Impact Of Diaspora Alumni In Nigeria’s Economy To Dominate Dialogue As Unizik UK Alumni Hold Reunion Session
By Emmanuel Oluebube, Bureau Chief, United Kingdom and Ezeh Anya Ezeh, Bureau Chief, South East, Nigeria
The impact of diaspora alumni in the Nigerian socio-economic and political development will dominate discussions at the annual Reunion of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, UK alumni Association, Cyber Era NG learns.
In a virtual world press conference held on Wednesday ahead of the annual event holding today , the organising committee Chairman of the event, which is the first of its kind, Emeka Onyeje, said that the diaspora alumni contributions to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was growing tremendously.
With optimism, Mr. Onyeje noted that the event was expected to attract international attendees including former Unizik alumni presidential aspirant, Chief Sir Dozie Donat Okolo who is expected to deliver a keynote address.
He said that Okolo, who is the Chief Executive Officer of SENIOM Foundation, dedicated to supporting the education of children and youth, especially the less privileged, would speak on the ‘Impact of diaspora alumni in the Nigerian socio-economic and political development’.
Onyeje, a graduate of English Language of Unizik, while lamenting the decaying basic infrastructure in Nigeria, urged the government to carry diaspora alumni along in key decision making.
“It is time the government establishes Diaspora alumni Commission. It is time the government recognises the impact of alumni in the Nigerian economic growth. The number of alumni in diaspora is growing at geometric progression because of state of the country”, Onyeje said.
According to him, unless the government created an enabling environment, employment, brain drain would remain unabated.
The maiden reunion is expected to be held at Sixth Form Atrium Lampton School , Lampton Avenue, Hounslow London.
Also speaking, Okolo, who is the Chairman of the capability building event, said that he was excited to attend the event because of the passion he had for the Unizik alumni.
According to him, government should not ignore diaspora alumni in decision making, noting that it was the only way to attract brain gain.
