Dear Prof Aluko,
Thanks for sharing this insightful excerpt from the bible. There is a lot to be learned from it. For leaders, it provides example of how to engage and include everything (instead of being fearful, greedy, insular, tribal, and nepotistic). For all it shows how to act (lead and/or follow) with patriotism, and tandem application of work and prayers (rather than doing nothing or the wrong things and yet expecting good results via miracle or propaganda). Again, thanks for sharing. For an engineer being this philosophical and practical at once, you have again reflected (to me anyway) a bit of the brilliance and sagacity you got from your dad.
Regards,
Okey Ukaga
...IBK:If these detractors of the Policy Document cannot read the entire document, at least they can read the Foreword, to understand that no rational person or government can expect even a quarter of the estimated 12 - 17 million estimated Diasporans of Nigerian descent to return home BEFORE they can contribute to the development of Nigeria. This is a call for PARTNERSHIP with Nigerians at home, both to Diasporans of Nigerian descent and to Historic African Diaspora (HAD) who wish to identify with Nigeria - come help develop Nigeria while we also help in any way to make your stay abroad better, if that is what you wish.QUOTEAt another level, the policy recognizes, among others, that development between a homeland state and its Diaspora is not one dimensional. The Nigerian Government therefore recognizes that while collaborating with its Diaspora for the attainment of national developmental goals, it will also facilitate a collaboration framework that would translate into simultaneous benefits for its Diaspora. Thus, the Nigerian Government reads the relationship as mutually beneficial.
The policy also recognizes that during emergencies, Diaspora women and children are peculiarly vulnerable. In line with this, the policy acknowledges the need to develop a framework to cater to such peculiar needs during moments of emergencies and distress. The policy also endorses a practical step towards the recognition of Diaspora through the establishment of a National Diaspora Village (really modified into a Diaspora Housing (Loan) Scheme - both National and state-based - not a Village with a single address in (say) Abuja as previously conceived) as well as the creation of a Diaspora category in the National Award Programme.
Overall, the policy lays down the parameters for Nigeria's engagement with its Diaspora, taking into account the internal dynamics of the country as well as the external dynamics of its far-flung Diaspora. It is a well-thought out policy geared towards economic, political, social and cultural development in Nigeria. This is so as the nation strives to consolidate its reputation in the comity of nations and achieve development on all positive fronts. It is therefore hoped that the implementation of the policy will redound to the nation's development and that of its Diaspora in all areas.
UNQUOTEUnfortunately, Nebukadineze Adiele and Peter Opara remind me of Sanballat and Tobiah of Nehemiah 4:QUOTE4 When Sanballat heard that we were building the wall of Jerusalem, he was very angry and upset. He started making fun of the Jews. 2 Sanballat talked with his friends and the army at Samaria and said, "What are these weak Jews doing? Do they think we will leave them alone? Do they think they will offer sacrifices? Maybe they think they can finish building in only one day. They cannot bring stones back to life from these piles of trash and dirt. These are just piles of ashes and dirt!"3 Tobiah the Ammonite was with Sanballat. Tobiah said, "What do these Jews think they are building? If even a small fox climbed up on it, he would break down their wall of stones!"4 Nehemiah prayed and said, "Our God, listen to our prayer. These men hate us. Sanballat and Tobiah are insulting us. Make bad things happen to them. Make them ashamed, like people taken away as prisoners. 