President Muhammadu Buhari has endorsed the establishment of the Nigerian Diaspora Investment Trust Fund (NDITF), a private sector investment window with Nigerians in the Diaspora to support direct investments in the country.
Speaking at the presentation of a compendium entitled +600 Diaspora Icons @ 60, published by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the President said Nigeria is open to welcoming the Diaspora Direct Investment by compatriots abroad.
The President, who also pledged support for the establishment of the Diaspora Intervention Fund to support the Commission to fulfil its mandate, noted that the foreign exchange remittances by Nigerians in the Diaspora have not only helped families but enhanced the development index of Nigeria.
The President described the 327-page compendium as a historical record of the worth of compatriots globally, adding that the distinguished list in the publication is a reminder of what Nigerians are capable of doing to the delight of the global community.
The President reminded Nigerians that it is their duty to extol and celebrate compatriots that excel in their chosen careers and professions.
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While congratulating those whose names made it to the first edition, President Buhari encouraged others to work more conscientiously to make the list in the subsequent editions.
Recounting his engagements with Nigerians in the Diaspora during his official travels abroad, the President said his Diaspora threefold agenda remains unchanged.
In her remarks, the Chairman/CEO of NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa said the idea of the compendium was inspired from the regular Diaspora Presidential Town Hall meetings.
She explained that the Commission plans to publish the compendium at regular intervals, towards changing the negative stereotypes typified by the activities of a few Nigerians who do not represent the country well.
(Editor: Hadiza.A.A)
