The issue of third world Diasporans and the contributions they make to transforming their original home countries has of recent generated considerable global debate. Nigeria is one of the countries that is determined to forge a constructive relationship with its huge number of diasporan nationals scattered across the world.  For this reason, President Yar A’dua, in recognition of the huge and diverse resources of the Nigerian Diaspora, invited us home to Abuja in July 2007 and addressed us under the theme “Connecting Nigeria with her diaspora”.

 Already, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has confirmed the receipt of $8-billion or N1.024-trillion from Nigerians living abroad between January and June 2007.  This excludes the other ways through which Nigerians abroad send money home to their families, e.g. asking a fellow Nigerian going home for holidays to help give money to ‘my mama or my brother’.  This method is not documented by the Central bank.  Should they have the statistics or figures from this ‘corner corner method’, we will probably be talking about $16-billion or more!  That is big money by any standard.

Forging Partnerships with the Nigerian Diaspora is the first major effort to lay the foundation for concrete and sustained interaction between Nigeria and her Diasporans, facilitate the establishment of networks and partnerships between the Nigerian Diaspora and their counterparts at home for the benefit of the country and its people. It is also an opportunity to put into effect the transfer of skills, experiences and resources from the Diaspora.
The Nigerian Diaspora is very talented and resourceful and one of the most educated of the Diasporan communities. They are engaged in many aspects of human endeavour around the globe, especially in America and Europe where they are found in industries, businesses, politics, schools, universities, hospitals, as entrepreneurs, lecturers, doctors, nurses, researchers, making valued contributions to their newly adopted countries 

The choice of science and technology as the first major initiative of the Nigerian Government in establishing a connection with its Diaspora, is no doubt motivated, first, by the important role science and technology can play in the transformation and sustenance of Nigeria 's economic development. Indeed scientific, technical and the availability of human resources are the most critical determinants of the long term success of the government's economic reform.  Therefore the existence of huge human resources of the Nigerian Diaspora in the field of science and technology and the necessity to mainstream and integrate them into the advancement of science and technology and in the socio-economic development of Nigeria cannot be over-emphasized.

Indeed, a considerable number of the Nigerian Diaspora have distinguished themselves in the fields of science and technology and have been recognized globally for their contributions to the expansion and advancement of science and technology in the world.

In addition, there is also the issue of institutional linkages. The Nigerian Diaspora can play a very significant role in this area.

However, for these resources to work smoothly, the issue of security for human life and property must go parry paso (is this the spelling?) with any present or future planning.  Take the case of Uche Nworah who lives in the UK but went to Abuja for his book launch.  As we now know, he is only alive by the Grace of God.  Many people are not alive to tell the story of their experience at the hands of the hard boys.  During Uche’s book launch, we were told by the Master of Ceremony that after stripping Uche and Mohammed naked, their photographs were taken with mobile phones by the dare devils (hope I am allowed to say this Uche), another form of humiliation.  Now I won’t be surprised if those photos find their way to the internet at some stage or what was the motivation for that?  What a world?  If Uche is not a brave man who loves his country to bits, what is the motivation to go home or even be a part of a project at home?

 Putting in place strategies for sustained cooperation between Nigeria and her diaspora must include as a matter of urgency measures to secure lives and property.  There were Nigerians from diaspora at the conference in Abuja who have worked with different policing bodies/organizations around the world, so knowledge in that area is not in short supply.  Name it, we’ve got it.

Nigeria is regularly rated as one of the most corrupt countries in the world by Berlin-based anti-graft watchdog, Transparency International. President Umaru Yar'Adua, on taking office in May, pledged to fight corruption, largely blamed for widespread poverty and lack of development in Nigeria despite its oil riches.  Let me add that fighting corruption must include an outright war with armed robbers!  To me, this is our own national tsunami.

During his address, Nigerian Central Bank Governor Chukwuma Soludo who was a diasporan until recently also raised a vital issue of Nigerians living abroad who are increasingly cutting ties to the homeland, often changing their names, and abandoning their languages and other ties to the continent.

He said it is critical for those living abroad to stay in touch with their roots.  He noted that even first generation [African] immigrants, the first thing they do, is that they drop off their names or your change them, Chukwuma, becomes Chucks. That is what I call the “bleaching syndrome”, he explained. "And you get to the homes of Nigerians, be it in America , Europe and so on, the first thing they take pride in telling you, is that, no, he doesn't understand [Nigerian language]. That child who does not understand, who does not speak the Nigerian language unfortunately is lost."  I couldn’t agree with him more.  Several times, I have told the teachers in my children’s school to address them by their Nigerian names, they say, it is difficult.  Well, I insist because I see nothing difficult in pronouncing Chiamaka or Uchechukwu.  If I can pronounce Siobhan (pronounced she vone, they – oyinbo should be able to pronounce Chi-amaka).

We hear the Nigerian diaspora represents some of the best educated and most highly trained individuals. It is estimated that more than 60,000 Nigerian health professionals now live abroad.

Babagana Kingibe, the Secretary to the Nigerian government, said a brain drain of educated professionals leaving the country is a serious challenge to Nigerian development.

"Our home-grown and home-trained professionals migrate for various lengths of stay away," he said. "This brain drain poses a serious challenge to our national efforts at growth and development. That is why any effort to reverse the brain drain and turn it into brain gain is a welcome development."

Robot  # 1 | 03.08.2007 13:17

During Uche’s...Read the full article.

Jah Guda  # 2 | 04.08.2007 05:01

You are absolutely right, also most Nigerians living away from home are willing to do whatever it takes to make our Country great. Most are put off by the level of violent crime they read and hear about. I just hope no other person or persons will have to endure the same amount of violence as Uche and his friends did. From what I read and pictures I viewed, the criminals are increasingly demonstrating a 'nothing else to lose' attitude toward the State. I believe it is posible, probable even, that there are criminals who monitor the Internet, who look for victims on the net. I would advice all high profile Nigerians to keep information about their movements and whereabouts off the Internet. I know it is only natural for Uche to publicize his books and events on this site but when it comes to book launches and public speaking engagements back home, keep a very low profile. Some of these criminals are highly educated and very smart, they are not what you imagine them to be. Currently there is a severe shortage of oportunities in Nigeria, those who opt for a life of crime are not necessarily uneducated failures. Also, not so long ago, off the top of my head I think it was March of this year, a Germany based Nigerian writer, Abiodun Ladepo, a contributor to NVS and NIA, was attacked by armed robbers in his hotel room on a visit to Nigeria. Unfortunately, as far as personal safety is concerned, we will have to accept the wait and see attitude until the State is able to bring down the level of violent crime. If any of you happens to come arross the photos mentioned in this article on the internet, can you please let NVS know, tell members where you saw the images so that Admin can organise a protest we can all support; make the ISP of the offending site aware that the persons in those photos were victims of violent crime and are lucky to be alive.