BOOK LAUNCH: NiDCOM BOSS COMMENDS AUTHOR, DR JOHN GEORGE
….Urges Nigerians in Diaspora to step up in development
Oru Leonard
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), boss, Hon Abike. Dabiri- EREWA has Commended Dr John C. George in the effort he put to publish a book on Nigera Diasporas.
This was stated in her goodwiil message during the book launch titled ” Nigera And Her Diaspora”, at Abuja on Thursday, October 29, 2020.
Hon Abike who was represented by the Secretary of NiDCOM, Dr Sule Bassi noted that for one of the Diasporas to come up with a book at this time is in tandem with the passing of the diaspora bill and establishing NiDCOM.
“The book being launched today has a list of of Nigerians who has achieved in their fields in the diaspora, The book is assisting NiDCOM to carry out her tasks”, She said
Abike who recommended the book to all and sundry to know what is going on in Diaspora, said that the philosophy of establishing NiDCOM is to harness the various achievements of Nigerians in Europe, USA and other continents.
She recalled that since NiDCOM was established various achievements have been recorded which included, National Diaspora Day, Diaspora investment fund, Diaspora Summit establishing of Focal Officers in the states with 28 FOs so far.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo in an online remark during the event, congratulated the author, Dr. John George, and said the book highlights amazing achievements of Nigerian Diasporas around the world.
According to Obansanjo NIDO is the largest diaspora assosociation in Africa, He regreted that the far reaching achievements in diaspora by Nigerians is not replicated in the country and appealed to the diasporas not to leave everything to government but rise up to the challenge by going into Investments that will employ our timing youths. He also urged all to pray for Nigeria.
The Special Adviser to Imo State Diaspora Affairs, Hon Celia Osakwe- Hibbett, who represented the Imo State Governor, His Excellency Hope Uzodiima, commended Dr George the author and expressed happiness that the author is from Imo State, adding that book covered a lot of quality information to tap from.
A former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Dr. Dalhatu Sarki Tafida described the author of the book, as an exceptional Nigerian who always put the interest of Nigeria above anything. He emphasized that increased involvement of professionals in diaspora will help greatly than concentrating only on the consular diaspora. He said that the diaspora should also bring Investors and the companies where they are working. He also Commended CBN for facilitating the Diaspora fund.
A a retired diplomat who is now a consultant, Amb Martine Gereng Sen recalled how resourceful and passionate Dr George was to the Mission in Ukraine during her service to the nation. Martine said, ” George has passion to help the nation, full of energy and ideas.”
In appreciation the author thank all stakeholders that contributed to making the launching of the book a success. He specifically mentioned the NIDCOM Secretary, Dr Yusuf Bassi who painstakingly did a detailed job to conclude the book launch.
Especially the various chaipersons of diaspora associations and diasporas who deferred there their trip back to their oversea base to attend the book launch.
John George who by is also the CEO of Rotex, further noted added that in his over two decades of diaspora engagement Nigerans outside the country has been willing to to bring back home their successes and experience inorder to contribute to the development of the nation.
When asked what motivated him to write the books by the News Dot Africa correspondent he said the aim is trigger more written materials that will be helpful in understanding diaspora affairs and in decision making concerning diaspora issues. He dedicated the book to all Nigerians across the world that are making positive impact and contributing to the development of the country.
Diasporas from various countries read their remarks and contributions online, among whom were the Moscow group who also commended Dr George for publishing the work at this trying times and suggested the launching of the book in Moscow, adding that there is a dart of materials in diaspora literature..
Over 357 diasporas from all over the continent made of the Business community, captains of Industry as well as friends and well wishers of the author logged in through the internet to participate.
