I N This Edition, I’Ll Take You Through the Ancient City of Kano

DECEMBER VOL. 6 . 2020

I N T H I S E D I T I O N

HOW I PLAN TO TAKE DIASPORA AFFAIRS TO THE NEXT LEVEL - DABIRI-EREWA

I ENVISION A NIDCOM WITH ACCELERATED DEVELOPMENT -BASSI

RETIRED COMMANDANT CALLS FOR INTERACTION BETWEEN NiDCOM AND ARMED FORCES ON DIASPORA AFFAIRS

FOOD CORNER

INT’L MIGRANTS DAY 2020: GROUP HONOURS NiDCOM NIGERIAN DIASPORA ARE PARTNERS IN DEVELOPMENT - HON. TERAB DECEMBER EDITION V0L. 6

HOW I PLAN TO TAKE DIASPORA AFFAIRS TO THE NEXT LEVEL - DABIRI-EREWA By Khadija S hehu Bamalli We will start by taking a brief Looking at your mandate, background on you. how far has diaspora investment gone throughout am the Chairman/CEO, the country, this year? I Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, formally SSA to A lot of Diasporas are beginning the President, formally in the to invest in Health care, parliament where I spent 12 years agriculture, education and the and was the Chairman House of food business. We are very Representatives Committee on impressed about that and a lot Diaspora, formally at the Nigerian of them are even looking at Television Authority where I worked small businesses that generates for 15years. I am a graduate of employment. Diaspora University of Ife, where I studied engagement is growing in English Language. I did my Masters Nigeria and we are also glad in University of Lagos, in Mass deal with human capital that CBN has put in place a Communication. I was also at development. We are policy where Diaspora Harvard University, Kennedy school talking of Nigerians remittances are received in the of Government. Primary school; succeeding all over the currencies that were being Maryland Government School Ikeja, world and our mission is remitted in, so the diaspora are Secondary School, St. Louis College, to engage them in the very excited about that. Ibadan. I am a mother of two programmes and policies children, a grandmother and I have a of Government. I’m glad Holding the NDIS virtually for wonderful husband and great staffs that we have some the first time, will you say it working with me in NiDCOM. programmes in place like was as successful and Nigerian Diaspora effective as the previous Amidst several challenges, Investment Trust Fund, ones done physically? what motivates you to keep Nigerian Diaspora If I have to admit, it was even driving NiDCOM forward? Investment Summit, the more successful because we had Diaspora voting bill which In NiDCOM, we have a mission and a more participants and it is going has gone through second vision we have to achieve. Despite to be the new normal, that’s the reading. we have also the challenges, we have to keep positive side of Covid-19 for us in been able to intervene in working to ensure we succeed but NIDCOM. It is easier now to cases of Nigerians in the the good thing is that, I’ve got great communicate with Nigerians all Diaspora. For good, for staff working here at the over the world. In the past, we bad we are always there Commission. So, we don’t look at have to find a way to get them for Nigerians in the challenges, we see challenges as home, some will need Diaspora when we can, so opportunities and we continue to accommodation, you have to look hard work keeps me going. work at that. The key thing is that we for money for ticket. DECEMBER EDITION V0L. 6

So now it is going to be cheaper Looking at the Covid-19 At least we haven’t heard of and more effective. For instance, evacuation, which was the any more Nigerian going to this last one, we had Masayo Ujiri first of its kind, what is the Lebanon and being from Canada, we had people from major challenge NIDCOM stranded and we are hoping America, Africa, from Australia, faced during and beyond the it has nothing to do with the China, in fact, everywhere in the evacuation process? travel restrictions. It is world participated. So, subsequently important that Lebanon has Sigh! No funding for logistics but it is going to be a hybrid. Some of us now stopped work visas. So we were still at it. We had people in the physical location and others if you apply now you cannot we were communicating with. virtually. It is going to be the new get the visa anymore. What We went digital, we opened a normal for us. Since then, we had we need to do in Nigeria, is portal, which made it easy to about five virtual meetings with to focus on how to make communicate. Like I said, we Nigerians abroad and we want to be this migration legal the way never look at challenges, we are having monthly virtual diaspora it is done in the Philippines, always there, you find that little meetings from now. you want to migrate, you things matter. Sometimes it is can go freely legally. The door of return has been an just a single information missing Although the case of avenue to reconnect hundreds and we are able to provide it. Lebanon is not irregular of Nigerians back to their roots, When they return, they had to migration but the `kafala' does not holding it this year ensure they follow NCDC system turns you virtually to means hundreds of these kings protocols. Ours was just to a slave. You become the and queens were not ensure we sorted the slave of your master and reconnected with their roots? communication link and did our that is what we need to own bit. We did the job and we change. I hope as we move Which they are actually sad about. I are glad we did it. on these are things we will have been getting their messages collaborate with Ministry of saying they miss home. This are Were there any measures put Labour, Nigerian African Americans, some from the in place to monitor the Immigration Service, the Caribbean, others from Jamaica and evacuees to ensure House of Representatives all they have been saying is we miss compliance from their part? Committee on Diaspora, coming home this year. Senate Committee on The reassurance is, God spare our That will be NCDC and we had Diaspora and NAPTIP, we all lives, we will all be together next year. the PTF on COVID-19. We did need to work on this. We thought of a virtual thing but it is what we had to do and that not going to have the effect of the wasn’t our responsibility but I physical one, so that’s not what we believe it was effectively Has the new CBN policy on can do virtually. Some have actually handled. foreign exchange help been missing home and like I told To what effect has the boost them next year is going to be better agreement between NIDCOM Nigeria diaspora and bigger and we will all be there to and Lebanon Embassy yielded remittances? welcome them as Kings and Queens positive results towards once again. irregular migration?

