The Diaspora Village project
By Reuben Abati

ONE of the major concerns of the Obasanjo government since 1999 has been how to turn Nigerians in diaspora into a great asset for the country's development process, by encouraging the gifted and the knowledgeable among them to return home to make a contribution, by building bridges across to each and every one in diaspora, to ignite the fire of patriotism; to reconnect them with their roots back home if possible, and if not, ensure that they remain ambassadors for the country of their birth, and in many cases, to mobilise Nigerians in diaspora to support the country's economic growth through investment, or the facilitation of opportunities in the outside world.

The Nigerian in diaspora is a product of different circumstances: exile, economic migration, adventure, education. He or she is defined by many factors as in every human situation: success, despondency, crime, the positive, or the negative. But what has been at the heart of the Nigerians in Diaspora project has been the emphasis, not surprisingly on the successful Nigerian in diaspora - not the ones in jail, not the fraudsters who give the country a bad name, not the poor ones who have no business being abroad, but the ones who are making a difference in other lands, and whose connection with home and expertise, can be of great benefit to the country.

And there are many of such offshore talents and resources. In virtually every corner of the world can be found a Nigerian technocrat and expert, and a beacon of hope. I have met Nigerians who live in the Pacific islands, Nigerians in diaspora who speak strange foreign tongues; distinguished Nigerians who are at the top of every profession, and are making their mark. They and their children could be completely lost to Nigeria unless an attempt is made to remind them of home. The pull of home is a religious, spiritual phenomenon, but it is also something practical. For the most part, the Nigerian in diaspora never really forgets, but many are stranded abroad for largely practical reasons. They are at an emotional crossroads, where they are compelled to obey their natural instinct for self-preservation.

I shall return to this shortly, but first, it is worth recalling that more Nigerians emigrated from the country in the last 15 years than at any other time in Nigerian history. The rate of return has also been relatively low. There is an emergent generation of Nigerians in diaspora who have never stepped on the Nigerian soil, who are Nigerian only in name, who do not speak any of our languages, and who are likely to identify with Nigeria only vicariously. During the years of military rule, faced with economic hardship, the insecurity of lives and property, and the disappearance of opportunities for self-actualisation, many of our compatriots simply packed their bags and left.

Those who were already abroad who were contemplating a return to Nigeria, also chose to stay away. A few returned but after struggling against faith, and luck, in the face of daunting existential circumstances, voted for a new life in diaspora. Afro-pessimism is the strongest obstacle to Africa's development process. It is most felt in Nigeria. It is a limiting factor which is reinforced by Western media stereotypes, and transformed into fact by the failure of African leaders to transform their nations through responsible and visionary leadership.

With the end of military rule, Nigerians generally at home and in diaspora, heaved a sigh of relief. They found an opportunity to be optimistic again about their country, seeing democracy as a platform for the nation's rejuvenation. For practical reasons, the Obasanjo government has had to cash in on this establishing in 2001, the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) as part of a determination to win friends for Nigeria in the international system. In the early days of his first term in office, the President travelled to many parts of the world; on every occasion, he never missed the opportunity to call on Nigerians abroad to become part of the making of a country of their dream. The "Heart of Africa" project that was launched by the Federal Ministry of Information also has a strong diaspora dimension. Even state governments do not take the Nigerian population abroad for granted. Every state Governor finds an opportunity to be hosted by cultural associations of his people in diaspora.

At such events, the Governor is usually decorated with an award. Never mind that many of those trips also serve as vehicles for the theft of public funds. Nigerian Governors travel with large entourages, and of course, there are travel, and inconvenience allowances to be collected. The good part of it, however, is that the relationship between Nigerians at home and those in diaspora has become more robust. The latter has responded by showing extra-ordinary interest in Nigerian affairs. Every cultural or political group has a branch in diaspora.

There are branches of NIDO in Europe, North America and Asia. There have been demands for "absentee voting" to allow Nigerians in diaspora vote during elections. It is a matter of fact, that Nigerians abroad are keen observers, and analysts of the Nigerian condition. The sheer number of websites devoted to Nigeria, the rich debate that goes on at these sites, the growth of Nigerian ethnic media, especially in the UK and the United States, confirms this meeting of minds among Nigerians, and a continuing dialogue across the oceans among our compatriots.

