Market News

By Matthew Johnson

Following the 66th Nigeria Independence, Nigerians in the diaspora have been urged to put aside religious, ethnic and tribal differences and unite their resources and influence for the development of Nigeria.

The call was made in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, during a celebration organised by the APC PBAT-KOH Diaspora Group to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

Speaking as Special Guest of Honour at the event held at Labule, Pastor Tunde Bakare urged Nigerians to place their common national identity above religious and ethnic affiliations, stressing that Nigeria’s diversity should be seen as a source of strength rather than division.

Bakare, who reflected on his personal journey from Islam to Christianity, said the experiences of Nigerians across different faiths and ethnic backgrounds should strengthen the country’s sense of unity and shared destiny.

He urged Nigerians at home and abroad to resist tendencies that promote division, saying national development could only be achieved when citizens recognise their shared responsibilities to the country.

Also speaking, the Head of APC PBAT-KOH Diaspora, Mr. Gbolahan Gbadamosi, said Nigerians living abroad had significant resources, professional expertise and international networks that could be deployed to support development efforts in the country.

Gbadamosi stressed that the diaspora’s strength would be better utilised through structured unity, coordinated engagement and sustained collaboration with stakeholders in Nigeria.

He said: “The Nigerian diaspora possesses tremendous resources, expertise and influence. What is important is how we organise and channel these resources towards meaningful and sustainable development at home.”Gbadamosi said

His deputy, Mr. Adewale Jafojo, called on Nigerians abroad to become more actively involved in civic engagement and democratic participation, urging them to use their networks and relationships across the country to promote responsible participation in the electoral process.

Jafojo also urged members of the diaspora to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and other APC candidates in forthcoming elections.

The celebration hosted by Princess Tokunbo Omisore of the historic Ile-Ife Dynast brought together prominent ,younger and older Nigerians in the diaspora, combining cultural expression with discussions on national unity, civic responsibility and diaspora participation in Nigeria’s development.

The organisers said the gathering underscored the continuing connection of Nigerians abroad with the country’s history, culture and aspirations, despite the geographical distance from home.