Youth Ambassador, Idahosa Makes Case for State Diaspora Agencies
Ambassador Collins Idahosa, Governor of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), European Chapter, has called on Nigerian authorities to consider institutionalising diaspora agencies at state level across the nation.
Idahosa, who is also the Brand Ambassador for The Global Clusters, a networking platform for entrepreneurs and nation builders, emphasised that the importance of the agency for national development cannot be overstated.
In a statement to THECONSCIENCE NG on Wednesday ahead of his birthday on Thursday, the youth ambassador urged Nigerian states to take a bold and strategic step in that regard.
According to the birthday message and call to action titled “State Diaspora Agencies: A Missing Link in Nigeria’s Development Strategy,” while the federal government has made commendable efforts through the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), meaningful diaspora engagement must also be embraced at the state level.
“States must take ownership of engaging their own citizens abroad—those who maintain family ties, support community projects, and wish to be part of their state’s future.”
The statement noted that “in 2023 alone, remittances from Nigerians abroad exceeded $20 billion—a figure that surpasses foreign direct investment and official development assistance combined.
“These funds support millions of households, drive local businesses, finance education, build homes, and provide emergency relief. However, beyond remittances, the Nigerian diaspora contributes through skills transfer, investments, technology partnerships, and global advocacy. These contributions reflect a deep connection to home and an untapped resource for structured development.”
The Global Clusters Ambassador commended Edo and Kwara states, which he said “have taken deliberate steps to establish diaspora-focused agencies and offices.”
He remarked: “The Edo State Diaspora Agency, recently reinforced by the appointment of Dr. Loretta Oduware Ogboro-Okor as Director-General, stands as a commendable example of institutionalising diaspora engagement. Similarly, Kwara State’s Office of Diaspora Matters reflects a forward-looking vision by recognising the value of its global citizens.”
He also acknowledged states such as Abia, Ondo, Lagos, and Anambra for appointing Commissioners or Special Assistants for Diaspora Affairs.
He insisted that while these efforts are encouraging, they are insufficient, as a Commissioner or Special Assistant can drive political will and offer visibility, but without a formal agency, there is no continuity, resource mobilisation, or programme implementation.
He further explained that a dedicated diaspora agency provides a permanent institutional framework for planning, coordination, monitoring, and evaluation of diaspora engagements.
He stated that it also enables states to align policies with NiDCOM and benefit from federal-level support and bilateral diaspora partnerships.
Speaking further, he explained that beyond government initiatives, innovative platforms like The Global Clusters, led by Ambassador Adekunle Badmus, are already pioneering solutions that align with this vision. As a Brand Ambassador for The Global Clusters, Idahosa said he has seen firsthand how this dynamic global platform is transforming engagement among entrepreneurs, professionals, and technocrats, fostering strategic connections and sustainable development.
He concluded that state governments must explore partnerships with platforms like The Global Clusters to maximise the contributions of their diaspora populations, drive innovation, and create sustainable economic opportunities.
