NIDOE leader hails FG’s signing of diaspora bill

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By Femi SHODUNKE

UK: THE Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Europe (NIDOE) Commandant General, Mr. Alistair Soyode, has commended the federal government over the signing into law the Diaspora Commission Establishment Bill 2017.

He described the government approval of the bill as a golden opportunity that more than 15 million Nigerians outside the country have been waiting for.

Soyode, one of the ex-Chairmen of the BOT of Nigerians in NIDOE, said in London that millions of Nigerians have at the back of their minds the need for the Diaspora Commission Bill and the voting rights of Nigerians in diaspora in elections in the country.

He recalled that the bill was presented about six years ago by the then Chairman, Diaspora Affairs Committee in the House of Representatives, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who is the Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora.

“This is a golden opportunity,” Soyede said.  “We are thrilled and glad about the news and signature on the bill.”

He further said: “It is a law now for this commission which should be executed by the leaders of diaspora Nigerians.”

According to him, the bill will provide avenue to coordinate and act as one place where everything and professionalism should be the golden rule.

Soyode urged the government to appoint relevant and experience team for the commission, but added that those to be picked should be professionals that have the interests of Nigeria rather than their own personal gains at the back of their minds.

“It is a privilege to be involved for years in the interests of the diasporans.  Now they have a commission ready to build on their collective interest, which is to share their experience, participate in building capacity, contribute to the nation development and make Nigeria a greater nation,” he said.

Soyode, who further explained that the commission is the beginning of better things for Nigeria, pleaded with the government to make it possible for Nigerians in diaspora to vote in subsequent elections as often the case in many countries.

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