The flip side of this however is that there are too many Nigerians in diaspora who are tempted to believe the illusion of their own importance. On the internet sites, they sound as if they alone have all the answers to Nigeria's problems. They assume that because they live abroad, they are necessarily superior to the people at home. Much of what passes for intelligent talk by Nigerians in diaspora is downright presumptuous, but that is another subject for another day. The Chinese are just as peripatetic as Nigerians but they do not forget their roots. Indians and other Asians wherever they may be found, display a sense of identity.

It is encouraging to find Nigerians across the world creating a sense of home away from home, retaining their Nigerianness, and remaining in touch with their roots. What is required is a more constructive interaction with home. Both India and Morocco are good examples of countries that continue to draw energy and value from linkages with their men and women in diaspora. In Nigeria, there is much talk about Nigerians in diaspora but little in terms of how best to engage that offshore asset.

I will examine only one example in this regard. Last week, the first Nigerians in Diaspora Conference was held in Toronto, Canada. It was a gathering of the tribes of sorts where Nigerians at home and those in diaspora exchanged views on the Nigerian question. In the course of the event, the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) honoured President Obasanjo with an "Exemplary and Visionary Leadership Award". While thanking NIDO on the President's behalf, Frank Nweke Jnr., the Minister of Information described "Obasanjo as the father of modern Nigeria and the saviour of the country". There is never a shortage of raw sentimentality at events of this nature. There were presentations of papers and one notable contribution came from the Minister in charge of the FCT, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai titled "The Diaspora and Socio-Economic Development of Nigeria", the main gist of which is that as part of its efforts to encourage members of NIDO to return to Nigeria, the Federal Government is planning to build a Diaspora Village in Abuja. This village is to be sited on 65 hectares of land. He said "that the village would have a mosque and church, clinic, community centre, schools, hotels, shopping malls" and what he referred to as "social development corridors". El-Rufai further appealed to Nigerians in diaspora: "think not what your country can do for you, but think what you can do for your country".

The idea of the Diaspora Village is clear enough: to create for the Nigerian in diaspora who is returning home a special living environment which approximates the quality that he or she is otherwise used to abroad. But of what use is such a village located in Abuja? Is there any guarantee that every returnee Nigerian would love to live in Abuja? None, whatsoever. So, such a diaspora village would have to be created in virtually every city, town and village. Would the Diaspora village be so self-contained, those who live there would not have anything to do with the real Nigeria? Not likely. In fact, this is impossible. So, the wise thing to do is to turn every part of Nigeria into a "Diaspora Village"? And does it even make sense for anyone to live in any village specially reserved for Nigerians in diaspora? Certainly not. Such a village will be a ready target for rapists and armed robbers. Rape is a major problem in the Federal Capital Territory.

The establishment of a Diaspora Village as proposed may not serve the intended purpose. There are many Nigerians in diaspora who would rather live in Nigeria. They are tired of living as minorities in countries where no matter how talented they may be, they will always be treated as outsiders. They are sick of the burden of comparison and difference: having to imagine the unrealised possibilities that drove them to a foreign land. What they seek, should they return, is not a special enclave, a lepers' colony called "Diaspora Village" but a Nigeria that functions, a country where the welfare of every citizen not that of a few, is the priority of government.

They want a country where there is regular power supply, social security, job opportunities, good schools for children, guarantees of safety of life and property, functional infrastructure and responsible governance. When Nigerians in diaspora visit home, they are alarmed at the level of instability that they confront and the failure of institutions. Our airports are not even safe, a trip from the airport into the city could be a trip to the mortuary. It is risky to let anyone know that you live abroad.

The Nigerian in diaspora wants a country where there is enough opportunity for all, such that members of the extended family won't have to knock on his door every morning for hand-outs. One fellow visited home, he was received at the airport by armed robbers who took away all his money, and his international passport. He has not visited home again since then. Another fellow chose to relocate to Nigeria, got a job and tried to adjust to life in his own country until one fateful weekend, one of his children mistakenly fell into a pit latrine in a neighbour's house. He immediately sent his family back to England; he is still at home, learning how to live and survive in Nigeria. It is realities such as these that undermine the Nigerians in Diaspora project and its ultimate value.

