Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari has assured Nigerians in diaspora who recently returned to the country that investing in Nigeria will only yield gains not losses.
According to him, anything done for the good of the country will be ultimately rewarded, and redound to the good of those behind it.
He gave the assurance when he received three groups made of Nigerians in the diaspora, and some professionals hitherto based abroad, but who have returned home in recent times, at State House, Abuja, on Monday.
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, quoted President Buhari as saying, “You have been working quietly, supporting the government physically and materially, and you are doing it for your own country. Head or tail, you won’t lose. Please continue to do your best for the country.”
Speaking on behalf of Diaspora Alliance Group, Mr Ade Omole, said the organization was a think-tank in the United Kingdom, which formulates policies to help Nigeria. They currently have recommendations to help the country in the areas of agriculture, youth empowerment, community development, and education.
“We also educate people in the diaspora on the good work the Buhari administration is doing for Nigeria. You are rebuilding the country. We supported you in 2015, and we will also support you in 2019,” Omole said.
Dr. Badewa Adejugbe-Williams, speaking on behalf of returnee professionals from the diaspora, said they were excited and willing to contribute to national development.
“Our main goal now is investing in Nigeria. We are planning a Nigeria-Diaspora Summit on Investment soon. We are quite pleased with infrastructural development round the country. We want to attract people in diaspora to bring their money, and invest here,” she said.
Dr. Salihu-Dasuki, who spoke on behalf of young people in the diaspora, lauded President Buhari for signing the Not-Too-Young-To-Run bill into law, assuring that young people would soon begin to utilize the legislation.
On his part, Dr Charles Cudjoe, unfolded how all Nigerians can have access to health care through minimal deductions from the credit on their cell phones, which would be deposited in a health bank in their favour. Such savings would then be accessed whenever they needed medical attention.
President Buhari said the health initiative was very interesting, adding that “policies on health and education for the people are also dear to us.”