Alltimepost.com Sincerity of Purpose
The enormous economic value of Nigerians living abroad came into sharper focus at the recent Edo National Association Worldwide (ENAW) convention in Dallas Texas, USA, with the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Dr. Charles Uwensuyi-Edosomwan calling for deliberate policies to turn diaspora resources into sustainable national development.
Chief Uwensuyi-Edosomwan, SAN, noted that the Edo diasporans’ contribution alone to Nigeria’s diasporans’ remittance inflows was estimated to be about $7 billion annually.
He stressed that diaspora Nigerians should no longer be regarded merely as sources of remittances but as strategic partners in Nigeria’s economic transformation.
Uwensuyi-Edosomwan, who is the Obasuyi of Benin, said Nigeria received about $22.8 billion in personal remittances in 2025, representing a three per cent increase from the $22.1 billion recorded in 2024, describing the figures as evidence of the growing importance of Nigerians abroad to the nation’s economy.
He said the figures became more significant against the backdrop of efforts by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to strengthen formal remittance channels and attract more diaspora funds into the Nigerian financial system, urging policymakers to complement such measures with initiatives that would channel diaspora resources into productive investments.
The Benin Chief and legal Luminary said the Edo diasporans’ estimated $7 billion annual contribution demonstrated the enormous financial capacity that could be deployed to support infrastructure, education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, technology and other critical sectors if properly coordinated between government and diaspora organizations.
He acknowledged the work of Edo State Diaspora Agency led by Director-General Dr. Loretta Ogboro-Okor, whom he said spearheads global outreach and engagement campaigns to harmonize diaspora contributions.
In terms of policy support, he noted that Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration has launched strategies to shift from viewing the diaspora purely as a source of funds to treating them as core developmental partners.
“Thus, we cannot take you the diaspora for granted but would rather indeed appreciate you and plug into your programs and thinking for our common progress,” stressing that the expertise, global connections, investments and philanthropic interventions of Nigerians abroad were equally as important as the funds they sent home.
According to him, ENAW’s annual convention had consequently evolved beyond a social gathering into a major platform where professionals, academics, business leaders, technocrats, traditional institutions and government representatives deliberate on policies and fresh ideas capable of advancing development in Edo State and Nigeria.
Uwensuyi-Edosomwan urged governments at all levels to create a more predictable environment for diaspora investment, noting that Nigerians abroad could make greater contributions if their capital and expertise were deliberately integrated into national and sub-national development plans.
He also drew attention to the burden of sickle cell disease in Nigeria, particularly its impact on families, and said the convention’s keynote address by renowned physician and pain expert, Dr Sota Omoigui, would focus on innovative approaches to managing the debilitating pain associated with sickle cell crises.
The SAN said the participation of Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, or his representative, was important because conventions of the nature of ENAW provided government with an opportunity to engage directly with citizens abroad and convert their ideas, resources and networks into practical development interventions for Edo State and Nigeria.
The Edo National Association Worldwide (ENAW) 33rd annual Convention, which was hosted by Edo Association DFW in Dallas, Texas, USA from September 3 to 7 2026, 2026, attracted prominent Edo leaders, professionals, traditional institutions and members of the association from across the diaspora.
Among the dignitaries at the ceremony was the former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Imasuen who represented the State Governor and Special Guest of Honour, Senator Monday Okpebholo. Representatives of Edo State Government included, Director-General, Edo State Diaspora Agency, Dr. (Mrs.) Loretta Oduware Ogboro-Okor.
Other dignitaries included ENAW outgoing President, Engr. (Mrs.) Bose Ogbeifun-Oviasu; Chairman of the occasion and representative of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, Chief Dr. Charles Uwensuyi-Edosomwan, SAN; outgoing Chairman, ENAW Council of Presidents, Engr. Charles Oviawe; Chairman, ENAW Board of Advisors, Barrister Dickson Iyawe; Nigeria’s former Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire; outgoing ENAW Women Affairs Coordinator, Mrs. Meg Uzzi; President, U. Phillip Igbinadolor DMD & Associates, Prince Dr. Uyi Philip Iginadolor and President of ENAW host club, the Edo Association DFW in Dallas Texas, Dr. Edwin Aghedo.
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