Irish Ambassador Underscores Diasporans Important In Nation’s National Initiatives

Mr. Peter Ryan, the Republic of Ireland’s Ambassador to Nigeria, has evaluated the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS), adding that the country’s diasporans are a key partner in any nation’s national objectives.

Speaking at the sixth edition of the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit, which began on Monday in Abuja with pitching sessions for upcoming and start-up businesses, the envoy said he was not surprised by Nigeria’s abundance of talents, adding that he was ready to do anything to encourage and support this direction.

“It’s an inspiring morning,” Ryan stated. I believe that every time diasporans congregate to engage with one another is a good and very exciting moment for Nigerians in the diaspora. “I am very impressed with what I have seen and impressed with what I have heard. No surprise at all. I learned from Nigerians in the Diaspora in Ireland that there are so many talented and motivated people ready to work with partners at home and also with partners around the world.

“Anything we can do to support and encourage that and we know from our diaspora, the important role that they can play as a partner in national initiatives and I am delighted to be part of this, this morning. I’ve learned a lot already.

“I have learned also about pitching and some of the sectoral and entrepreneurship taking place in Nigeria.”

On her part, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, urged Nigerians in Diaspora to put their money in businesses back home.

She states that there are abundant opportunities that are available in Nigeria, which can earn them money, without necessarily being present.

She pointed out that the NDIS is all about wealth creation by the Diasporans.

Dabiri-Erewa also applauded the pitching session of the summit which, she said will open doors for upcoming and existing small businesses to connect with investors abroad.

She said: “It is about how you can get money for your businesses and we have those in the Diaspora who are employing people here.

“You don’t have to be physically present. Some people are earning money online through them. As we look forward to that, we are saying we want to have Diaspora Direct Investment. You know, it is slow and steady but we are still doing it. You can see the passion in the country.

She noted that Diasporans are investing already, particularly in the healthcare industry, ICT, food business, and education. So we are happy with what we see here today.

Also speaking, Summit Coordinator and Chair, of the Planning Committee, Dr. Badewa Adejugbe-Williams, said the summit which will officially kick off on Tuesday,  “Is about human capital development, building humanity, empowering the micro, small and medium enterprises and the ordinary market woman.”

No fewer than 2000 people have indicated interest in participating in the annual event.