5 Don't take away their guilt or forgive the sins they have done in your sight. They have insulted and discouraged the builders."6 We built the wall of Jerusalem all the way around the city. But it was only half as tall as it should be. We did this much because the people worked with all their heart.7 But Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites, and the men from Ashdod were very angry. They heard that the people continued working on the walls of Jerusalem. They heard the people were repairing the holes in the wall. 8 So all these men got together and made plans against Jerusalem. They planned to stir up trouble against Jerusalem. They planned to come and fight against the city. 9 But we prayed to our God. And we put guards on the walls to watch day and night so that we could be ready to meet them.10 And so at that time the people of Judah said, "The workers are becoming tired. There is too much dirt and trash in the way. We cannot continue to build the wall. 11 And our enemies are saying, 'Before the Jews know it or see us, we will be right there among them. We will kill them and that will stop the work.'"12 Then the Jews living among our enemies came and said this to us ten times, "Our enemies are all around us. They are everywhere we turn."13 So I put some of the people behind the lowest places along the wall, and I put them by the holes in the wall. I put families together, with their swords, spears, and bows. 14 After looking over everything, I stood up and spoke to the important families, the officials, and the rest of the people. I said, "Don't be afraid of our enemies. Remember the Lord, who is great and powerful! You must fight for your brothers, your sons, and your daughters! You must fight for your wives and your homes!"15 Then our enemies heard that we knew about their plans. They knew that God ruined their plans. So we all went back to work on the wall. Everyone went back to their own place and did their part. 16 From that day on, half of my men worked on the wall. The other half of my men were on guard, ready with spears, shields, bows, and armor. The army officers stood behind all the people of Judah who were building the wall. 17 The builders and their helpers had their tools in one hand and a weapon in the other hand. 18 Each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked. The man who blew the trumpet to warn the people stayed next to me. 19 Then I spoke to the leading families, the officials, and the rest of the people. I said, "This is a very big job and we are spread out along the wall. We are far from one another. 20 So if you hear the trumpet, run to that place. We will all meet together there, and our God will fight for us!"21 So we continued to work on the wall of Jerusalem, and half the men held spears. We worked from the first light of the morning until the stars came out at night.22 At that time I also said this to the people, "Every builder and his helper must stay inside Jerusalem at night. Then they can be guards at night and workers during the day." 23 So none of us took off our clothes—not me, not my brothers, not my men, and not the guards. Each of us had our weapon ready at all times, even when we went to get water.UNQUOTEI really pray that they have a change of heart. Salvaging Nigeria is an existential struggle for all Nigerians, at home and abroad, and throwing brick-a-bats with the usual caterwaulers is really not my cup of tea.Now, detractors have a right to their opinions, which they can send to ssa@diaspora.gov.ng.And there you have it - and best wishes always.Bolaji AlukoOn Fri, Dec 2, 2016 at 11:39 AM, Ibukunolu Alao Babajide <ibk@usa.net> wrote:Dear Peter (My co-Buhari defender),This is more than coming home to take jobs.It is about maximising the great Nigerian human resource outside her borders to the benefit of the country. The exposure, the acquired talents and the cultural exchange between the Diasporans and their host communities should be encouraged.An office to manage all these great advantages should be encouraged.Cheers.IBK
_________________________
------ Original Message ------
Received: 02:51 AM EAT, 12/02/2016
From: Peter Opara <poparasp@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: STAR DRAFT: Final Draft of Nigeria's National Polic...
Nebu,
You have the best definition of this diaspora shenanigan I read. "Me too" arrangement. It is all nonsense. It is nothing short of distracting any government from crying needs in Nigeria on which government must focus. There need not be, and there should not be office of diaspora. Like you rightly said, anyone wishing to be in government in Nigeria fair and square, hook or crook as is often the case should go home, return to Nigeria to engage. After all no Nigerian is abroad without desire to return; so return they must but not by any special government arrangement. It is incredible that a bunch of fellows would mount this banal exercise to task a government. They are to be ignored.
