By Flowerbudnews
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on Nigerians in the Diaspora to tirelessly and enthusiastically partner with the Federal Government in building the “Nigeria of our dreams” through their skills, talents and expertise.
Tinubu made the call in Abuja as the Special Guest of Honour during the second National Diaspora Merit Awards in Abuja.
The awards were organised by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission.
The First Lady said it is only in the coming together of all stakeholders in the Nigeria project that will show the pathways to developing a formidable Nigeria for global competition.
She noted with excitement that the National Diaspora Merit Award is a commendable gesture to recognise and celebrate the wonderful contributions of over 20 million Nigerians abroad to motivate and galvanise national development.
She equally eulogised Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, for being proactive in driving the ship of Nigerians abroad for positive national development .
She promised to support the Commission in whatever ways to be able to realise its objectives in tune with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Earlier, Hon. Dabiri-Erewa said the recognition and awards were given to outstanding individuals and groups who have demonstrated excellence in various fields of human endeavours as well as contributed to national development.
She said: “These remarkable Nigerians have made significant impacts on their host countries and strive to be invaluable assets to their homeland.”
Speaking on the criteria for the award, Dr. Sule Yakubu Bassi, the Secretary to the Commission, said the awards were given to selected persons who have excelled in investing tremendously back home and acted as exemplary Nigerians.
Bassi added that over 152 nominations were submitted since November 2023 for various awards, but only 21 sailed through the screening process.
He listed eligibility for the award recipient to include being a Nigerian, be of good character with traceable and trackable projects consistently done for a period of five years or more both in Nigeria and country of residence.
He hoped that the Awards will encourage the recipients to be unrelenting and inspire other Nigerians in the Diaspora to find ways to contribute back home.
The winners of this year’s category of award include:
Dr. Akinloye Anthony Bamigboye – Medicine/Healthcare
Dr. Muktar Aliyu – Medicine/Healthcare
Dr. Malvis Humphrey – Medicine/Healthcare
Dr. Adeboye Adejare – Medicine/Healthcare
Dr. Omotade Omotosho – Philanthropy
Chief Sherifat Adesunbo Adegbesan – Philanthropy
Dr. Anna Mbachu-Ogbuebile – Philanthropy
Shola Agboola – Philanthropy
Dr. Alhassan Saidu Wurno – Transportation
Dr. Fene Osakwe – ICT
Dr. Faith Adole (U-VOL Foundation) – Volunteerism/Healthcare
Al-Yaro Brothers International Limited – Agriculture/Entrepreneurship
Avenue Impact United, Education/ICT and Dr. Badewa Adejugbe-Williams – Education/Leadership
Alistair Soyode – Media/Entertainment
Governor (Engr.) Abdullahi A Sule – Engineering/Leadership
Idonuagbe O. Akogun – Education
Lamin G. Barrow – Distinguished Service Awards
Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate – Distinguished Service Awards
Chief Calistus Elozieuwa – Distinguished Service Awards
Abiodun Oyebola – Distinguished Service Awards.
