In an effort to strengthen ties with Nigerians living abroad, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), non-governmental organizations, and civil societies, the 10th National Assembly has set up a liaison office.
Sen. Victor Umeh, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora, NGOs, and Civil Societies, revealed this information yesterday in Abuja during the third phase of the Zumunta Association USA Inc. Benevolent Palliative Project Awards.
The chairman, who was accompanied by Sen. Anthony Siyako Yaro, his deputy, stated that the office’s goal is to strengthen and broaden ties between Nigerians living abroad and those within the nation for the betterment of both.
The congressman pledged that the National Assembly would pass laws that would benefit both parties, protecting the interests of Nigerians abroad while promoting national growth at home.
In order to ensure that Nigerians living abroad are Nigerians at heart, the Senate has really developed plans and programs for the next four years, according to the speaker. Making and amending laws to fit the needs of the current situation is our primary goal.
“We sincerely thank you, and we promise to support you to the fullest extent possible and to the extent necessary to advance this project. Diasporans are the lifeblood of the community since they consistently contribute something fresh and additional.
“We are working with financial institutions to create financial instruments so you can profit from your investments and wealth while also assisting your community.” Therefore, in order to ensure that these things are done correctly, that they are used, and that we reap the benefits, laws will be passed.
In order to ensure that Nigerians living abroad are Nigerians at heart, the Senate has really developed plans and programs for the next four years, according to the speaker. Making and amending laws to fit the needs of the current situation is our primary goal.
The Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, stated in her remarks that a N700,000 check was given to a number of NGOs and beneficiaries chosen from the states of Yobe, Zarmfara, Kebbi Jigawa, and Katsina to carry out a number of palliative projects.
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The chairman, Dr. Sule Bassi, the NiDCOM Secretary, represented the group and stated that Nigerians living abroad, including those affiliated with Zumunta Association USA Inc., play a vital role in the country’s development through remittances sent home, talent and skill transfer, international exposure, and the newest Diaspora Direct Investment (DDI) programs.
A nonprofit organization serving the cultural community, The Zumunta Association USA Inc. is situated in the American diaspora. Its membership consists of people of Northern Nigerian descent from the 19 Northern states, the Federal Capital Territory, and a few southern states of Nigeria. Its chapters are dispersed among twelve (12) states in the USA.
“Zumunta Association USA Inc. has undertaken humanitarian endeavors in Haiti, the Republic of the Philippines, and Nigeria. Additionally, it offers active scholarship programs that assist students attending universities in Nigeria.
“The Association chose to work with NIDCOM for the first time in 2022, as a way to demonstrate their commitment towards achieving the objectives of national development in Nigeria,” the spokesperson stated. “The palliative project presentation was first carried out in 2021.”
Prior to this, the Vice President of Zumunta USA Inc., Rhoda Embu, on behalf of the Association’s President, stated that the association had made great progress in supporting disadvantaged communities by collaborating with NIDCOM on the Palliative project, giving grants, and forming partnerships with more than thirty non-governmental organizations in Nigeria.
“We have already provided funding for initiatives ranging from school renovations to health interventions in all 19 northern provinces and the Federal Capital Territory.
We’ve taken a more methodical approach to our awards this year. To reach more individuals, we plan to work with government projects.
“The grants will be used to sign up vulnerable Northern Nigerian populations for the Essential Health Care Packages.” Our objective is to lessen the impact of illnesses like typhoid, malaria, and death among children under five years old,” she stated.
