The Nigerian In Diaspora Organisation, NIDOA (Brazil chapter) on Saturday, December 7, 2024, successfully hosted its flagship event, “Retrospective 2024” with the theme “Accountability And Probity – The Role Of NIDOA Making Impact In Nigeria”.
The event brought together many Nigerians from within Brazil and the South Americas in a roundtable and featured an esteemed panel of speakers drawn from different professional backgrounds.
In his opening remarks, the President of NIDOA – Brazil, Mr Chikaodiri Emmanuel Ori welcomed the august dignitaries and reiterated that the gathering was to serve as a platform to evaluate the achievements and challenges of the organisation in the outgoing year, and set out a new course for greater contributions to Nigeria’s development in 2025. He urged participants to feel free to share ideas, make new friends and build bridges that would enhance collaboration and peer review in the coming year.
Senator Ajagunla Olubiyi Fadeyi, a member of the Nigerian 10th Senate representing Osun Central Senatorial District was on ground to enlighten the audience on “Legislative frameworks that can amplify Diaspora contributions towards national progress. He encouraged participants to export their knowledge back home, most especially in the area of agriculture and technology innovations.
His Excellency, Amb. Basil Maduka Okolo, the Nigerian Ambassador to Brazil who is trying to settle into office after his recent posting to the South American country, pledged to work closely and constructively with NIDOA – Brazil and the Nigerian community in the best possible way. He enjoined Nigerians in Brazil to be law abiding and be good ambassadors of the country in their day to day activities. He was represented by the Charge d’affaires, Mr Oyelola Ogumola.
Ambassador Muntari Kaita, former Consul General of Nigeria to Brazil, highlighted the critical role of diplomatic relationships in fostering economic and cultural ties between Nigeria and Brazil.
Chairman and CEO of Nigeria in Diaspora Commission – NIDCOM, Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri- Erewa underscored the importance of accountability and probity as bedrocks of sustainable diaspora engagement. She called for unity among the different diaspora organisations.
Mr Bukola Olaoye, NIDOA BOT Continental Chairman reflected on NIDOA’s milestones and emphasized the commitment of the organisation to enhancing transparency and impactful collaborations.
Prof. Kelvin Chuka Urama, Vice President of African Development Bank drew the attention of participants to 5 key areas where Nigerians in diaspora can collectively work together to present a common front for the benefit of Nigeria while the CEO of KnowledgeSquare Ltd, Mr Philip Adekunle spoke on his company’s role as NIN service provider to Nigerians in the diaspora. He said his company was partnering with NIDOA – Brazil to make sure that NIN was accessible to all Nigerians residing in Brazil and the Americas.
The gathering fostered discussions on how the Nigerian diaspora can continue to play a pivotal role in critical areas such as economic development, education, healthcare, and youth empowerment back home in Nigeria. The speakers and participants also emphasized the need for stronger partnership between the Nigerian government and the Diaspora community, as well as within NIDOA networks itself in other to maximise collective impact.
The event call for unity, action , and purpose among all Nigerians in the Diaspora in order to be able to drive positive change and foster positive development in Nigeria.
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