Nigerian Arts and Culture Directory



NACD Online News

Rediscovering Africa's greatest potentials through Arts, Culture and Tourism

Top Stories

CREATING PARTNERSHIP WITH NIGERIANS IN THE DIASPORA AND BRIDGING THE DIGITAL AND
(Royal Communications)

Story Tools

Print Story

Prince Chinedu Obi

The word, ‘Diaspora’ has taken a center stage in today’s political economy discourse in Nigeria. In what appears a shift from what was formerly referred to as ‘Brain
Drain’ with a negative connotation, the concept of Diaspora in its present usage and form, suggests a positive point of ‘Brain Gain’. Indeed, recent events are in agreement with the axiom that ‘nothing exists by accident’. The category of Nigerians we today refer to as Diasporas, consists of icons in Science and Technology, journalists, social critics and human right activists, who were either
forced to, or voluntarily migrated to other continent of the world, namely Europe, America, Asia, etc.; by the frustration of military dictatorship, unpardonable level
of unemployment, insensitivity, injustice and insecurity, which characterized the era of military dictatorship in Nigeria. By the way, these were the human resources
required for national development and whose exit resulted directly or indirectly to the quagmire the
Nigerian nation was subjected to. Consequently, these Nigerians have become pillars of development in host nations’ economies, science and technology.

Nigerians in the Diaspora have no doubt proved to be worthy ambassadors of Nigeria, especially in the areas of science and technology. Statistics of Nigerian Medical Doctors, Engineers and Professors occupying relevant positions across the globe indicate a shocking revelation that their tremendous and strategic placement and contribution in the world scientific growth is quite remarkable. Glaring examples of Nigerians with this clout include Professor Emeagwali often referred to as the ‘Bill Gate’ of Africa, Prof Augustine Esogbue, space expert of Georgia Institute of
Technology and NASA, to mention but a few.

Developed and developing economies of the world especially those of Europe, America and Asia have formulated and implemented deliberate strategies in social infrastructural development, security, economic policies, education, science and technology, etc. The models adopted by these nations include, the use of their talented nationals in the Diaspora in the development of the nation; transfer of
technology; imitation and fabrication, by simply stealing or copying technology; etc. Similarly, the Nigerians in the Diaspora can act as catalyst for change and development in Nigeria. Fortunately, Nigerians in the Diaspora have begun to organize themselves courtesy of the initiative of present administration in Nigeria without prejudice to the several ever-existing cultural, ethnic and professional
organizations. Prominent among the recent Associations is the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO). This organization in the opinion of progressives is one of the
major and pragmatic steps towards creating a network of Nigerian professionals for national development.
There is however, an urgent need to develop a database of Nigerians in the Diaspora. The data bank would comprise of the names of these Nigerians, where they live and work, their areas of qualifications and expertise, etc. Thereafter, a deliberate involvement and partnership with these talents for transfer of skills and technology and for national development.

Apart from the Diasporas’ participation in the science and technology development of the nation, there is also an urgent need to engage the Diasporas in the improvement
and management of Nigeria’s image abroad.

Nigeria needs to take a close study of the strategies of emerging Asian and European economic powers, namely, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, China, Turkey, Dubai, etc.
Applying what criminologists would call ‘eclectic’ but coordinated approach, Nigeria needs to engage the services of the Diasporas with relevant experience in all fields, namely, security, especially in the area of civil policing; in order to inject the right tonic into the police in Nigeria. Others include, social security, mortgage systems and schemes; banking; manufacturing; ICT; education; agriculture; etc.

The initiative of the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in creating the Nigerian National Volunteer Service (NNVS), whose bill is before the National Assembly is quite commendable and indeed the most proactive platform for creating and organizing a network and partnership with the Diaspora for national development. Undoubtedly, with the quality experience of Ambassador Joe Keshi as Coordinator of the NNVS and especially being a Diaspora, whose remarkable impact as an Ambassador of Nigeria in Atlanta remains indelible in the hearts of keen observers; Nigeria is on the right step towards utilizing its vast human resources in solving national problems.

