Nigerians in Diaspora Can Also Contribute To Nation Building - VP Osinbajo

'' I have gone to this length to underscore the important role that Nigerians in Diaspora can play in the new Nigeria which is now under construction. It is well known that several nations of the world have tapped into the wealth of knowledge and exposure of their Diaspora mixed with those at home to build a thriving economy. India has attained its present global status in part because of the contribution of its Diaspora.'' - Prof Osinbajo

Speaking at the 7th National Diaspora Conference which held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Tuesday August 25th 2015, the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo made a clarion call to all Nigerians living abroad to join hands with the Federal Government in rewriting the future by building the Nigeria desired by all.

According to The Vice President, this new Nigeria to be built must be a collective effort of all under the change mandate of the current Administration. He stressed that, the skills, talents and resources of the Diaspora must be deployed in building the Nigeria of our dreams.

Prof. Osinbajo noted that the Diaspora has become a huge platform for several nations to leverage for the realization of their national developmental aspirations and the same must be utilized by Nigeria.

Citing China, Korea and India as examples of countries whose citizens living abroad have contributed in no small measure to the success stories witnessed in these economies, Prof Osibanjo then urged Nigerians to emulate and also sacrifice for the progress and development of Nigeria.

Prof Osinbajo further outlined some of the economic plans and policies of the Buhari administration:

''In the power sector, the administration aims to consistently generate 5,000 megawatts of power going into first quarter of next year'' - Prof Osinbajo

''In the short and medium term, the NNPC would be re-organized and this has already begun as the leadership is being held accountable for revenue shortfall in past years. In agriculture sector, government would pursue self-sustenance in the production of items such as rice, wheat, cotton and therefore considerably reduce foreign exchange requirement for importation of these items as rice importation alone consumes about $4 billion.'' - Prof Osinbajo

The Vice President also hinted that the government intends to give the textile and garment factories a new lease of life in the shortest possible time which is expected to create many jobs. He likewise promised investment in the area of infrastructure, agriculture and mining sectors which will absorb many of the qualified unemployed. In addition, he declared that government’s job creation plan will include a one meal per day programme for primary school pupils expected to also create several job opportunities.

The Vice President declared that now is the right time for Nigerians in Diaspora to make sacrifices towards contributing their quota to nation building, especially when the country is presently facing some challenges.

''I propose that the impact the Diaspora of those nations have brought to bear would not have been possible if they were not prepared to make sacrifices. If many of them had waited for the home environment to be completely ideal, before they start to actively get involved and engaged in their home countries, they would probably still be waiting up till now''

He assured the Diaspora community of the resolve of the Buhari administration to resolutely tackle some of the challenges facing the nation, emphasizing that the Federal Government is poised to take the critical steps in re-positioning Nigeria towards the path of greatness again.