Nigerians living abroad have been called upon to actively contribute to the socioeconomic growth and empowerment of their homeland, in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative.
The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri, made this appeal during the launch of a scholarship disbursement program in Lafia, Nasarawa State. The initiative, spearheaded by Zumunta Association USA, aims to support undergraduate students pursuing degrees in Medicine, Engineering, and Computer Science across various Nigerian tertiary institutions.
Delivering a keynote address on behalf of the NIDCOM Chairman, the Head of Programme Development, Mr Abiodun Akanbi, highlighted how President Tinubu’s policies have inspired increased contributions from the Nigerian diaspora toward the nation’s economic transformation. He emphasized the need to harness opportunities in education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship to drive sustainable development.
President of Zumunta Association USA, Mr. Bitrus Sunday, reaffirmed that the scholarship initiative was founded purely on economic empowerment principles, devoid of religious, political, or ethnic bias.
Beneficiaries of the program, including Umar Abdullahi, Lenient Amidu, and Maryam Abdullahi, expressed their gratitude, noting that the financial support had significantly eased their educational burdens.
Speaking at the event, Nasarawa State’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Humanitarian Services, Margaret Elayo, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Yona, underscored the importance of unity among Nigerians in the diaspora to foster meaningful economic progress.
Out of over 2,000 applicants, 100 undergraduate students were selected for the first phase of the scholarship scheme, each receiving ₦60,000 in financial aid. (RADIO NIGERIA)