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Absolutely! Apart from boosting diaspora day celebration, not shouldn’t be punished for remittances, within four days of fully but with the involvement of offence you didn’t commit. We the CBN announcement, the naira NIDCOM we want more have been able to intervene, appreciated. Nigerians in diaspora Nigerians to participate so we like in the cases of Zainab Aliyu are excited about it and it's one of achieve results from the in Saudi Arabia, Suleimon the things we expected CBN to do conference. Olufemi in Saudi Arabia, the and what we are also asking them two guys in kuweisha*, we to do is to reduce the cost of With Nigerians making have had people who returned remittances charged by the waves across the globe, what from places like India, we have IMTOs. Nigeria has the largest will you say is the attitude of been to Brazilian prison, levies that we are taxing the Nigerians towards this global Republic of Benin and we have Diaspora. All over the world, its crisis of Covid-19, especially intervened in South Africa and six percent but here it is over 9 in seeing a lasting solution others. As long as you obey the per cent , so the levies by the like production of vaccines? laws of these countries, we are IMTOs should actually be always there for you, be A Nigerian was involved in reduced. It has been a very good number one ambassadors and provision of Pfizer vaccine and news from CBN to diaspora so we do not disobey the laws of we were able to hold a brilliant are hoping for more in that other countries. conversation with him. regard. Everything he said was on point, Where do you see NIDCOM relevant and educative. We hope Do you think Diaspora day in the next 10 years? to have more of that and we are celebration is achieving the glad that a Nigerian was NIDCOM should have been desired results? involved. We need to work able to tap fully into the power Not fully. We don’t want it to be together with the diaspora, we of the diaspora, we should just a talk show. Diaspora day has are in charge of them and that’s have been able to have the been on for 15 years or more but why we keep celebrating them. diaspora play the role they we want it to go beyond just Ours is wherever you are, we should have played 10 years talking. We want to achieve want to celebrate you, we want ago. Other countries have results. As at the last diaspora to work with you. NIDCOM is worked with the diaspora, I day, three Nigerians in the here to change the narrative mean India, Pakistan, Brazil, diaspora who participated were about Nigeria to a positive one. quite a number of countries invited to join the Economic We will keep celebrating cannot talk about their success Planning Development Team and ourselves. When you are in the without the diaspora, even they have been making useful diaspora and you have a China. So I want NIDCOM to contributions. Beyond that, we problem, we are also there for have successfully been able to have received very cogent you. We have been able to engage the diaspora, I want us recommendations from some of intervene in cases of Nigerians to really be able to say we have them on the way forward on who have been in trouble but this Nigerian in this country some certain areas so by next this is what we keep saying; if and we need your services. year we will be telling you this is you commit a crime you pay for NIDCOM should be digital and what we achieved from last year it. You have to pay for it but you get appropriate data of

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Nigerians abroad. we should be able to have a down, I don’t even look at toxic things. Instead, I diaspora complex, where we will be able to have look at the beauty and strength of the character of an office, a more befitting office for the people around me, people I work with and Commission. To have seen the staff of NIDCOM particularly family. Family is very important. We all grow in such a way that any one of them will have give God the glory. been able to run the organization selflessly, efficiently and diligently, with passion to tap into It was such an interesting interview, briefly, the issues of the diaspora and who knows, maybe we will take your message for Nigerians a diaspora ministry. abroad and even those at home. You still look radiant despite your very busy Nigeria is our country and nobody will develop our schedule; do you have any beauty regimen country but ourselves. So whether you are a that does the wonders? Nigerian in the diaspora or a Nigerian at home, let Who am I not to try to look radiant when I see my us work together to build this country. There are young pretty girls looking radiant and happy to be many challenges we are facing as a nation but we at work. Thank you for the compliment. I think it is will overcome these challenges through us as a just being a woman. One thing I try to do is people. Whatever position you are, do your own ensure that I do my spar and relax, especially bit in your little corner, let me do my own bit in my when I am outside the country. That is when I little corner. You don’t even have to be in have more time for myself. I also try not to bother 05government. Ultimately it is our own country, over petty things, I don’t let toxic things bring me Nigeria will always survive.

QUOTABLE QUOTES By Khadija Shehu Bamalli

"Corruption takes many forms & "We don't look at challenges, infiltrates all institutions & economic what we see in NiDCOM are sectors. We're tackling it head-on opurtunities, therefore, we make from the foreign relations front." the most of it....."

