Lifestyle
Nigeria Celebrates Diaspora Day, Emphasizes The Impact Of Nigerians Abroad
The Federal Government has officially designated July 25 as National Diaspora Day, in recognition of the significant contributions made by Nigerians living abroad towards national development. This year’s celebrations saw President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, address the nation on the vital role of the diaspora in Nigeria’s growth and development.
Speaking at the 2024 National Diaspora Day Celebrations in Abuja, President Tinubu highlighted the transformative potential of e-Health devices and digital health solutions for Nigeria’s healthcare system. Representing the Rivers West senatorial district, Senator Banigo underscored the critical need for multilayered health activities and multi-sectoral collaboration to achieve significant improvements in health outcomes across the nation.
According to United Nations data, Nigeria ranks among the top ten countries globally with the highest number of international migrants. President Tinubu urged for the diaspora’s contributions to be more visibly reflected in the nation’s economy. He reminisced about his own experience living and working abroad in the 1970s before returning home to contribute to Nigeria’s development. “As someone who once lived and worked abroad, I can attest that migration can be transformative and serious,” he said, encouraging Nigerians abroad to bring back their experiences to support his administration’s development agenda.
President Tinubu acknowledged the complex dynamics of migration, emphasizing that the government understands and does not hold against citizens who seek better opportunities elsewhere. He, however, urged them not to forget their homeland. “We cannot begrudge our citizens who are seeking better opportunities abroad, but we must urge them not to forget their homeland,” Tinubu said. He revealed that Nigeria received a total of $646 million in diaspora remittances between January and May 2024, highlighting the positive impact of recent reforms by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on the remittance inflow.
At the celebration, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, emphasized the substantial financial contributions of the diaspora community. “Nigerians in the Diaspora have remitted over 99 billion US dollars into the system in the last five years. This is huge and highly commendable,” she noted, urging the Federal Government to pay more attention to this critical sector. Dabiri-Erewa also discussed efforts to amend the constitution to allow for diaspora voting, revealing that a bill to that effect has passed the first reading in Parliament.
On behalf of Diaspora Watch and Excel Magazine International, we proudly celebrate Lady Gladys Afam, a distinguished executive of Excel DMV and Excel Global Media Group USA, on her special day!
May this birthday mark the beginning of an extraordinary year filled with unbridled joy, untamed adventures, and unforgettable memories. May your life be a testament to the power of laughter, love, and wonder.
As a remarkable teacher, master of ceremony, and inspiration to many, we salute your tireless dedication, passion, and impact. Your selflessness and commitment to empowering others have made a lasting difference in the lives of those around you.
The marraige ceremony between Olanrewaju and Mary happened between February 7 and 8, 2025 at Kwankwashe in Suleja axis of Niger State. The event which witnessed the presence of many dignitaries also saw in presence different cultural groups that came to join in the celebrations of love.
The traditional wedding event kicked off the celebrations on February 7th, with both families present. The event had songs, dancing and showcase of love. The couples dorned their Edo and Yoruba at-tires. While the bride Mary Omonokhua is from Edo State, Olanrewaju Oyedeji hails from Osun state. There were sharing of tradtional food, drinks and merriment across quarters.
The reception on February 8, had present former Minister of Communications, Barrister Ade-bayo Shittu, Africa Editor at the Centre for Collaborative Investigative Journalism, Ajibola Aamzat, Abuja Bureau Chief of The Cable Newspaper, Yekeen Akinwale, representative of the Voice of Nigeria Chief Executive Officer, Gidado Shuaib among other personalities .
There were personalities from the SCC Construction company, multimedia organizations among others. The wedding ceremony also saw presence of journalists from British Broadcasting Corporation, AFP, Premium Times, Dataphyte, Code for Africa, Punch Newspaper, Intercontinental News247 among other notable media platforms.
The Northern Operations Bureau Chief of the Excel Magazine International, Alabidun Abdul-Rahman, was also on ground at the occasion. Other personalities included the head of corporate Affairs at the Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Kwara State, Bolaji Aladie .The program also had presence of religious leaders, women groups, socio-cultural associations among others.
Speaking at the occasion, the groom, Olanrewaju Oyedeji, noted that his wife is a special gift from God. “She is my dream come true, love of my youth and my everyday crush. She gives me peace of mind and I am very happy today”.
Speaking also, the bride Mary Omonokhua eulogized her husband. “He is a caring man, hardworking and my heart desire, today is a special day for me”, she noted. At the event, the both families who were well represented expressed gladness at the success of the wedding event.
Different groups offered prayers for the couples, while gifts were also offered. Olanrewaju Oyedeji is an accountant while Mary Omonokhua is also an accountant. “This is a true celebration of love, you can feel it all round, the joy is in the atmosphere and everywhere is electric” an attendee at the wedding noted.
#MaryOla2025 showed that love can be from across tribes and still be beautiful to behold.
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Lady Gladys Afam:A Shining Star in the Diaspora Community
#MaryOla: A Unique Celebration of Love Beyond Borders
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