By Tajudeen Kareem
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has launched what is the most ambitious diaspora engagement strategy by any Nigerian state, unveiling a transformative policy framework designed to tap into the remarkable $7 billion in annual remittances contributed by Edo indigenes worldwide.
The groundbreaking initiative, unveiled by Dr. Loretta Ogboro-Okor, Director-General of the Edo State Diaspora Agency, represents a change in thinking from viewing diaspora communities merely as remittance sources to recognizing them as vital partners in sustainable development.
Recent data indicates that Edo State contributes an estimated 31% of Nigeria’s total diaspora remittances, positioning it as the single largest contributor to the country’s $24 billion diaspora economy. This remarkable achievement underscores the global reach and economic impact of Edo people across continents.
“By 2024, remittances had risen to $24 billion, and Edo’s share is projected at $7 billion. That is a remarkable 31% of Nigeria’s total diaspora remittances,” explained Dr. Ogboro-Okor during recent outreach programs in Italy, highlighting the state’s dominant position in Nigeria’s diaspora economy.
Strategic Framework
The core strategic objectives that form the foundation of the new diaspora policy are:
Universal Inclusion Initiative
“No Edo indigene will be left behind,” declared Governor Okpebholo, emphasizing that every Edo person matters regardless of their global location. This comprehensive inclusion approach moves beyond traditional transactional relationships to establish genuine partnerships with diaspora communities.
Economic Revitalization Through Strategic Investment
The governor has declared Edo State “open for investment,” specifically calling on the international community and Edo diaspora to return and contribute to building a prosperous future. The administration aims to transform informal personal remittances into strategic investments through innovative financial mechanisms ensuring security, transparency, and investment readiness.
Cultural Renaissance and Narrative Control
A cornerstone of the strategy involves promoting Edo State’s unique cultural identity globally. “The stories of Edo will be told by its people, boldly and with pride,” Governor Okpebholo asserted, aiming to challenge outdated stereotypes and uphold cultural dignity on the international stage.
Digital Innovation: Innovative Integration Platform
The administration is developing a state-of-the-art online portal where Edo indigenes worldwide can register and receive unique community identifiers. This platform offers diaspora members access to special incentives including money transfer rebates, potential tax breaks for returning residents, and enhanced business visibility within the global Edo network.
“This platform not only enhances diaspora business visibility but also unlocks special incentives such as money transfer rebates and potential tax breaks for returning residents,” the policy document states, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to creating tangible benefits for diaspora engagement.
Addressing Migration Challenges Head-On
Under Dr. Ogboro-Okor’s leadership, the agency plans to tackle irregular migration through innovative programs including the “Echoes from the Diaspora” series in partnership with broadcast media outlets. This comprehensive approach includes but not limited to educational outreach to universities and secondary schools, evidence-based strategies to dispel migration myths, protection programs for vulnerable youth and mental health support for irregular migrants who have endured traumatic journeys.
International Recognition and Leadership Excellence
The policy’s impact has already garnered international attention, with Dr. Ogboro-Okor receiving the Woman of Excellence Award at the 2025 Africa Day Awards International in London. This recognition highlights the global significance of Edo State’s diaspora engagement strategy.
Indeed, Dr. Ogboro-Okor brings exceptional credentials to her role as the agency’s pioneer Director-General. The UK-trained consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist brings experience and compassion to her new role. She holds a master’s degree in public health from the University of Edinburgh and has served as President of the University of Benin Alumni Association, UK. She is also a healthcare policy advocate and a Member of Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
European Outreach Success Stories
The agency has already begun implementing its global engagement strategy through successful outreach programs across Europe. Recent harmonization and awareness campaigns in Rome, Verona, and Naples have demonstrated the administration’s commitment to direct diaspora engagement.
“Dr. Ogboro-Okor and her team met with local Edo community members to build momentum from Rome, share the agency’s vision, and establish sustainable partnerships,” according to reports from the Italian outreach missions.
These European initiatives have specifically praised Edo citizens in Italy for their consistent financial contributions, which not only bolster the state’s economy but also support community development projects across Edo State.
A central feature of the new policy emphasizes community-driven development, where local Edo communities identify their most urgent needs, and diaspora members are mobilized to support targeted projects. This collaborative model bridges geographic divides and unites Edo people in shared purpose.
The framework adopted by the agency creates pathways for formal diaspora investment channels, business development support, economic partnership opportunities, sustainable development financing, healthcare initiatives and educational support and Infrastructure development projects.
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Welfare and Mental Health Priority
Recognizing the multifaceted challenges facing diaspora members, particularly irregular migrants, the Okpebholo administration is determined to provide economic support mechanisms, mental health assistance, compassionate care affirming the value of every Edo life and specialized support for those who have endured dangerous and traumatic migration journeys.
“Governor Okpebholo’s government is determined to provide not only economic support but also compassionate assistance that affirms the value of every Edo life,” the policy framework emphasizes.
Long-Term Vision: A Legacy Framework
Governor Okpebholo’s vision extends beyond current political boundaries. Dr. Ogboro-Okor describes the initiative as “a work in progress that will outlive our children’s children.” This sustainable approach aims to establish the diaspora agency as a permanent pillar of Edo’s growth trajectory.
“Governor Okpebholo’s vision for the Edo State Diaspora Agency is not merely an administrative initiative but a transformative movement designed to reposition diaspora remittances from fragmented, informal support into a well-structured investment engine that drives Edo’s socio-economic development,” said Dr. Ogboro-Okor.
Investment and Partnership Opportunities
The administration has created multiple avenues for diaspora investment and partnership namely a Unique identifier system for community validation, Business incentives and investment opportunities, Money transfer rebate programs, Potential tax advantages for returning residents, Enhanced visibility for diaspora businesses and Access to government partnership programs.
Setting the Standard for Nigeria
Edo State’s comprehensive diaspora strategy positions it as a pioneer in systematic diaspora engagement for sustainable development. The initiative’s success could serve as a model for other Nigerian states seeking to harness their diaspora potential for economic transformation.
The Edo State Government has opened its doors to all Edo indigenes worldwide to actively engage with this historic initiative and partner in the shared mission to build a prosperous, secure, and globally respected Edo State.
With purposeful leadership from Governor Okpebholo, supported by comprehensive policies and the mobilization of diaspora goodwill, Edo State’s economy is poised for an unprecedented upward trajectory fuelled by homegrown innovation and global collaboration.
The policy framework demonstrates Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to inclusive governance and strategic economic planning, with the potential to transform Edo State into a global hub for diaspora-driven development and cultural renaissance.
Kareem is a public policy analyst.
