A group, Nigerians In Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), has started moves to contribute to nation-building through interventions in critical areas of the country’s development.
The group, which held its yearly general meeting and world conference in Atlanta, GA, U.S., last week, said it would seek ways to “deepen and expand unity, comradeship, and commitment among all Nigerians and concomitant organisations in the Diaspora to mobilise support and cooperation for transformational nation building and development.”
In a communiqué signed by chairman, NIDOA Board of Trustees, Dr. Ezekiel Macham, after the conference, which theme was, “A Unified NIDOA for Transformational Impact on Nation Building,” the group examined its past, present and the future in relation to Nigeria and appointed an Outreach Committee to negotiate the terms for the integration of its chapters that are yet to join the unified boards.
It also resolved to continue to collaborate with NIDO worldwide and other stakeholders on shared interests such as Diaspora Voting Rights and the mobilisation of talent and resources to help create knowledge-based economy in Nigeria.
It also seeks to “vigorously pursue the expansion of NIDO Americas to all countries of the American Continents.
“Organise impactful activities such as, Information Technology, Medical Certification Trainings, Foundation Education Intervention and Vocational Trainings, Discussion Fora, and other Empowerment/Value-Added activities during the yearly Diaspora Month starting in July 2023.
“The Board of Trustees was mandated to set up a ‘Task Force’ to collate short-term and long-term programmatic initiatives; develop the modalities for implementation, including timeline and instrument to measure outcomes.
“Emphasise the need for all Nigerian governmental entities and diplomatic posts to channel their citizen outreach and programmatic initiatives through NIDO Americas as the organisation of first resort.
“Seek accreditation to observe Nigeria’s 2023 general elections as part of its civic commitment to free, fair, and democratic expression of the sovereign will of the Nigerian people.”
During the business meeting of the AGM, the group amended its bylaws to remove some areas of previous/potential conflict between the national and continental bodies, strengthen election procedures, and streamline chapter creation guidelines.
One of the keynote speakers at the yearly meeting was former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Joe Keshi, who underscored the urgent need for NIDOA to prioritise intervention initiatives that focus on the education, health and ICT sectors in Nigeria.