Call to Restore Respect for Nigerians in Diaspora

The article discusses the need for reflection on the Nigerians in Diaspora Day celebrations, emphasizing the foundational vision established by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who initiated the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO). It critiques the current approach of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), describing it as transactional rather than respectful.

The author recalls the exemplary standards of the Diaspora Week during Obasanjo's administration, which included comprehensive hospitality for delegates and structured sessions based on professional backgrounds. This merit-based system allowed exceptional Nigerians like Dr.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, and Dr.

Barth Nnaji to be recognized for national service. The article expresses concern over the current treatment of the Diaspora, where delegates are overshadowed by officials during celebrations, signaling a troubling inversion of respect and protocol.