Irish Ambassador: Diasporans Are Important in Any Nation

•Senate to deliberate on diaspora voting this week, Bamidele hints

Michael Olugbode and Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Ambassador of Republic of Ireland to Nigeria, Mr. Peter Ryan, has appraised the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS), and said the country’s diasporans were important partner in any nation’s national initiatives.

However, as though giving force to his position, Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has disclosed that the red chamber would consider the diaspora voting rights this week.

Speaking at the sixth edition of the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit, which kicked off in Abuja yesterday, with pitching sessions for upcoming and start-up businesses, the envoy said he was not surprised about the abundant talents in Nigeria, adding that he was ready to do anything to encourage and support in this direction.

“It’s a really inspirational morning. Any time the diasporans come to gather to connect with one another, I think it is worthwhile and really interesting time for Nigerians in diaspora. I am very impressed with what I have seen and impressed with what I have heard.

“Not surprise at all. I learnt from Nigerians in 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 own 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 about some of the sectoral and entrepreneurship taking place in Nigeria,” Ryan said.

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

She stated that there were  abundant opportunities in Nigeria, which could earn them money, without necessarily being present.

While pointing out that the NDIS was all about wealth creation by the Diasporans, Dabiri-Erewa also applauded the pitching session of the summit which she said would open doors for upcoming and existing small businesses to connect with investors abroad.

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

Meanwhile, Bamidele, who hinted that the red chamber would consider the diaspora voting rights this week, said it was part of the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution.

He stated this at a virtual diaspora dialogue, according to a statement by his media office, reiterating the resolve of the National Assembly to reconsider the diaspora voting rights and other related issues affecting Nigeria in the diaspora.

The dialogue was organised by the Directorate  of Diaspora and International Affairs, Office of the Senate Leader in collaboration with Engage Diaspora Foundation and  Nigeria Diaspora Foundation.

A fortnight ago, the senate leader sponsored a motion aimed at reviewing the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.

At the dialogue,  Bamidele justified the resolve of the National Assembly to review the 1999 Constitution, saying the diaspora voting rights would form part of the ongoing constitution review.

“Let me tell you some good news. Not that we are trying to bring the bill back, the bill is already on the floor of the 10th Senate. Exactly two weeks ago, we had the first reading of the bill. It has already been scheduled for second reading.

“Definitely, as the Leader of the Senate, I can assure you that we will consider the second reading of the bill this week. After this stage, it will be referred to the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution.

“As it presently is, the constitution review committee is chaired by the Deputy President of the Senate. As the leader of the Senate, I am the Vice Chairman. You can rest assured that I am with you in this effort.

“I see this fight as a generational fight. It is about your children. It is also about ensuring greater inclusion in our electoral process. We cannot be interested in what is coming from you, but deny your right to vote.

“Diaspora voting is a right that must be recognised in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. After the passage of the bill, it will be taken to the House of Representatives for concurrence,” the senate leader explained at the virtual diaspora dialogue.