The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) says the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) under the Chairmanship of Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa is at the forefront of Nigerian Diaspora engagements globally.
Mr Frantz Celestin, the out-going Chief of Mission for IOM, said this in a statement by Mr Gabriel Odu, Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit of NiDCOM in Abuja.
According to Odu, Celestin said this when NIDCOM’s Management paid solidarity visit led by the Secretary to the Commission, Dr Sule Bassi, who represented the chairman Dabiri-Erewa.
“Nigeria is a worthy country having the best of the best African Diaspora globally, adding that Nigerian immigrants in the United States alone have more PhD degree holders than anywhere else.
“IOM is committed to pushing this frontally and encouraging them coming back home to push development,” Celestin said.
The IOM chief believed that after good years in Nigeria, he was ably qualified to tell the Nigerian story of strength and resilience in achieving target goals.
Earlier, Bassi commended the IOM chief for his exemplary leadership in helping NiDCOM take-off immediately after its establishment with the publication of the National Diaspora Policy.
He added that it made Nigeria, the first to engage its Diaspora, training of foundation staff and honouring all NiDCOM activities and engagements.
He also said that the IOM Chief had helped made NiDCOM a reference Agency at continental and global levels with countries like Ethiopia, Tanzania, Namibia and Turkey, embarking on study tour of NIDCOM as a model.
Reports that the IOM chief will be leaving Nigeria to Somalia after spending six years for further assignments.