Nigeria’s President, at the climax of the 2025 National Diaspora Day celebration, recognised outstanding Nigerians for their contributions to the development of the country, at an awards dinner in Abuja.
President Bola Tinubu also assured the awardees of his administration’s support to build a new Nigeria.
“We are building a new Nigeria. A nation that rewards excellence, protects the vulnerable, fosters innovation and leverages every global resource, especially its people to uplift itself”, the President said at the State House, on Saturday.
The awardees were drawn from different sectors that include education and STEM, engineering, medicine and healthcare, leadership and politics, media, amongst others.
The President promised to prioritise the Nigerian diaspora, describing them as key drivers of development through remittances, diplomacy, and skills transfer.
He added further that his governtment is commited to strengthening diaspora engagement through improved services at foreign missions and strategic initiatives.
“Through NiDCOM, we have developed more strategic platforms for engagement, including the diaspora investment summit, the diaspora housing scheme and the diaspora data mapping project which helps us identify and connect the Nigerian professionals worldwide”, he stated.
President Tinubu also commended the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) for sustaining the annual awards, which he said celebrate excellence, motivate recipients, and inspire others.
Chairman of NiDCOM, Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, congratulated the awardees for their contributions to national development and applauded the local planning committee, sponsors, and partners for the successful organisation of the event.
Notable awardees included the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Abigail Katung; Group Managing Director of ARCO Group, Engr. Alfred Okoigun; philanthropist Barr. Justina Chioma Ohaa; and Prof. Akintunde Akinade, Member of the Board of Trustees, NIDO-Qatar.