- Hon. Minister Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Chairman/CEO NIDCOM Geoffrey Onyeama Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa

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I ENVISION A NIDCOM WITH ACCELERATED DEVELOPMENT

-BASSI By Doosughun Abughidyer

Can we meet you sir? Before being I am Engr. Dr Sule Yakubu appointed as the Bassi, the Secretary to the pioneer Secretary Nigerians in Diaspora with the Commission (NIDCOM). Commission, let me go back to history , What can you tell us briefly when I finished my Ph.D Degree there the Nigerians in the about Nigerians in the in the United Kingdom and lived Diaspora has four things going Diaspora? there briefly before retuning for them, one they have We have over 17 million back to Nigeria I had the resources, they have skills, they Nigerians who live outside privilege of doing a post have talents and they have Nigeria. The definition of the doctoral certificate course in global exposure to global best Diaspora is anybody who Israel, while I was in Israel, I practices, so these four things sojourns outside the under studied the Israeli they can give back to the sovereign borders of Nigeria , Diaspora which is one of the economy of Nigeria and if you travel to America , to oldest and foremost diaspora complement development in Europe, Asia, Oceania, Middle population in the World, in fact some certain areas they are in East, to Africa, there is no the word diaspora was coined the cutting edge of technology, place you will not find specifically referring to Israelis so if they join hands with us, Nigerians, we have Nigerians who lived outside Israel and I those of us that are here at out there doing good things saw the impact with which the home we can accelerate the they are the most educated, Israeli Diaspora had on the rate of development for the they are hardworking, they are Israeli economy and livelihood Nation. This has been my very boisterous everywhere and way of life and from the motivation. I have served as the you find a Nigerian, he is understudy, when I came back Director- General of the doing his best , he will show having lived for four years plus Directorate of Technical you he /she is a Nigerian. in the United Kingdom, I felt the Corporation in Africa for two urge that the Nigerians in the terms of eight years and while Knowing fully well that you Diaspora could complement there, myself and several others are the Pioneer Secretary the development of Nigeria in had muted the idea of a one- to the Commission, some areas they can also stop agency for the Nigerians in what has been your drive catalyse the development, the Diaspora and we join hands and motivation? because you see being out with others especially

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Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who Please can you share your come in to support us, we also was then the Chairman of the experiences on how the have a very dynamic House of Representatives Commission has been able to Chairman/CEO who has been Committee on Diaspora to work manage the running of the able to leverage the media and on the bill to establish the office with little or no budget? other organizations to assist us Nigerians in the Diaspora with the teething issues of The funding has really been Commission, I was part and taking off. We want to thank the paltry I must say but we are parcel of that team who worked Federal Government for also working with our two committees on developing that bill, we had helping with the initial take off in the National Assembly , the the first reading, the second budget that we are House of Representatives reading and the third reading of implementing, so it has not Committee on Diaspora and also that bill over a period of 10 years been very easy but definitely we the Senate Committee on in the National Assembly so I was are making do with what we Diaspora and NGOS to see how pleasantly surprised when I was have. We are very prudent, we the financial fortunes of this appointed by His Excellency try to work efficiently with the Commission can be improved. President Muhammadu Buhari little resources that we have so Moreso, as a baby, we are to be the Pioneer Secretary of that at least it will not encumber squatting here in Federal the Commission, being a pioneer our take off . Secretariat, we don’t have our comes with a lot of challenges, own office building, we have to we are just starting from square How has the inauguration be in three different locations, it zero. We had to develop the of State Diaspora Focal is not convenient and it is not organogram for the Commission, 07 Point Officers (SDFPO) help efficient, we are also having to cut we had to search for office the commission engage down on so many of the issues space, we had to look for staff, with the Diasporas? that we would have been working we had to literally start from on especially now that we have a In Nigeria we run the state nothing but thank God with the global mandate we need to structure , we have 36 states kind of determination and a organize our Diaspora in the and the FCT which is regarded determined Chairman/CEO that continent , we need to have as a state that is 37 every we have Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa continental offices we haven’t Diaspora of those 17million we are able to move, it’s now one touched on that because we Nigerians in the Diaspora that I and a half years we can look back don’t have the funds for that yet mentioned to you come from a with nostalgia to see the type of but definitely we need to set up state and Diaspora issues and issues and challenges that we focal point in all the continent so engagement are much more have had, it’s still early days for that we can harness our facilitated when you deal with the Commission, it’s still early Diaspora resources. We have had the Nigerians in the Diaspora to days for us to celebrate but one a lot of goodwill from some few put something into their states. thing is sure, the Commission organizations like the European There is this relationship has taken off, we are engaging Union that helped us to develop between the Diaspora and their with Nigerians in the Diaspora the National Diaspora Policy and States and Local Governments. globally to see how we can several other international when we came in, one of the harness them to complement agencies that when we have wor structures we have developed National Development. kshops and other things they over the past one and half years