Robot  # 1 | 25.01.2007 22:24

The establishment of a Diaspora Village as proposed may not serve the intended purpose. The...Read the full article.

EezeeBee  # 2 | 25.01.2007 22:52

This article is full of gems like: ...Afro-pessimism is the strongest obstacle to Africa's development process. It is most felt in Nigeria. It is a limiting factor which is reinforced by Western media stereotypes, and transformed into fact by the failure of African leaders to transform their nations through responsible and visionary leadership. ...Never mind that many of those trips also serve as vehicles for the theft of public funds. ...The flip side of this however is that there are too many Nigerians in diaspora who are tempted to believe the illusion of their own importance. On the internet sites, they sound as if they alone have all the answers to Nigeria's problems. They assume that because they live abroad, they are necessarily superior to the people at home. Much of what passes for intelligent talk by Nigerians in diaspora is downright presumptuous, ...The idea of the Diaspora Village is clear enough: to create for the Nigerian in diaspora who is returning home a special living environment which approximates the quality that he or she is otherwise used to abroad. But of what use is such a village located in Abuja? Is there any guarantee that every returnee Nigerian would love to live in Abuja? None, whatsoever. So, such a diaspora village would have to be created in virtually every city, town and village. Would the Diaspora village be so self-contained, those who live there would not have anything to do with the real Nigeria? Not likely. In fact, this is impossible. So, the wise thing to do is to turn every part of Nigeria into a "Diaspora Village"? And does it even make sense for anyone to live in any village specially reserved for Nigerians in diaspora? Certainly not. Such a village will be a ready target for rapists and armed robbers. Rape is a major problem in the Federal Capital Territory. ...The establishment of a Diaspora Village as proposed may not serve the intended purpose. There are many Nigerians in diaspora who would rather live in Nigeria. They are tired of living as minorities in countries where no matter how talented they may be, they will always be treated as outsiders. They are sick of the burden of comparison and difference: having to imagine the unrealised possibilities that drove them to a foreign land. What they seek, should they return, is not a special enclave, a lepers' colony called "Diaspora Village" but a Nigeria that functions, a country where the welfare of every citizen not that of a few, is the priority of government. ...They want a country where there is regular power supply, social security, job opportunities, good schools for children, guarantees of safety of life and property, functional infrastructure and responsible governance. This whole focus on making 'special arrangements' for 'diasporan Nigerians' drives me crazy! Are we 'better' or more 'special' or more 'deserving' than the millions of Nigerians in Nigeria? It is the whole 'entitlement' mentality that is the bane of much of our life as a nation. People want benefits that accrue ONLY to them with NO CONSIDERATION of other citizens! Perish the idea of a 'diaspora' village! Make the ENTIRE society function let us 'get in where we fit in!' Nonsense!

DeepThought  # 3 | 26.01.2007 00:02

Diaspora village my foot.

Anon  # 4 | 26.01.2007 00:04

=DeepThought;151211>Diaspora village my foot. Copy that!

What?  # 5 | 26.01.2007 01:55

The creation of middle-class estates with western-standard amenities to attract high-demand expatriates has been used quite successfully in India which has similar issues with attracting and retaining returnees. It has also created a boom in those pockets in housing and retail. http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/26/business/worldbusiness/26recruit.html?ex=1293253200&en=667b6a84d2dcd825&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss

