Nigeria’s Consul General in New York Receives Diaspora Watch Publisher, Boniface Ihiasota

Boniface Ihiasota, the renowned publisher of Diaspora Watch Newspaper Weekly, was recently hosted by the Consul General of Nigeria in New York, Ambassador Lot Egopija, in a meeting that underscored the growing importance of diaspora media in nation-building.

The meeting, was part of an ongoing effort to engage with key figures in the Nigerian diaspora who are contributing significantly to public discourse, community development, and national progress through media and advocacy.

Ihiasota, has been at the forefront of diaspora journalism for over a decade, His publication, Diaspora Watch, has become a respected voice among Nigerian communities in the United States and beyond, chronicling both the achievements and challenges of Nigerians abroad while advocating for stronger institutional ties with Nigeria.

During the visit, Ambassador Egopija commended Ihiasota’s commitment to amplifying the voices of Nigerians in the diaspora, noting that the Consulate remains open to collaboration with media partners to improve communication and promote transparency in Nigeria’s foreign missions.

“Mr. Ihiasota’s work in highlighting the concerns and contributions of the Nigerian diaspora aligns with our mission to build a responsive and people-centered diplomatic service,” Egopija said. He added that diaspora engagement remains a top priority for the Federal Government, especially in areas like remittances, investment, and national rebranding.

In response, Ihiasota expressed appreciation for the Consul General’s warm reception and acknowledged the critical role the Consulate plays in supporting the welfare of Nigerians in the U.S. He also emphasized the need for continued collaboration between government institutions and independent media.

“The African diaspora is not just a source of remittances; we are a powerful force for advocacy, innovation, and development,” Ihiasota remarked. “Media platforms like Diaspora Watch exist to tell those stories, hold stakeholders accountable, and build a narrative that reflects the resilience and excellence of our people.”

The meeting ended on a hopeful note, with both parties agreeing on the importance of strategic communication, inclusive diplomacy, and the collective effort required to uplift Nigeria’s global image.

President Bola Tinubu has handed over the chairmanship of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government to President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone.

The handover ceremony took place at the 67th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority in Abuja, Nigeria.

President Tinubu expressed confidence in the region’s continued path toward peace, stability, and prosperity, emphasizing the need for leaders to remain committed to the evolving needs of West African citizens.

During his tenure, President Tinubu noted the complex political and security challenges the region faced.

He called on leaders to deepen cooperation, uphold diplomatic principles, and foster inclusive growth that leaves no one behind.

President Tinubu commended the ECOWAS Commission and community institutions for their dedication and professionalism in supporting the Authority’s work.

In his remarks, President Bio outlined four key priorities for his tenure: restoring constitutional order and deepening democracy, revitalizing regional security cooperation, unlocking economic integration, and building institutional credibility.

He pledged to lead a renewed, people-centred, and action-oriented ECOWAS in the face of unprecedented challenges and opportunities for the West African region.

President Bio acknowledged the complexities of the current moment, citing terrorism, illicit arms flow, political instability, and transnational crime as major threats to the region.

He emphasized the need for ECOWAS to reform itself to become more transparent, efficient, and responsive to the needs of its people.

The Netherlands has officially returned 119 ancient sculptures stolen from the former Nigerian kingdom of Benin over 120 years ago during the colonial era.

The artefacts, known as the Benin Bronzes, are a significant part of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

Olugbile Holloway, director-general of Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments, described the artefacts as “embodiments of the spirit and identity of the people from which they were taken from.”

The return of the Benin Bronzes is part of a growing trend of Western governments returning items taken during imperialism.

Germany has also agreed to return over 1,000 additional pieces.

The artefacts will be shared between the National Museum in Lagos and the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, the traditional ruler of the Kingdom of Benin in southern Nigeria.

The Benin Bronzes, which include metal and ivory sculptures dating back to the 16th to 18th centuries, were stolen in 1897 when British forces ransacked the Benin kingdom.

Nigeria formally requested the return of hundreds of objects from museums worldwide in 2022, and this return is a significant step towards restitution.