Diaspora
Why G20, BRICS+ Shun Nigeria – Ex-Envoys
Some former envoys have said that the G20 and BRICS+ have continued to ignore Nigeria because of the country’s increasingly weak economy. Poor political leadership over the years has dwarfed Nigeria’s development, hence the country has not been able to meet the socio-economic standards of the G20, a premier global bloc for discussing economic issues; and the BRICS+, a nine-member economic and political force.
An import-dependent economy coupled with market instability and the unpredictable forex exchange regime cannot attract investors or economic allies ¹ ². These were the thoughts of Nigeria’s former Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Usman Sarki; Nigeria’s former Ambassador to the Benin Republic, Lawrence Obisakin; and ex-Senior Advisor to the United Nations (Nigeria Office),
Fred Eno. South Africa, with about 62.4 million population, and a Gross Domestic Product of $373.23bn, according to data by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), is a member of BRICS+ and the G20, while Nigeria with 227 million people and $252.74bn GDP is not a member of both blocs. Sarki said the membership of the two global groups is not automatic and that Nigeria has not met the economic standards to join the blocs.
He said Nigerian leaders must have the discipline to organize and stabilize the economy to attract investors and create jobs as these would send the right signals to the international community. Obisakin agreed with Sarki saying that no global bloc would want to work together with a country when there are no common interests. Obisakin, a former Nigerian Ambassador to the Benin Republic, said becoming a member of the G20 and BRICS+ goes beyond having a large population and vast geographical spread. He said when a nation is strong economically, people would want to identify with it.
When you talk about the strength of a nation, it’s not just demography, population could be a disaster if not a liability, we are talking of the Nigerian population being well trained and equipped. A country that is unable to feed itself is unstable, he added.
He noted political stability and security as another factor considered by developmental partners. Citing the recent suicide bombings in the Gwoza area of Borno State, the ex-envoy said, A country that is insecure cannot attract investments because if it can happen in the country, it can happen anywhere in the country.
Similarly, Eno, a former UN advisor, shared the views of Sarki and Obisaki, saying that with Nigeria’s intimidating population and the size of its economy, being a member of the G20 and the BRICS+ should have been automatic but for institutional challenges.
One would have assumed that it is something natural given the size of the population and the economy. For G20, part of it has to do with our own institutions and how they function, he said. Eno said Nigeria’s institutions are
not manned by the right people to provide the right kind of information that our decision-makers can rely on to make the right policies.
The three ex-envoys urged the Federal Government to set enduring solutions to the challenges of forex exchange volatility, skyrocketing interest rates, soaring inflation, food crisis, and many more encumbrances highlighted by manufacturers and industrialists because the internal dynamics of the country are what shape the image of the country externally
Duckie Thot has become one of the most recognisable faces in global fashion, admired for her striking beauty and strong presence on international runways. Born Nyadak Thot on October 23, 1995, in Melbourne, she is of South Sudanese heritage and grew up in Australia after her family fled conflict in South Sudan before her birth.
Thot first gained public attention in 2013 when she competed in Australia’s Next Top Model, finishing as one of the top contestants. Al-though the exposure helped launch her career, she initially struggled to secure opportunities in Australia, which she attributed to limit-ed representation for models of colour in the local fashion industry.
Determined to pursue her dream, she later relocated to New York, where her career quickly gained momentum. A breakthrough moment came when she was invited to work with Kanye West, leading to her runway debut at the Yeezy Spring/Summer 2017 show. Since then, she has walked for major fashion houses and featured in campaigns for brands including Fenty Beauty, Balmain and Moschino.
Her profile rose further when she starred as Alice in the 2018 Pirelli Calendar in-spired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. The project, which featured an all-Black cast, celebrated diversity in fashion and helped cement Thot’s reputation as one of the industry’s most influen-tial models.Beyond modelling, Thot has also been vocal about di-versity and inclusion in the beauty and fashion world. Having once struggled to find makeup suited to her skin tone on photo shoots, she now advocates for broader repre-sentation behind the scenes and on the runway, inspiring a new generation of models to see themselves reflected
Diaspora Watch Newspaper Rolls Out 86th Edition
Diaspora Watch Newspaper announces the publication of its 86th edition, a robust compilation of major global developments, policy debates, and defining moments across politics, economy, and culture.
