The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), in collaboration with News Central TV, convened a highly anticipated Diaspora Town Hall Meeting in New York.
The event, themed “Harnessing the Power of the Diaspora: The Right to Vote,” took place on Saturday, September 28, and centered on fostering discussions about the political engagement of Nigerians living abroad. The focus was on the need for diaspora voting rights and their crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s national development.
The keynote speaker, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Executive Chair and CEO of NIDCOM, highlighted the commission’s ongoing efforts at the event, which was part of the #NCTownhallSeries.
Oby Ezekwesili, a prominent voice in the discourse, addressed the diaspora, stating, “You are direct beneficiaries of the right to vote. Many of you believe the financial contributions you make to your families are enough, but the level of respect you command abroad is tied to whether Nigeria is a well-governed country.”
As at 2022, there were over 700,000 persons of Nigerian ancestry resident in the USA. She added that this population is a significant number that is capable of shaping the electoral direction of Nigeria.
In her remarks, Dabiri-Erewa commended the hardwork, resilience and dedication of Nigerians in the diaspora, adding that they form a solid intellectual,social and financial capital supporting citizens back home.
She traced the history of the call for diaspora voting, noting that “Former Presidents Obasanjo, Yar’Adua, Jonathan, and now President Bola Tinubu have all supported the idea of extending voting rights to Nigerians in the diaspora.”
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In his remarks, the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of News Central TV welcomed the attendees, emphasising that the station is committed to covering news wherever issues, conversations, and stories are important to Africans.
In his words: “The town hall series is one of our signature projects across the world. We take political issues and discuss them in various locations…Wherever Africans are, we will be there.”