Ogbuonyeiro
On Thu, Dec 1, 2016 at 4:26 PM, <Nebukadineze@aol.com> wrote:
- Thanks for your intervention below, and for sending your two comments to ssa@diaspora.gov.ng. Such comments are encouraged, and will be collated at the OSSAPFAD Secretariat, and attempts will be made to incorporate worthy contributions into the final Policy Document. (Aluko)
Who determines "worthy contributions" and how are they determined?My contribution is that the FGN (Federal Government of Nigeria) must butt out of the so called Diaspora business and tackle the mammoth problem of developing Nigeria and making life worthy of living for those back home. Diaspora Nigerians are not as deprived (in all facets of life) as are Nigerians back home.Diaspora Nigerians left Nigeria out of their own volitions and if they wish the attention of the government, their alternative is to go back home. The limited resources of Nigeria must be ploughed back into helping those at home by preventing our youth from abandoning the country, especially though perilous journeys with rickety boats through the seas and dangerous Desert treks.In Nigeria, we have criminally minded ex-governors who are collecting humongous pensions in that capacities and at the same time collecting salaries either as Ministers, legislators, or Special Assistance/Advisers (were you not fired as VC, you would probably be collecting humongous pensions while getting whatever salary you are currently getting). The so called Nigerian Diaspora, who should know better, must prompt and shame the government into closing these types of criminal loopholes, not championing an inclusive club (like Diaspora Ministry) through which to further loot the country dry.This "me too" mentality about looting Nigeria by most of you Nigerians has doomed that country and it prompts others into wanting to abandon that Nigeria for you leeches. With you Nigerians, it is always "what is there for me". You can't eat your cake and still have it, folks. If you are in the Diaspora and still desire FGN's attention, go home -- Rotimi Fashkin was dignified enough to do so. IBK's encouraging of young Nigerians to flea the country is the height of treason, for no nation survives if its future (the young generation) is chased out. The goal of all Nigerians in the Diaspora must be to make Nigeria better, not canvassing for "what is there for me too" . Doing the later is selfish, stupid, and low-life behaving.Are the above worthy contributions, Bolaji Aluko? I have not done with my contributions yet, am just in transit and will contribute more later. You may forward the above for now.Nebukadineze Adiele
Reject Religion; Restore Reason!In a message dated 12/1/2016 2:25:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, alukome@gmail.com writes:
Dear IBK:
1. Thanks for your intervention below, and for sending your two comments to ssa@diaspora.gov.ng. Such comments are encouraged, and will be collated at the OSSAPFAD Secretariat, and attempts will be made to incorporate worthy contributions into the final Policy Document.
2. The Validation Summit held very successfully today (December 1, 2016). The day's program will be found in http://diaspora.gov.ng/national-policy-on-diaspora-progra . A PDF copy of the Draft Policy Document will be found in http://diaspora.gov.ng/natimme/ onal-policy-on-diaspora/ . More generally, the website http://diaspora.gov.ng/ was announced as a new one-stop web portal on Nigerian Diaspora issues.
3. The Summit, which lasted for almost six hours, was well-attended, and significant contributions were made from high table during the General Session (Part One of the Summit) and especially from the floor during the Technical Session (Part Two of the Summit), during which latter session a page-by-page dissection of the Policy Document was conducted.4. The general sentiment was that the establishment of a National Policy Document on the Diaspora, whose ultimate outcome should be a legal framework which transcends different political Administrations and Legislatures, is long overdue.
5. At the end of the Summit, a 13-person Technical and Advisory Committee was formed to collate all contributions, and to re-formulate the Policy Document into a Revised Draft - to include and implementation plan. The revised Draft is to be submitted to the OSSAPFAD by the second week of January 2017 for further processing in official government channels.
Best wishes.
Bolaji AlukoSummit Attendee
------- IBK wrote:.....
