The Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Americas (NIDOA) has reiterated its dedication to working alongside the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) to tackle the challenges posed by the “Japa” phenomenon.
This trend sees a significant number of skilled youths leaving the country in search of better opportunities abroad.
The organization made this commitment in a statement co-signed by its Chairman, Mr. Bukola Olaoye, and Secretary, Uche Uzoigwe, of the Board of Trustees (BoT).
“We reaffirmed NIDOA’s commitment to working collaboratively with NIDCOM to address the effects of the Japa phenomena as we believe on collective efforts.
“The current challenges can be turned into opportunities for sustainable national development,” the statement said.
The group commended NiDCOM for providing diaspora community platform and opportunity through the just concluded 2nd edition of the National Diaspora Day 2024 Celebration.
It stated that the event, which had “Japa Phenomena and Its Implications for National Development” as its theme, gave the platform for interactions and networking between Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.
The group noted that the ‘Japa’ phenomenon, a colloquial term referring to the significant number of Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad, has been a subject of considerable debate among Nigerians in both formal and informal settings.
“The event, which held between July 25 and 26, 2024 at the Banquet Hall of Nigeria’s Presidential Villa in Abuja, witnessed a large convergence of Nigerians from all over the world.
“This underscores NIDCOM’s commitment to fostering stronger ties between Nigeria and her Diaspora Community.”
The group said it was commendable how the event brought together diverse voices from various sectors to deliberate on the ways in which the diaspora community could contribute to national development despite the challenges of migration.
It stated that the innovative ideas and strategies discussed would undoubtedly serve as a foundation for future policies and initiatives, aimed at leveraging the talents and resources of our diaspora community.