07 DECEMBER EDITION V0L. 6 is to write to all the States to set up a project it’s easier on setting up a Diaspora university of Governors because there is to deal with the state technology , in Enugu state, I know no state in Nigeria that directly, for us at NIDCOM some Diaspora have set up a hospital, doesn’t have a Diaspora what we do twice a year we here in the FCT we have some population outside, every invite all the Diaspora focal Diaspora hospitals, there are state has indigenes in the point officers to a summit in specialise clinics, in Kano state and I Diaspora, some first, second which we discuss the current think in Enugu state, the State or even third generations and issues of the diaspora Governments have set up Diaspora each Nigerians has that involvement in the housing programs, in Kano, any kano strong bond and filiation with development , we take diaspora that shows up and wants to the state, what we did was to reports from each state as to build a house the Governor has engage all the State what their interaction with promised free land for that Diaspora, Governors and the FCT their diaspora is and we also in Enugu there is Diaspora housing Minister. share our own experiences estate almost 300 hectares that our as NIDCOM with the diasporas are benefiting , and I think We wrote to them to set up a Diaspora and what the several other states are also creating Diaspora Focal Point Office current issues are, their diaspora housing programs aside the and to appoint a State current thinking and ways to National Diaspora Mortgage Program Diaspora Focal Point Officer, harness and encourage the that is being developed by Federal as of today, 33 states and the Diaspora to participate in Mortgage Bank of Nigeria Diverting FCT have a diaspora focal development here in Nigeria. the diaspora mandate to the state is point officer and each one is one of the best strategies for getting relating directly with the So the state diaspora focal the Nigerians in the diaspora to Nigerians in the Diaspora point officers are a key engage with development in Nigeria, from that state, telling them structure for engaging with just few months back, a diaspora who about the programmers of the diaspora , it might plays football in the premier league in the state government, telling interest you to note that France came home to Benue state to them where they can several of the state also have his local government and sank three complement development in created a technology industrial boreholes that are the state and let’s not forget communication platform producing water for the people, the when you have any program with their Diaspora. They joy of the people knows no end and or project and you want to communicate twice a week everybody is drinking clean water domicile it in Nigeria you will or once a week and tell them courtesy of Mr. Simon Moses, there need a piece of land as a what is happening in their are others doing one or two things , domicile and by our laws, it is states and where they can building factories , investing in the State Governors that have complement. Some states agriculture, it is still early days but we the sovereign authority over have their diaspora are encouraging them, one of our land, Federal Government has indigenes coming on medical diaspora fellow from America has set over Abuja through the missions , some have come up a company that has trained over Federal capital territory to set up schools. In Delta two million Nigerians in ICT, that is the administration , so if any state as of today, the Delta kind of intervention we are looking Diaspora comes and he wants state Diaspora are working at.

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Where do you see NIDCOM the Diaspora would not be in the next 10 years? lamenting that we are missing themor losing our talents but we My vision for NIDCOM in the are seeing them also as people next 10 years is for it to have that are bringing back, that are its own office building which I not just only going out but are am christening Diaspora coming in either directly or Plaza. It will be a one-stop physically or through technology shop for any Diaspora transfer, through assisting, anywhere in the world to accelerating development of relate with Nigeria, I am Nigeria, that is, the kind of vision visioning NIDCOM having its I have for NIDCOM, I am seeing a own radio station and a global village which the world has television station that it will come into with Nigerians and link up with the Nigerians in Nigerians in the Diaspora being Diaspora and keep them major players and bringing in the updated of development here economic benefits of their being in Nigeria and beyond. I am out there also bringing technical visioning NIDCOM that would benefits , so that at the end, we have created an authentic will have accelerated data base of Nigerians in the development of our country and Diaspora. One of the issues economy, that is the kind of that we are battling is that we vision I have for NIDCOM. don’t seem to have authentic figures of Nigerians in the Do you have any word for Diaspora, we are working on Nigerians both at it, we are doing diaspora home and in the Diaspora? mapping , and classifying them into sectors and This has been a very depressing professions. These are the year with the corona virus kind of issues that can help us pandemic which is still around and plan, that can help us about, what I have for Nigerians challenge our Diaspora to both at home and abroad is to engage in the development of keep hope alive to stay safe to look our country. forward a brighter future the worst is behind us , especially as the year I am visioning a NIDCOM has come to an end I want where the brain drain that Nigerians to look forward to a were complaining of will prosperous new year. become brain gain and also become brain circulation , where our people going to

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HOW NIDCOM RELATES WITH NIGERIANS ABROAD - BALOGUN Sir, please may we know We exchange our stories with them. How has social media you? We equally have a website facilitated information www.nidcom.gov.ng they can hook management on Nigerians on to, to get our stories and other in the diaspora? hank you very much, the T activities of the commission. NiDCOM media team. My Yes, if it is a general question, name is Abdur-Rahman We have so many other social social media is really facilitating Balogun, I am the Head media handles of course our Twitter it. Our chairman CEO being a of Media, Public Relations handle, Facebook handle, Telegram journalist herself, she is one of and Protocol Unit, and Instagram handle are there. We the top government Nigerians in Diaspora have so many other avenues that functionaries that is very loud Commission. we reach out to them and from time on social media by projecting to time we still do invite them to the activities of government and How does NiDCOM come over for one on one that of the commission. At manages media interactive interview or plenary times, before we issue a relations with other session that we arrange with the statement on any matter, the news agencies? Chairman/ CEO of Nigerians in issue is already broadcasted on Diaspora Commission in person of We have collaboration, our social media handle and Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa. So we are partnership and we are some other personal handles good with them, we have equally using our goodwill but it has become a source of understanding, we have goodwill with other news agencies. news outlet. Looking at the list of some and we have a very robust relationship with our media of the agencies we have You will recall that in 2020, the agencies. close to 220 that we have a news broke that some Nigerian relationship with. How do students in katsina in kankara we link up with them? We that were kidnapped have been have so many outlets like released and this news was our social media outlets, attributed to our Chairman we have created a being the source of the news. WhatsApp group for all Well she said though “I am open these media agencies. on social media but this particular one my social media Once we have a press handle was cloned, I am not the statement or press release one speaking here, though they or any issue to discuss we put my picture there this is not post it there. So we are in me”. So she had to change her close contact, equally we password and report to Twitter. have a group email and all The point I am making in of the media agencies are essence is that we are very very added to the email list.

