The Edo State Diaspora Agency, led by Governor Monday Okpebholo, has stated that a transformational and creative policy framework will empower and engage Edo State’s worldwide diaspora.
Through a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor claimed that the program demonstrates his administration’s dedication to fortifying ties with Edo indigenous people around the world by putting their welfare first, maximizing diaspora remittances for planned economic growth, and presenting a positive, cohesive image of Edo State internationally.
He recognized the various difficulties that diaspora members confront, especially the mental health issues that irregular migrants who have traveled through hazardous and traumatic situations experience.
“Governor Okpebholo’s government is determined to provide not only economic support but also compassionate assistance that affirms the value of every Edo life,” the statement says. This strategy marks a significant change from considering the diaspora as merely remittance sources to acknowledging them as important partners whose welfare is critical to the overall development of the state.
Additionally, the administration wants to unleash the enormous economic potential that is there in diaspora remittances, which have long been an essential source of income for Edo households and the state economy.
According to recent figures, Edo State alone sends in an astounding $7 billion a year, which makes up about one-third of all remittances from Nigeria’s diaspora.
The government of Governor Okpebholo is dedicated to formalizing these financial flows through creative procedures that promote security, transparency, and investment readiness in light of this.
The state wants to turn informal personal remittances into strategic investments that will support long-term economic change across sectors by establishing a safer and more enabling environment through responsive governance, security reforms, and strong infrastructure development.
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“At the same time, the administration is committed to changing and enhancing Edo State’s image internationally. Edo individuals continue to thrive in a variety of sectors throughout the diaspora, making substantial contributions to their host communities while staying deeply rooted in their heritage.
The government’s strategy include utilizing the Edo associations and educational alumni networks that are already in place around the world, enabling enthusiastic people to serve as official liaisons who keep an open line of communication with the agency in both directions.
The creation of a state-of-the-art web platform, which allows Edo indigenous people to register and obtain unique identifiers that verify their community membership, complements these initiatives. In addition to increasing diaspora businesses’ visibility, this platform opens up exclusive benefits like money transfer refunds and possible tax exemptions for returning citizens, strengthening their sense of community and promoting increased economic engagement.
The policy’s emphasis on community-driven development, in which local Edo communities choose their most pressing needs and the diaspora is organized to fund specific initiatives, is one of its key features. This strategy would encourage a cooperative development paradigm that will unite Edo people in a common goal and transcend regional boundaries.
The administration also employs a thorough, research-based approach to address the pressing problem of irregular migration. The agency, led by Dr. Loretta Ogboro-Oko, intends to collaborate with broadcast media outlets to create the “Echoes from the Diaspora” series in recognition of the fact that migration issues are frequently caused by exploitation and false information.