Dear Prof.;--- material deleted....Thanks for sharing the Diaspora Policy document. I scanned through it and I think it is a worthy attempt to capture government accommodation and utilization of a very important national resource. Citizens abroad and all those who genuinely love Nigeria but live outside her borders. I sent a short comment set out below to the address indicated in the document."Dear SSA,Wonderful document. More grease to your elbow. My comments are two-fold and short. They are as follows:ONEIreland, India and China benefit greatly from their Diaspora. Not because they encourage them to look ONLY to their mother country, but because they are a veritable source of exports from their mother country to their host countries. Such exports include Indian and Chinese cuisine and restaurants, goods and culture. Nigeria will benefit significantly if the government of Nigeria promote exports of Nigerian goods and services to ALL the countries in the world where there is a Nigerian Diaspora; andTWOThe Office of Diasporan Affairs should become the Department of Emigration with the sole responsibility for assisting Nigerians who wish to emigrate to do so and to furnish them with information and support to do so such that they may be traceable and committed to Nigeria even after they emigrate. Republic of Ireland has such a government department and the department will ensure the maximization of the Diasporan human resource for national development.These are my two simple comments for your kind consideration and I wish you a wonderful validation meeting.Cheers."Thanks for your public intellection. It is very welcome.Cheers.IBK
On Tue, Nov 29, 2016 at 1:42 PM, Mobolaji Aluko <alukome@gmail.com> wrote:
Comments may be sent to ssa@diaspora.gov.ng
------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------ ------------------------------ -------------------
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Final Draft of the National Diaspora Policy
From: ssa@diaspora.gov.ng
Date: Tue, November 29, 2016 1:50 pm
To:various persons
Dear All,
Please find attached a copy of the final draft of the National
Diaspora Policy.
Please accept the assurances of the Senior Special Assistant to the
President's esteemed regards.
Thanks.
A. A. Yabani
Special Assistant to SSAPFAD on Policy, Projects and Programmes
______________________________
____________
Dear Sir/Ma,
I am directed to inform that the One-day Multi-stakeholder Validation Seminar on the National Policy on Diaspora Matters scheduled to hold on Monday 28th November 2016 has been rescheduled to hold as follows;
Date: 1st December 2016
Time: 10:00am prompt
Venue: Rotunda Hall, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
While anticipating your cooperation and contributions to the success of the Validation Seminar, please accept the assurances of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora's highest consideration.
A. A. Yabani
Special Assistant to SSAPFAD on Policy, Projects and Programmes
______________________________
______________________________ __
FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA
DRAFT NATIONAL POLICY ON DIASPORA MATTERS
AUGUST, 2016
FOREWORD
Human capital resource creates wealth and determines the pace of development. Nations seeking to achieve sustainable development therefore pay particular attention to critical issues of capacity building, mobilization, harnessing and deployment of human capital resources wherever they may be. Thus, of the current most globally discussed topics in capacity development is the immense potentials of the Diaspora to help develop their countries of origin.
While Nigerian Diaspora have continued to contribute immensely to the world labour market, there conversely seems to be a dearth of professionals and experts serving within the country.
Nigeria has recognized the Diaspora as a veritable tool for the socio-economic development of the country leading to the desire to draw a national policy that guarantees their right of participation in the socio-economic development of their home land.
The modern Diaspora can be conceived as ethnic minority groups of migrant origin residing and productively engaged in host countries but often maintaining some strong sentimental and material link with their countries of origin. In the Nigerian context, and for the purpose of this Policy, Nigerian Diaspora refers to any Nigerian who lives and works abroad and has interest in contributing to the socio-economic, political, technological and industrial development of Nigeria.
It is estimated that there are about 15 to 17 million Nigerians in the Diaspora (Nigeria Diaspora.com). It is on record that the Nigerian communities abroad are among the best educated and relatively affluent of the immigrant population. A large number of those in advanced countries are professionals with specialisation in all fields of human endeavour including medicine, education, research, ICT, law and engineering, among others. Nigerians in the Diaspora thus constitute a large pool of skilled human capacity, the critical means through which the country needs to take-off in the 21st century, bearing in mind that galvanization and utilization of intellectual capacity is integral to development. Furthermore, effective coordination and regulation of remittances from Diaspora all over the world no doubt contribute to the social economic development of Nigeria.
While previous governments had taken steps in the direction of granting increasing recognition to the place of Diaspora in our development, President Muhammadu Buhari's creation of the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora (OSSAPFAD), together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' policy contributions, further emphasize the recognition of the group's potential to positively impact on Nigeria economically, politically and socially. Thus this policy document is put in place to guide Nigeria's relations with its Diaspora.