10 DECEMBER EDITION V0L. 6 open, we have a face on have it in line that some in 2021 we will have as many as social media, so social professional bodies, because possible training. This will equally media has been playing that some of my staff here don’t have enhance the performance of the role effectively for journalistic background, so for media unit. dissemination of you to work in the media unit So we have a lot of plans in information. you have to belong to certain terms of capacity building, in professional bodies such as terms of welfare for the staff in As the Head of Media, Nigerian Institute of Public general but specifically for staff Public Relations and Relations, Nigerian Union of deployed to the media and Protocol Unit, what Journalists, Nigerian Guild of public relations unit of NiDCOM. future plans do you have Editors and so on and so forth. for the Unit and the Do you have any message Commission, in terms of At least out of these three you for Nigerians at home and developing formidable just have to belong to one or two in the diaspora? writers/journalists. or three to be able to be Well our major task here is to relevant in the industry. project the image of Nigeria in Yes future plans so many So my future plan is to get as the diaspora and to project the plans that we have many as possible of the NiDCOM image of Nigerians living in the highlighted, of course we staff in the media unit to be diaspora back home. So my have instituted a weekly enlisted in these professional message to Nigerians in the debriefing a kind of bodies, it will enhance their diaspora in which this interactive session among performance, it will also enhance commission was set up is; ourselves. We share ideas their status. Not only that we together, we interact, we want some of them to pursue -They should be a good Nigerian review activities in the past their academic degrees, we have -They should project the good one week, we project into some of them who may want to image of Nigeria what the next week will be. go for their post graduate in -They should continue to be We have a diary of events relevant fields. successful in whatever ,where events are slated endeavors they are in and we give an idea of what We shall encourage them -They should be a patriotic and is going to be. So we’ve because we see it as part of the true ambassador of Nigeria been doing this to energize training to enhance their -They should avoid trouble and and sensitise ourselves so knowledge and sharpen their avoid criminality . skills vis-à-vis how to go about that we know the nuances They should see to how they can reporting events. We equally of our modern day excel in whatever profession they have training both in-house and reportage of events. We have chosen and in return the general training that are being are on top of our stories, Nigerians in Diaspora proposed, this is being handled once in a while we bring in Commission has made it upon by the Admin department of the some experts online that itself a committee, in which I am commission. We had one or two will discuss some of their the convener of that committee major one in 2020 for all staff, writings on how to improve to work out themodalities of we hope in 2021 we will not be in our projection. Also we identifying six hundred Nigerian confronted with paucity of funds, icons in the diaspora who have . 11 DECEMBER EDITION V0L. 6

been doing great things. It is time for us to So my advice to them is that they should continue honor this people, it is time for us to to be good, they should continue to be patriotic, celebrate them, it is time for us to identify they should continue to be true ambassadors of them, it is time for us to relate with them. This the country wherever they find themselves and on has not been done in the history of this the other hand they should shun bad ways, they country before, we now want to do it. So we should make sure that they project the name of are having a compendium of six hundred Nigeria and they should not join some bad gangs Nigerians at sixty it is going to be part and that will lock them into any form of criminality which parcel of the activities marking the 60th will soil the good name of our great country Nigeria. anniversary of our great country. TOUR NIGERIA By Khadija Shehu Bamalli n this edition, I’ll take you through the ancient city of Kano. A state in Northern Nigeria, endowed I with so many historical yet interesting sites.

I’m so excited to share with you the Another interesting site to behold is the mysterious rock called ‘Dutsen Amare’. The Kofar Mata dye pits. Did you know that rock is believed to be a depository of the local dye pits at Kofar Mata have humans and embodiment of history which been used for over 500 years? consists of nine clusters of different rock photo source: asirimagazine.com formations. photo source: messagearewa.com The next is the Dala hill: It stands at a majestic 534-meter height. You can’t Other locations include: afford to miss the appealing journey up -Gidan Makama (Museum) the hill, where lies the mysterious well -Gidan dan Hausa called ‘Rijiyar Kare Kukan Ka’. This means -Kano zoological garden ‘The well where you’ll cry out your tears till they finish’. It is believed that if a stone is -Tiga Dam thrown down into the well, it would take -Kano city gates about twenty minutes to reach the water. -Emir’s Palace photo soucre: Oldnaija.com

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RETIRED COMMANDANT CALLS FOR INTERACTION BETWEEN NiDCOM AND ARMED FORCES ON DIASPORA AFFAIRS By Deborah Anaelechi

VM Sunday Ali Leks (Rtd.), . A a former Commandant of the Nigerian Armed Force Command and Staff College, Jaji, has called for a liaison between the Armed Forces and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), to manage the welfare of the country’s military personnel during peace-keeping missions and training programmes, abroad.

He stated this when he paid a and legitimate businesses, as stakeholders of the country’s courtesy visit to NIDCOM which will be in growth. furtherance to the nation’s headquarters in Abuja. The Army Veteran attested to the development. fact that Nigerians home and AVM Ali explained that the The retired officer, who abroad are a group of excellent collaboration will be useful as was a Helicopter Gunship individuals and urged all to think the Armed Forces regularly send Pilot, lauded President ‘Nigeria’ and strategise in order to some of their staff to undergo Muhammadu Buhari for move the country forward. training, outside the country. establishing the Commission under the Receiving him on behalf of Hon. He suggested that NiDCOM, leadership of Hon. Abike Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, prior to such duties, could Dabiri-Erewa and her NiDCOM, Engr. Dr. Sule Yakubu interact, through introducing team. Bassi, the Secretary to the and educating participants to Commission, appreciated the kind likely Diaspora-Community He said that he had words of the Former Commandant, Leadership in the host countries followed up from the early reiterating that Nigerians, especially they are posted to. conception of NiDCOM the Nigerian Diaspora are trail and expressed how blazers in every sector they find Ali maintained that this effort if gratifying that Nigerians themselves. implemented, will help members abroad can boast of a of the Armed Forces, especially Commission that is ever retired officers, to cooperate ready to attend to their with Nigerians in those needs and concerns, as countries, to engage in gainful well as carry them along