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Leading the edition is a striking governance story from Madagascar, where the President has proposed the use of lie detector tests for cabinet members—an unprecedented move that has ignited conversations around transparency and executive accountability.
Also headlining the front page is the uncertainty surrounding U.S. President Donald Trump’s claims of engagement with Iran, a development that has triggered mixed reactions and heightened global attention amid already fragile diplomatic dynamics.
In Europe, Hungary has launched an official investigation following claims that its Foreign Minister was subjected to illegal wiretapping, raising serious questions about privacy, state surveillance, and political intrigue. In a related development, Trump has stirred further controversy after sharing a satirical skit mocking British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, even as sensitive discussions around the Iran situation continue.
On the international stage, China has cautioned the United States and Israel against escalating crises, invoking lessons from the Iraq War as a warning against the far-reaching consequences of military conflict.
From Africa, the World Health Organization has confirmed the deaths of 64 individuals in a hospital attack in Sudan, highlighting the deepening humanitarian emergency in the region. Additionally, African governments are intensifying efforts to regulate the digital economy, with new moves to tax online gambling platforms facing resistance from industry operators.
In the Caribbean, the private sector has lauded Afreximbank’s $5 billion investment pledge, describing it as a transformative initiative expected to strengthen economic cooperation and unlock new opportunities for growth within the region.
Completing the edition, the back page celebrates global pop culture, as bold, feather-inspired fashion takes center stage at the Oscars red carpet, reflecting creativity and evolving style narratives in the entertainment industry.
This edition reinforces Diaspora Watch Newspaper’s dedication to delivering authoritative journalism, in-depth analysis, and stories that matter to a global audience.
Stay Informed and ahead of the curve with the 50th edition of Diaspora Watch, where we explore the complex dynamics shaping our world and provide insights into the stories that matter.
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Celebrating African excellence and spotlighting pressing global issues.
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Zenith Bank Plc has announced a Diaspora engagement programme aimed at providing essential banking and identity services to Nigerians residing in the United States, with activities scheduled to hold in Houston and Dallas, Texas.
The initiative, according to information obtained by Diaspora Watch Newspaper, targeted at Nigerians in the diaspora, is designed to ease access to banking services and strengthen financial inclusion among citizens living abroad.
The programme will feature free Bank Verification Number (BVN) enrolment, National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment, seamless account opening, account reactivation, and digital banking onboarding.
Diaspora Watch Newspaper further gathered that participants will also benefit from mobile and internet banking activation, instant debit card issuance, and access to mortgage products offered at concessionary rates.
The engagement will further provide a platform for interaction with IT experts, creatives, influencers, and other service exporters, in line with efforts to deepen diaspora participation in Nigeria’s economy.
The Houston leg of the exercise will take place at the Hilton Houston Post Oak by the Galleria on February 24, 25 and 28, 2026, while another session will hold at The Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, on February 26 and 27, 2026.
The Dallas session is scheduled for March 3, 4 and 5, 2026, at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel by the Galleria.
Activities are expected to run daily from 9:00am to 6:00pm. Prospective participants have been advised to come along with valid proof of address as stipulated in the registration requirements.
Zenith Bank noted that the programme forms part of its ongoing diaspora banking strategy, aimed at supporting Nigerians abroad with convenient access to financial services and fostering stronger economic ties between the diaspora community and Nigeria.
For further enquiries, interested individuals are encouraged to contact Zenith Bank’s Diaspora Banking desk via WhatsApp or telephone, or through the official diaspora banking email.
Register for the event: JOIN ZENITH BANK IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TEXAS
Website: https://www.zenithbank.com
WhatsApp/call: +234 913 107 2967
Zenith Bank to Host Diaspora Engagement, Banking Services for Nigerians in Texas
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