By JOHN ONAH, Abuja –
The Chairman/CEO, of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa has commended a US based institute, Canvas, for not only investing int the country, but also wooing investors.
Hon. Dabiri-Erewa made this remark on Wednesday in Abuja where she joined a family and other of guests of Hon Bobby Digi from US to discuss Nigerian Diaspora & possibilities working for a greater Nigeria and the celebration of his 50 years living and working.
She disclosed NIDCOM’s readiness to collaborate with Canvas Institute to advance diaspora investment initiatives and harness the potential of Nigerians residing overseas, bearing in mind that the Institute not only invested but also wooing investors to Nigeria.
“That is what we are encouraging Nigerians in Diaspora to do by investing back in the country. Indians, Chinese and others are investing in Nigeria. Number one line of investors should be Nigerians in Diaspora themselves. We have person’s like the Chief Executive of Canvas institute who is not only investing but also bring people, he brought delegate from US”.
Earlier in his remark, the Executive Director of the institute, Hon, Bobby Digi who is a Youth and Community development expert, disclosed that, Canvas Institute, USA, is set to partners with agencies that may not have the expertise but have the intentions and will to be in the sector of youth and community development.
“We invite you to witness firsthand and give the media coverage that highlights the Canvas Institute’s substantial impact and contributions towards providing the platform for the next generation of community-driven artists, scholars, civic and political leaders to amplify the positive impact in Nigeria”, he said.
“We want the press to use occasion to be an amplification of what Hon. Bobby Digi and organisation is contributing to the nation”.
“We want agencies that may not have the expertise but have the intentions and will to be in the sector of youth and community development to see us as an ally and partner who will be bringing best practices, evidenced based methodologies and real practical solutions”.
“This is something we want to scale and we want to highlight our team that is on ground.
And to really spot light our intention, we have brought American US politicians elected officials who want to see Nigeria as a bridge to Africa. We have to step up our attraction of not just tourists but good will and as a resource”, he stated.
According to him, Canvas Institute attracts both local and visiting audiences with its public programs, discussions, and quarterly art exhibits, promoting open dialogue, creativity, and intentional action, whose mission is centered on equipping individuals of all ages and backgrounds within community with a diverse range of enriching cultural, social, and mental resources and learning opportunities.
“The institute is here basically to establish a footprint in what we are doing.
We have already been tested overseas and now we want to come back home to give back all the expertise that we have acquired overseas and set up a base to help the youth in arts culture and to support the work the youths have done as well as develop partnership with as many agencies that are in the same field of youth empowerment”.
“In addition to that, like the light bearer to the African – Americans and the Caribbeans about Nigeria not being a conducive environment and contrary to the popular opinion about the insecurity and violence in the country we are here to prove them wrong”.
He stated further that, the institute is doing an amazing work over there to promote the Nigerian nation.
The occasion, we want it to be an amplification of our efforts and the realities that we are bringing back home to actualize in the country.
This occasion also about showcasing Canvas institute’s unwavering dedication to making a difference in the lives of those it serve.
Diaspora Week starts today Thursday in Nigeria.