13 DECEMBER EDITION V0L. 6 FOOD CORNER . By Doosughun Abughidyer ur today's dish is Margi Special. It's a O delicacy Mostly eaten by the people of Maiduguri and Adamawa States in Nigeria. This delicacy is easy to make because the ingredients are not difficult to find. If you are in the diaspora and are tired of regular meals, you should try this.

RECIPE i. Yakuwa Leaf (Roselle) ii. African Spinach (Green) iii. Fresh Tomatoes iv. Onions v. Fresh Pepper Margi vi. Salt vii. Seasoning Cube .Photo Credit: Cookpad.com viii. Fresh Fish (cat fish) ix. Grounded Potash x. Vegetable Oil 4. Set the heat on low.

Preparation 5. Place the pan on the heat, allow to cook for 1. Pick both the Yakuwa leaf and African 30 minutes till the water is almost dry, taste to Spinach leaf, wash and then slice them know if the seasonings are okay as desired but separately in moderate sizes. if not, then add more to get the desired taste, 2. To prepare the fish, cut in medium size, and allow to cool for a while and food is ready. wash it and add into a sauce pan, add N.B Do not stir inorder not to dissolve the cat seasoning cube and salt to taste, add the sliced fish. fresh pepper, and slice onion. 3. Wash the tomatoes, slice it and add it into Serve With Any Swallow Of Your Choice. the pan, add the well sliced leaves, add the vegetable oil, add the potash and 1/2 cup of Enjoy!!!! water.

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INT’L MIGRANTS DAY 2020: GROUP HONOURS NiDCOM By Deborah Anaelechi

he Explore Potentials He agreed that Nigeria is a liaise with. other organisations TInitiative (EPI), a Non- land of opportunities for that share similar interests in Governmental Organisation those who strive to make migration and diaspora affairs. (NGO), in line with the good names for themselves, International Migrants Day rather secure funds and travel The Explore Potentials Initiative celebration, presented an irregularly in search for (EPI) is a non-profitable group Award to Hon. Abike Dabiri- greener pastures and land in borne out of necessity from the Erewa, the Chairman/CEO, the wrong hands over there. unfortunate but inspiring Nigerians in Diaspora experiences of the The NIDCOM scribe stressed Commission (NiDCOM), for the Director/Founder, Mr Chigozie that the Commission is all Migration Management, Cyril, who was once an irregular about harnessing the human Leadership and migrant at Tripoli, Libya. resources in the Diaspora, in Entrepreneurial Spirit. terms of intellects, drive and In 2017, while he was in Tripoli, talents for a national According to the NGO he launched the NGO, geared development, but is willing to Director/Founder, Mr Chigozie towards sensitising youths assist the citizens, whether Cyril, who was a former especially to find alternative regular or irregular migrant, if irregular migrant, the award is means of empowering possible, against any issue or to celebrate individuals and themselves back home, rather inhumane treatment towards organisations from the private than waste their time, energy, them. and public sector, that have resources and even their lives, contributed their quota in one while migrating irregularly, in the Bassi advised that the NGO, way or the other, for an quest for better opportunities being a young one, should improved migration abroad. management system, especially in Nigeria.

Receiving the award on her behalf, Dr. Sule Yakubu Bassi, the Secretary to the Commission, thanked the EPI delegation for the kind gesture.

Bassi lauded the team for their drive in sensitising and lending their voice to eradicating irregular migration in the country.

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NIGERIAN DIASPORA ARE PARTNERS IN DEVELOPMENT - Hon. TERAB By Deborah Anaelechi For record purposes Sir, please may we know you? The contact centre is expected to have what we call the FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) which the service providers or the operator will be able to hank you very much. My provide instantly for such questions asked. We also have a second category of Tname is Abdul-Rahman questions which will need to be escalated. We will try, as much as possible, for Terab. I am currently the feedback to be made available to those seeking such clarifications, or answers Head of Department, for their questions. Technology Transfer and So, it is actually going to be Innovation Department of an addition of the services the Nigerians in Diaspora the Commission is already Commission. rendering; in the sense that, Thank you. Sir, the this time around, Nigerians Commission is set to have anywhere in the world can its Contact Centre. How pick up the number or the essential or efficient will contact phone numbers and this be for an effective contact the Commission. So, service delivery? that they don’t have to wait. The contact centre is the bridge between the This will greatly reduce the work on protocol where you can have direct Commission and members in access to the Commission. I think it is very important because we have a the Diaspora. It is very lot of distress situations; we have a lot of misinformation, and as a essential because members matter of fact, we have a lot of ignorance out there [on what we do] and of the Diaspora need to speak people need to be informed; people need to get the right and adequate with NiDCOM. NiDCOM needs information of the Commission. to hear from them and Previously, we have had a lot of innovative platforms (like the provide every feedback that Abike AI app, and the rest of them). So, how essential, or in they may require. NiDCOM is terms of comparison, how has it been for day-to-day the only Government agency Technological Operations in the Commission? that interface with them by its Yes, what is important is to integrate the available platforms. But what is establishment, statutorily. So even more important is to use the first part of 2021 in order to create for that reason, it is going to sensitisation programmes, that will effectively inform members of the be effective in ensuring that Diaspora, that these are available platforms through which you can Nigerians in the Diaspora reach the Commission. This is just for the ability of members of the relate with the country. We Diaspora to communicate with the Commission, seek for clarification are actually the gateway. That and get feed backs. Beyond that, about various other platforms are opportunity needs to be being created even as we speak in the Commission, for some select provided and that is what the countries and some select regions, where Nigerians can go online and Commission is doing. register as members of the Diaspora.

