NIDCOM WILL CONTINUOUSLY WORK FOR UNITY AND PROGRESS OF ALL RECOGNISED DIASPORA GROUPS

Our attention has been drawn to an obviously confusing and illogical
statement being circulated in the media by the Chairman of NIDO Europe,
Mr Keneth Gbandi on the relationship between Nigerians in the Diaspora
Commission (NIDCOM) and the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation, (NIDO)
as well as several existing and very well socio- cultural and
professional diaspora groups abroad.

2. The statement to the least could be described as selfish and self
seeking as it is all in the attempt of a very few microscopic minority
who wants to lord over the majority.

3. Recalled that former President Olusegun Obasanjo indeed came up with
the idea of NIDO to be an umbrella body of all diaspora organisations,
but unfortunately for 20 years this vision has not materialised as NIDO
has not succeeded in bringing registered and recognised diaspora groups
under one roof. Rather, it has been controlled, in some countries, by
oligarchic few who are determined to turn it to a private and personal
belonging.

4. The fact of the matter is that in the Act establishing NIDCOM, it is
to coordinate the activities of all diaspora groups and organisations
abroad.

5. So, it is important to stress here that NIDCOM is not to relate only
with NIDO but also all recognized Diaspora organisations. This, the
Commission has been able to do effectively by coordinating and
harnessing the potentials of the Diaspora groups and individuals to
national development.

6. NIDCOM has been able to engage as many diaspora groups as possible in
all parts of the world through its various activities and interventions.

7. But the leadership of NIDO- Europe, wants to go it all alone.
According to Keneth Gbandi, who has been in NIDO leadership in the last
20 years , it’s either his way or no way.

8. We stress again that Keneth Gbandi’s argument that whenever NIDCOM
board is constituted by Mr President, it should be made up of only
members of NIDO remains a pipe dream by Keneth Gbandi and his very few
of his cheerleaders.

9. For the purpose of clarity and emphasis, NIDCOM is for all
Diasporans, irrespective of groups and affliations and not for one
organisation or group in the Diaspora.

10. It is therefore sad that while other diaspora groups and
organisations are rallying support to combat Covid-19 pandemic, what
concerns the few self styled and sit tight leaders of NIDO Europe under
Keneth Gbandi is selfish total control.

11. It is expedient to mention here that the task ahead is enormous as
NIDCOM will ensure that all diaspora groups work together with unity of
purpose.

12. NIDCOM is poised to work with all Nigerians abroad to harness the
human and capital resources that abound to escalate the development in
Nigeria.

13. Now is the time to unify and work with all diaspora groups and
organisations irrespective of ethnic , religious, political, cultural
and professional affliations.

14. This is what NIDCOM is poised to do and will not allow a few people
dominate majority as we will work with all stakeholders, including
National Assembly relevant committees , focal persons on Diaspora from
all states in Nigeria among other international bodies.

15. NIDCOM under the able and dynamic leadership of Hon. Abike
Dabiri-Erewa will continue to be guided by the Act of the parliament
that set it up as well as see to the overall welfare of all Nigerians
abroad in line with its citizen diplomacy philosophy.

16. Be rest assured of NIDCOM fairness, level playing field for all as
the ultimate aim is to contribute positively to the national
development.

Signed.

Abdur-Rahman Balogun
Head, Media and Protocols, NIDCOM, Abuja