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 yesterday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja during the presentation of a compendium, titled: +600 Diaspora Icons @ 60, published by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the President said Nigeria remained open to welcoming the Diaspora Direct Investment by compatriots abroad.
President Buhari also pledged support for the establishment of the Diaspora Intervention Fund to support the commission to fulfil its mandate.
He 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 our 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.
“Irrespective of the few bad eggs among us – and every nation has such bad eggs – Nigeria remains a great country, populated by great people, living at home or abroad, making us proud.
“This compendium attests to that fact and the names of people and the fields they have excelled speak about their resilience and how exceptional Nigerians, both at home and abroad, have become,” he said.
The President added: “As we launch the compendium of excellent Nigerians today, we are also celebrating some of our best, nationally and globally.
“I call on every Nigerian, irrespective of where they may be, to continue to be of exemplary behaviour and with determination to offer quality services that contribute to the progress of humanity.”
Congratulating those whose names entered this first edition, President Buhari encouraged others to work more conscientiously to make the list in the subsequent editions.
NiDCOM Chairman/CEO, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa said the idea of the compendium was inspired from the regular Diaspora Presidential Town Hall meetings.
“The compendium is birthed out of the necessity to recognise, celebrate and showcase Nigerians in the Diaspora who are doing great things in their host countries and also contributing to the socio-economic development of Nigeria,” she said.