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Now, that in itself is also going We must seek the support of Wow, interesting. Nigeria, and to create reasons for people to technology and of course, in indeed, the Commission is really seek clarifications and it is these this regard, Artificial keying into the “going-digital” integrated platforms- the call Intelligence. To be able to bandwagon. Okay and finally, Sir… centre and the application, like create that platform- just as the Head of the TTI Department, the Artificial Intelligence, which imagine, for example, if 17 what future plans do you have for you spoke about, which we million Nigerians, all, called at the Unit and the Commission, in intend to put together to once. Can you be able to have terms of innovation and provide feed backs for the kind of capacity to technology? Nigerians, who will seek respond to them? (No). Of course, basically data! The clarifications, in the Diaspora. Even if your answer is no, then department is mainly wide. It covers a With the AI, most people you should try as much as lot of areas with regards to fear that it will cut short possible to get to somewhere, investments, remittances, housing human interaction and that is understandable that (diaspora housing) and technology everything. Especially now, you have done your best. And transfer and innovation activities, with the second wave of the that is the reason we believe, across the world that involves Nigerians Corona virus, how helpful the AI, currently in place, is not in the Diaspora, as well as, managing has it been? only important but also needs the Commission’s IT infrastructure. It’s beyond-, let’s forget about to be expanded going the COVID-19, because the forward: its capacities, its So you can see how vast it is and in so

COVID-19 has its own pressure capabilities. many ways, we are trying to ensure that We are trying to upgrade its on the AI itself. Before the idea we make the best of these capacity to respond to of COVID 19, we have 17 million responsibilities of the department. In second-level feed backs, such Nigerians, officially on the data, the area of remittances, we have that, we will like it to continue in the Diaspora. You and I know already recorded a success. We pushed to see our responses; such that realistically, they are much from this department the need for that it has the ability to more than that. remittances to be paid in Dollar, or in develop itself, artificially. You the currency in which they are sent. But let’s leave it at 17 million. If understand what I am saying? you are creating a system, you Creating a wide database of but we raised it again after this policy should be able to project the memory on the kind of was implemented some weeks ago with possibility of all the 17 million responses, requisitions or the CBN Governor, because our major calling at once. It will require requests that are put on the concern, actually, even beyond, and you to have 17 million people to platforms. So that eventually, that is in the people who are receiving respond to them. I am just it can have the capacity to act remittances should be receiving money trying to give you the scenario like any of our best staff in the in the currencies the remittances are for you to understand that no Commission. sent. amount of call centre or It will take time but obviously It is the need to reduce the cost of operators that we are going to we intend to get there and remittances. The cost of remittances have will be able to respond to that is when you will think that across the world is an average of about these 17 million Nigerians, as we have done enough to the 3-6 per cent. Actually, the global adequately and as effectively, as extent that we can be able to average that is being pushed by the we require. say, we have an effective global financial communities, led by the platform for Nigerians in the World Bank, is to achieve 3 per cent Diaspora.

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or less, and that is the cost for In terms of investment, as we mortgages from the Federal sending remittances. The speak with you, the Mortgage Bank, to build houses or example of that is if you send Commission has already to own houses in Nigeria. That is a $100, I shouldn’t be charged successfully hosted three very fundamental aspect of it, more that $3. Now, the current Investment Summits; the third because out of the $25 billion remittances that comes into the reality in Nigeria is that we pay one last November. But we country, annually, we have between 9-12 per cent, which have also taken into a lot of projected that about 20% of that, is the highest in the world. So other initiatives: one, which is which is about $5 billion, actually for every one dollar you are the Diaspora Investment Trust goes into housing. expected to pay about 9-12 Fund. The report of the dollars. You can see that Establishment Committee was That is even with a lot of affects how much is being just presented to the disadvantages that has to do remitted. It affects the Honourable Minister for with the security of the fund- enthusiasm and it makes Foreign Affairs. issues of fraudulent activities, people to think twice to use and even in situations where official channels. A lot of it was also done in what they sent for or paid for, is collaboration with other not what they get. Now in this Now, there is a problem- if you development partners: the case, they are not paying don’t use official channels in World Bank, International anything; all they need to do is to sending remittances to the Organisations and the rest, so as be a contributor to the Federal country, the country is not going to give a platform for Nigerians in Mortgage Bank, and they will be to benefit from the balance of Diaspora to have an investment given the opportunity of about payment that needs to pump warehouse, here in Nigeria. They 70 years to own a house and pay into the country. The money that can decide on what kind of within that period. That we comes in as remittances are diaspora investment they get believe is a very important feat private monies; so the into. It is huge; very huge! Some government you might say, may for development in the diaspora of us project that if this goes not benefit in terms of receiving housing sector. We are successfully, it might become the it as a revenue. establishing the Diaspora second or third largest housing fair, hopefully sometime But what the government stands investment hedge funds in the in March 2021, that is to create to benefit; some of the few taxes world. That’s actually our synergy on all housing service that come with it. But most expectation. providers and members of the importantly, the balance of And then, the Diaspora housing. Diaspora, who intend to be off- payment which has the capacity; We are working with the Federal takers or service providers in the which is very important in Mortgage Bank, which has already housing sector. We want to bring determining the value of the given us the assurance. In fact, we everybody together under one Naira in the international have discussed. We have worked roof: those that want to sell or market. Therefore, the more on the concept paper, the dollars you send through official document itself together. We have build houses for the Diaspora. channels, the higher the value of put all our input on it, and we are The idea is to create an organised the Naira, because for every going to flaunt it any moment. system, not the type that anyone Dollar you send, they buy Naira Which means Nigerians in can just go anywhere and choose, with it. So that is the idea. Diaspora are going to get no.

