Okpebholo’s Government Vows Support for Edo Diaspora, Eyes $7 Billion Remittances
Via the Edo State Diaspora Agency, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has declared that a revolutionary and creative policy framework will empower and engage Edo State’s worldwide diaspora.
According to a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor claimed that the program demonstrates his administration’s dedication to fortifying ties with Edo Indians around the world by putting their welfare first, maximizing diaspora remittances for planned economic growth, and presenting a united, positive image of Edo State internationally.
He recognized that diaspora members confront a variety of difficulties, especially those related to mental health that irregular migrants face after enduring hazardous and stressful travel.
The statement says, “The government of Governor Okpebholo is committed to offering both financial and humanitarian support that upholds the worth of every Edo life.” With this strategy, the diaspora is no longer only seen as a source of remittances; rather, they are now acknowledged as important stakeholders whose welfare is critical to the state’s overall development.
Additionally, the administration aims to unleash the enormous economic potential that is present in diaspora remittances, which have long been an essential source of support for Edo households and the state economy.
According to recent statistics, Edo State alone sends in an astounding $7 billion a year, which makes up about one-third of all remittances from Nigeria’s diaspora.
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This is why the government of Governor Okpebholo is dedicated to formalizing these money flows through creative means that promote safety, openness, and preparedness for investment.
Through responsive governance, security reforms, and strong infrastructure development, the state hopes to transform informal personal remittances into strategic investments that will support long-term economic transformation in a variety of sectors.
The administration is also committed to changing and promoting Edo State’s story internationally. Throughout the diaspora, Edo people are nevertheless very successful in a variety of sectors, making substantial contributions to their host communities while staying deeply rooted in their heritage.
Utilizing already-existing Edo associations and global networks of educated graduates, the government’s strategy include designating enthusiastic persons as official liaisons who keep an open line of communication with the agency in both directions.
“A state-of-the-art internet site has been developed to support these initiatives, allowing Edo indigenous people to register and obtain unique identifiers that verify their community membership. This platform strengthens a sense of community and promotes increased economic engagement by increasing the exposure of diaspora businesses and opening up exclusive incentives like money transfer refunds and possible tax cuts for returning residents.
The policy places a strong focus on community-driven development, in which local Edo communities determine what their most pressing needs are and then rally the diaspora to support those projects. This strategy would promote a cooperative development paradigm that will dissolve geographical barriers and bring the Edo people together around a common goal.
The administration also uses a thorough, research-based approach to address the serious problem of irregular migration. Understanding that exploitation and false information are frequently at the heart of migration issues, the organization, led by Dr. Loretta Ogboro-Oko, intends to collaborate with broadcast media organizations to create the “Echoes from the Diaspora” series.