WaleAkin  # 6 | 26.01.2007 02:51

Hi All, Lets not rubbish the idea yet as its just in its early stages but my uttermost fear will be the fact that will they allow it to work as planned? The likes of 1004 Flats, Festac Town, Satellite Town, LSDPC housing estates(Medium/Low), OPIC estates were built to serve particular purposes but these were derailed. The Federal Goverment can begin to build a Diaspora Village to help integrate Diasporians back into the system but one thing that must be done should be a level playing field where a Home-Nigerian is equal to a Diasporian. There are millions of Nigerians who are far better than us and they dont steal and/or siphon public funds, thay are PURE PROFESSIONALS! Lets begin to respect them too . A diaspora village has my full support if and only if outlined and done the right way without injuring the pysche of the common man. Cheers, Wale Akin

nero africanus  # 7 | 26.01.2007 03:02

=WaleAkin;151230>Hi All, Lets not rubbish the idea yet as its just in its early stages but my uttermost fear will be the fact that will they allow it to work as planned? The likes of 1004 Flats, Festac Town, Satellite Town, LSDPC housing estates(Medium/Low), OPIC estates were built to serve particular purposes but these were derailed. The Federal Goverment can begin to build a Diaspora Village to help integrate Diasporians back into the system but one thing that must be done should be a level playing field where a Home-Nigerian is equal to a Diasporian. There are millions of Nigerians who are far better than us and they dont steal and/or siphon public funds, thay are PURE PROFESSIONALS! Lets begin to respect them too . A diaspora village has my full support if and only if outlined and done the right way without injuring the pysche of the common man. Cheers, Wale Akin DIAspora village is not just about accomodation it is also about economic activity, it is equivalent of an economic zone which drives countries like china and india. the purpose of these is to bypass corruption and bureaucracy. no meaningful large scale investment can go on in nigeria as it is. an economic zone or diaspora village will act like a secure location in an insurgency. from there it will expand encompassing more areas till IT consumes the whole nation. the corruption is so bad that only a revolution can change anything. in an economic zone or dv, it will become the new abroad with nigerians hustling to get in the demand alone of the people living in it will become a new market which will increase as demand for labour increases. normally it is a state within a state.if there were actually an econic zone where things worked and there was security of life and property, i would gladly go back to nigeria.investors will be scrambling to invest in it. cos of the huge market of nigeria as a whole and the internal market of the village itself IT IS ACTUALLY THE ONLY HOPE FOR NIGERIA

Redbovans  # 8 | 26.01.2007 04:56

I wonder what El Rufai and by extention, the Federal government take the rest of us "home based" Nigerians for! who says we don't deserve the same consideration? If anything we should be handsomely compensated for our resilience amidst all odds and our continued contribution to nation building. You diasporans should not be carried away by this foolish idea until the security of your life and property is guaranteed. Like the writer rightly said, it will be like living in a fool's paradise. First of all is it CIA that will guard the estate or our very own Nigeria Police Force (lol)? When armed robbers/militants visit you with their superior weapons, nobody go tell you:rolleyes: Diasporan Village "my foot" indeed:mad:

Dr Damages  # 9 | 26.01.2007 05:40

I like that kin village, well well. But how I go fit live next door with some people for this village? Everyday na battle for our driveway... Instead make we yab for villagesquare, we go throw stone... Mbaaaaaa! I dey go my village for Okitipupa where everyone sabi my name... and if I abuse someone by mistake they no go say make I come apologize for black board.

akuluouno  # 10 | 26.01.2007 05:41

It is indeed a metaphor of a government that has run out of ideas. Creation of a DV is an idea borne out of colonial mentality of GRA vs Native Quarters and cannot work in today's Nigeria. Dr Abati, you mentioned the charade that took place in Toronto vide the conferment of the Father of Nigeria title on Caesar by some rented crowd, but never passed any judgement. That represents what would obtain in the DV that Nweke and Rufai want to create. It would provide a forum in Nigeria where our leaders would go to for them to be synchphansized without travelling very far away. Diaspora would have come to them if they cannot go the diaspora. El Rufai should perish this unnecessary brainwave especially seeing that Caesar in better climes ought to be a lameduck since May 06 and get on with building more houses for Nigerians who want to live in Abuja or better develop plots of land for them to buy at reasonable prices while we await the advent of anew govt in April 07. As regards your analysis of the reasons which led to the massive migration of Nigerians from that space, I believe that they were not exhaustive since you left out the civil war among others. :mad: :mad: :biggrin: :biggrin:

---

The conversation continues in our forum. Click here to read all comments

---