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We have scrutinised these people What is again important is that see everyone in the of their credentials and we believe we have those who have what it Commission get to have we can present them to members takes to transfer their knowledge, his or her own of the Diaspora. And for the skills and innovation to this technological protege. So members of the Diaspora, we can country. The Commission has to that everybody has an assure you that these groups have prepare that ground; seek and avatar, and of course, the some background in this sectors. look out for these kinds of Commission can live life on We are not saying that we are people in the Diaspora, who have virtual. As you can see the giving them the guarantee but we such capacities and see how to Commission, I am so can now at least certify that those transfer those knowledge and proud to say that I cannot people are into the industry, and innovation into the country. We finish this interview they have provided such services believe we have everything there. without mentioning the and have what it takes to engage We believe that most Nigerians, commitment, zeal and with the Diaspora. very willing , that is the ones that passion of the honourable are abroad, to come and teach, Chairman of the With regards to the technology transfer, whatever kind of Commission, Hon. Abike transfer and innovation, Dr. mechanism you want them to Dabiri-Erewa, who has Okejie, one of the NASA share. given the opportunity to Scientists, in fact the fist black contribute not only for the NASA scientist to be celebrated You want them to come and development of the in the world. He recently establish here. Another is to Commission, but of the declared his intention to come to establish a group of Nigerians country. Nigeria to establish a solar power here whether as venture plant, manufacturing, not capitalists, investors, students, She is someone who is Assembly, because he believes the workforce…you understand? always after results, and she that the country has the basic Any kind of service provider who is not stopping at that. It tells raw materials to do that. That is will like to collaborate with the you that every member of only one, if that succeeds Diasporas. Interestingly, we have the Commission works every because we believe the potential state diaspora focal persons in 24 hours. There is no time to establish that alone, one of the every state, which is run by the there won’t be something for you to do. There is no time largest and industrious for the State Government, at the sub- that you are not willing to future market of energy in the national level. We believe that respond to any kind of issue, world cannot be over- any kind of project going to take that comes up. Nigerians are emphasised; in fact cannot be place from the Diaspora has to spread across the 24 time- created even as we speak, be located in the particular state zone; so it means our work for collaboration, and that because it might even get to not is 24 hours. We should be collaboration is key to that. just Nigerians alone but it might able to device a means, if it affect other neighbouring is not humanly possible to countries, and other countries in And so that’s, by and large, we be in shifts where your the other West African sub- are the technological backbone Avatar,will be able to treat region and beyond. of the Commission, we will like to issues that are raised while you sleep, in the same

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manner, you will respond to issues Commission is just a year. Most is now a VIP (Very Important w hen you are awake. treat issues people will think it has been here Personality) and of course, a VIC th. at are raised while you sleep, in for a very long time. Of course (Very Important Citizen) of Nigeria. the same manner, you will respond because it metamorphosed from I am happy because in the past to issues when you are awake. the committees from the House when people are living outside the of Representatives to the country, people connote that with Finally, any message for the President and to what it is as a negative narrative: “Oh, the person Diasporas and Nigerians, as a Commission. The Commission if ran away to another country!”, “Oh, whole? just a year; it has less than 120 the person ran to obodo oyibo Just as we call the Chairman of the staff or thereabout, but the (white man’s land)”. We have never Commission, “Mama Diaspora” Commission is performing what seen it from the perspective of a (laughs). And that tells you what organisations with a thousand viable human capital that will kind of personality she has brought staff or more are doing at a contribute immensely to the to bear in the Diaspora issues in highly-competitive level. This is development of the country. The Nigeria. She is someone who is the spirit in which the establishment of the Nigerians in willing to listen at all times. When Commission has come to bare. It Diaspora Commission is set to you call someone a mother, it is established to provide services achieving that. It is changing the means she has no reservations, to members of the Diaspora. I narrative; telling everybody that when it comes to what you might will like to call on members of the look, “the Diaspora is not just your call her “kids”and at any time, when Diaspora to take advantage of brother but it is that big brother any issue come up, she will be this very important initiative and you need to help in making us the willing to respond to it. opportunity. best of our imaginations”. I think I think that spirit alone is what So for me, I think there is no better that is my message for the captivates the entire Commission. time for the Diaspora in the history Diaspora. It is interesting to know that this of Nigeria like now. The Diaspora

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