project presentation was first carried out in 2021 but the Association decided to collaborate with NIDCOM for the first time in 2022, as a way of demonstrating their commitment towards achieving the objectives of national development in Nigeria,” she said.

Earlier, the President of Zumunta USA Inc. represented by the Vice President, Rhoda Embu said the association has made significant strides in aiding underprivileged communities through the Palliative project in collaboration with NIDCOM, providing grants and partnering with over 30 NGOs across Nigeria.

“In the past, we have supported projects in all 19 northern states and the FCT, ranging from school renovations to health interventions.

This year, we have adopted a more structured approach to our awards. We intend to collaborate with government initiatives to reach more people.

“The grants will be used to enroll vulnerable populations in Northern Nigeria in the essential health Care Package programs. Our goal is to contribute to reducing the burden of diseases such as malaria, typhoid, and under-5 mortality,” she said.

 

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