NiDCOM NAMES OKONJO-IWEALA DIASPORA ICON
By Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has urged the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission NiDCOM, to strengthen systematic mechanisms to attract second and third-generation Nigerians in the Diaspora to contribute towards nation-building.
Dr Okonjo-Iweala stated when she was honoured as the “Diaspora Icon” by the Chairman Nigerians In Diaspora Commission Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
The recognition was a fallout of the recently held Maiden National Diaspora Merit Award in Abuja.
The WTO DG said the Diaspora was capable of doing so much for Nigeria, which goes beyond remittances such as skills and knowledge transfer especially as most countries of the World are fast embracing the technology and digital era.
On her recent recognition, Dr Okonjo-Iweala expressed her pride as a citizen of Nigeria, adding that she was humbled, for being selected to receive such an award as a “Diaspora Icon”.
While presenting the award to Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the NiDCOM Chairman stated that the award was presented to the DG, of WTO for her selfless service to Nigeria and humanity at large.
Dabiri-Erewa remarked that Dr Okonjo-Iweala serves as an inspiration to all Nigerian women, aiming at balancing family ties and career growth.
The Diaspora Icon Award is one of the categories given at the National Diaspora Day celebrations and the National Diaspora Merit Award held on July 26, 2023.