Abuja: The Unveiling and Rebranding Nigeria Initiative (URNI) has announced a partnership with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) to engage the approximately 17 million Nigerians living overseas. This collaboration seeks to enhance the country's image and support national development.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, URNI Chairman, Board of Trustees, Brig.-Gen. Buba Shajiaba (Rtd.), highlighted in a statement that the initiative is focused on reshaping perceptions of Nigeria through methods such as cultural diplomacy, youth involvement, and mobilization of the diaspora. The organization has extended its global reach by partnering with diaspora-based groups such as the Friends of Nigeria in Europe (FON), co-led by Mr. John Okoro in France. These collaborations have reportedly strengthened cultural exchanges and leveraged diaspora resources for Nigeria's developmental causes.
Shajiaba praised NIDCOM Chairman, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, for her leadership in advocating for the welfare and empowerment of Nigerians abroad. He commended the Commission's efforts in areas such as diaspora investment, advocacy, and policy development, which align with URNI's vision of promoting a Nigeria that earns global respect. The statement also announced the release of URNI's first publication, "Faces of Patriotism," which honors exemplary Nigerians, and the unveiling of its strategic plan for national rebranding.
The statement quoted NIDCOM Secretary, Dr. Sule Bassi, emphasizing the vast potential of Nigeria's diaspora community in areas like investment, innovation, and diplomacy. Bassi encouraged URNI to synchronize its programs with NIDCOM's flagship initiatives to enhance collaboration, describing the partnership as a transformative step towards building international confidence in Nigeria.
Both organizations reaffirmed their dedication to highlighting Nigeria's strengths and talents on the global stage. The statement noted that since its inception in 2007, URNI has positioned itself as a grassroots promoter of national pride and asserted that the collaboration with NIDCOM would help unite Nigerians worldwide to contribute significantly to the national rebranding effort.