Ambassador Keshi’s astute competence to mobilize the Diaspora and their Nigerian counterparts was evident in the huge turn out and success recorded at the just concluded three-day conference on Bridging the Digital and Scientific Divide – Forging Partnership with the Nigerian Diaspora, organized by the Nigeria National Volunteer Service (NNVS) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Science and
Technology in NICON Hilton, Abuja, which recorded a massive turn out of Nigerian experts and scientists from America, Europe, Australia, etc. Apart from the passion and commitment in which the Diaspora indicated their willingness in establishing strategic partnership to help in rebuilding Nigeria, the adoption of July 25th as
Diasporas’ day in Nigeria would further send the signal to skeptics that Nigeria is once again ready to move forward. I therefore, challenge the National Assembly to consider the bill on the establishment of a Nigeria National Volunteer Service a matter of urgent national importance and facilitate its passage into law.

With the passage of the Nigeria National Volunteer Service (NNVS) bill and the right funding, the NNVS would be empowered to cultivate the relationship and goodwill of
the Diasporas through harnessing their vast potentials, as well as closing the gap for national development. The NNVS would identify relevant roles for the Diasporas while providing the necessary conditions that will enable the Diasporas influence the policies of the host countries towards Nigeria. In addition, the NNVS would fashion the right synergy between the Nigeria Academy of Science, Nigerian Society of Engineers and all other relevant local bodies with the Nigerians in the Diasporas Organization that would bring about a steady and progressive program of scientific and technological development in Nigeria.

And like change, which is generally viewed with cynicism, suspicion and fear, some have started to speculate on the outcome of this partnership, but in any case, change remains as constant as night and day and thereby inevitable. Change has become the only variable responsible for societal movement from traditional to modern civilization, simple to complex, homogeneity to heterogeneity, etc. What Nigeria as a country had lacked over the years is simply focused leadership and
sustainability of policies and programs. It is a popular belief that with the sustenance of on-going reforms in the various sectors of the economy and sense of direction, especially with the involvement of the Nigerians in the Diaspora, Nigeria is set to join the comity of developing nations of the world.

The need to engage the National Academy of Science and Engineering to work with the Diasporas Scientists and Engineers to provide focused study for the long-range
technology cannot be over emphasized. It would foster institutional linkages for capacity building vide the on-the-hand experience. Already, partnership with the
Diasporas has yielded positive impact in Imo State. The Imo State University Teaching Hospital at Orlu is a test case, a partnership that has brought about large donation of books, science equipment and exchange programs for students in the State.

Through articulated partnerships, the Diasporas scientists, teachers, engineers, Doctors, etc., would be encouraged to spend their sabbatical in training their Nigerian counterparts and students thereby empowering them to take advantage of their wealth of experience in modern science and technology. Through the programs of the Nigerian National Volunteers Service, experienced retirees, especially, teachers would also be engaged on volunteer basis. It would also involve the private sector in achieving the desired goals.

In conclusion, I daresay that Nigeria at this point in her history requires the diversification in the economy; development in her human and natural resources and
capacity building; improvement in power and energy supply; provision of portable water; transportation and road networks; increased programs in ICT development; quality control; implementation of the NEEDS document for the eradication of poverty and sustainable economic and social development; advancement in her local fabrication for technological growth; improvement in her fiscal/physical resources; overhauling of the security system, especially the Nigerian Police Force; continued effort in the fight against corruption; formulation of strategies for the
improvement of her image abroad; adequate social security for unemployed Nigerians; sustainable pension scheme; establishment of credible electioneering process and
enshrining democratic principles and values; respect for human rights and rule of law; etc. And the Nigerian National Volunteer Service through a credible and sustainable partnership with the Diaspora is the most proactive way to reinventing Nigeria.

Events Calendar

<< February 2017 >>