This policy document stands out in the way it recognizes Diaspora as a complex phenomenon that transcends the simplistic definition that limits the Diaspora of an African nation to only those living outside it, but who are connected to it by descent through the colonial cartography of nationhood. Such understanding undermines the place of Historic African Diaspora (HAD) which designates a far greater population of people of African descent whose dispersal and migration out of the continent, forced or otherwise, preceded colonial mapping in Africa. On this account, while recognizing people of Nigerian descent born or living outside the country, the policy also admits the potential agency of members of Historic African Diaspora that may elect to identify with Nigeria for the realization of its developmental goals.
At another level, the policy recognizes, among others, that development between a homeland state and its Diaspora is not one dimensional. The Nigerian Government therefore recognizes that while collaborating with its Diaspora for the attainment of national developmental goals, it will also facilitate a collaboration framework that would translate into simultaneous benefits for its Diaspora. Thus, the Nigerian Government reads the relationship as mutually beneficial.
The policy also recognizes that during emergencies, Diaspora women and children are peculiarly vulnerable. In line with this, the policy acknowledges the need to develop a framework to cater to such peculiar needs during moments of emergencies and distress. The policy also endorses a practical step towards the recognition of Diaspora through the establishment of a National Diaspora Village as well as the creation of a Diaspora category in the National Award Programme.
Overall, the policy lays down the parameters for Nigeria's engagement with its Diaspora, taking into account the internal dynamics of the country as well as the external dynamics of its far-flung Diaspora. It is a well-thought out policy geared towards economic, political, social and cultural development in Nigeria. This is so as the nation strives to consolidate its reputation in the comity of nations and achieve development on all positive fronts. It is therefore hoped that the implementation of the policy will redound to the nation's development and that of its Diaspora in all areas.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONTENT
PAGES Foreword: ..............................
.............................. ..................... ii - iv Table of Contents: ………………………………………………………………………………
.. v - xii Acronyms and Abbreviations:…………………………………………
…………………….. xii - xiv Executive Summary: ..............................
.............................. ....... 15 - 16
Chapter One: Introduction: ………………………………………………………… 17
1.0 Definition:…………………………………………………
………………………………. 17 - 18 1.1 African Union: …………………………………………………………………………. 18
1.2 The Nigerian Perspective:………………………………………………
………… 18 - 22 1.3 Vision, Mission and Goal:………………………………………………………….
22
Chapter Two:
Challenges to Effective Diaspora Contribution to Nigerian Development: 23
2. 0 Challenges:...................
.............................. .................... 23
2.1 Lack of Reliable Database:.....................
........................... 23 - 24
2.2 Lack of Enabling Environment arising from Inadequate
Infrastructure:...............
.............................. ..................... 24
2.3 Insecurity:...................
.............................. ..................... 24
2.4 High Cost of Remittances:..................
.............................. .. 24 - 25
2.5. Lack of Bilateral Agreements on Avoidance of Double
Taxation (ADT) with Some Countries with Significant Diaspora
Population:..................
.............................. ....................... 25
2.6 Inability to Transfer Diaspora Skill and Technology:................ 25 - 26
2.7 Lack of Integration Framework for Returning Nigerians:.......... 26
2.8 Inability to Exercise Their Right as Nigerian Citizens
to Vote and Participate in the Electoral Process:.................... 26
2.9. Inadequate Response to Emergency and Distress
Situations of Nigerians in Diaspora:.....................
................ 27
2.2.1 Policy as Direct Response to Diaspora Needs:........................
27 2.2.2 Policy and Consistency with International Migration
Policy:…………………………………………………………
…………………………………. 27
Chapter Three:
Diaspora Policy Objectives and Strategies:…………………………………………..
28 3.0 Aim: ..............................
.............................. ................... 28 3.1 Specific Objectives:...................
.............................. ............. 28 - 29 3.2 Strategies: ..............................
.............................. ............ 29 3.3.1 Trade and Investment: ..............................
........................ 29 - 30 3.3.2 Remittances:..................
.............................. .................... 30 3.3.3 Diaspora Day: ..............................
.............................. ...... 30 3.3.4 Consular and Immigration Services: ..............................
....... 30
3.3.5 Engagement: ..............................
.............................. ...... 31 3.4 Empowerment:..................
.............................. ....................... 31 3.4.1 Health and Education: ..............................
.............................. 31 3.4.2 Tourism and Culture: ..............................
.............................. ... 31-32
3.4.3 Agriculture, Science and Technology/Information and
Communication Technology (ICT): ..............................
.......... 32
3.5 Social Security: ..............................
.............................. ...... 32 3.6 Homeland Security: ..............................
.............................. 323.7 Infrastructure: ..............................
............................. .. 32-33 3.8 Diaspora Franchise: ..............................
........................ 33 3.9 Development of a Framework for Pre-departure Training:………… 33
3.10 Effective Response to Emergency and Distress Situations of
Nigerians in Diaspora: ..............................
........................... 34
3.11 Institution of an Integration Framework for Returning
Nigerians from Diaspora: ..............................
................ .. 34
3.12 Institution of Collaboration Framework with Members of
Historic African Diaspora: ..............................
................ .. 34 -35
3.13 Framework for Appropriate Response to Nigerian
Diaspora Women and Children's Needs during
Emergencies: ..............................
.............................. .. 35
3.14 Establishment of a World Class Diaspora Resource and
Research Centre (DRRC) to Aid Research and
Development:..................
.............................. .............. 35
3.15 Framework for Diaspora Skill Transfer: ...........................
36
3.16 Creation of a Global Nigerian Network: ............................
36 3.17. Periodic Consultation with Emigration Stakeholders:............ 36-37
3.18 Facilitation of a National Diaspora Village (NDV): ............... 37
3.19 Creation of a Diaspora Category in the National Award
Programme:……………………………………………………
……………………….. 38
3.20 Institutionalisation of Diaspora Communities and
Associations:.................
.............................. .................... 38
3.21 Facilitation of the development of a central online hub that
connects all the Diaspora Associations with government
online platform:.....................
.............................. ............. 39
3.22 Creation of comprehensive database of professional, skilled
Diaspora and Business Associations to facilitate
development of partnerships between local professionals
and those abroad:.......................
.............................. ........ 39
3.23 Representation of the Diaspora Network in the design and
implementation of Nigeria's development strategies:.............. 39-40
3.24 Development of initiatives that promote sense of
togetherness among the various Diaspora groups:................. 40
3.25 Promotion of Diaspora Investments and Savings:.................. 40-41
3.26 Establishment and Regulation of Diaspora Bonds:.................. 41
3.27 Facilitate Remittance of Funds:........................
................... 41 3.28 Government liberalizes the market for cross-border
money transfer operators so as to reduce transaction
costs:........................
.............................. ........................ 42
3.29 Build Data on Remittances:..................
.............................. 42
3.30 Knowledge/Skills Transfer:.....................
......................... ... 43
3.31 Promote the formation and linking of professional
associations, including scientific knowledge networks
for domestic and Diaspora communities:..................
...... ... 43
3.32 Create safe and trusted communication and knowledge
sharing platforms through development and maintenance
of ICT infrastructure and virtual networks:.....................
. ... 43-44
3.33 Promote volunteerism through development of internship
and volunteer programs in various sectors at home for
the young and upcoming Diaspora professionals:................
44
3.34 Develop and strengthen existing initiatives to encourage
attract, retain and support home-based migration of
high-level expertise on permanent or temporary basis:........ 44
3.35 Diaspora Philanthropy:.................
.............................. .... 44-45 3.35.1 Acknowledge and support works of charity by Diaspora
foundations:.................
.............................. .................... 45
3.35.2 Organise Awards and Recognition Events involving
Diaspora individuals and associations for their
efforts to support their homeland:.....................
............... 45
3.35.3 Provide timely information on the needs of local
communities that may be of interest to the Diaspora:....... 45-46
3.36 Supporting the Diaspora......................
......................... 46 3.36.1 Improve awareness among Nigerians of the availability of
consular services and the role of Nigeria Missions
abroad:.......................
.............................. .................. 46
3.36.2
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