To: Chairman (NIDOA, NIDOE, NIDO Asia, NIDO Africa), President/Chairmen, Nigerian Organisations in the Diaspora, All Nigerian in the Diaspora. RECOGNIZING AND CELEBRATING THE NIGERIAN DIASPORA On July 25, Nigeria would for the first time mark the Nigerian Diaspora Day. 2. It is a Day declared to draw attention to Nigerians in the Diaspora as stakeholders in the Nigerian Project, recognize their contributions to national development and celebrate their individual and collective success. The Diaspora Day would be marked with a number of activities, including the 2nd Science conference, other parallel workshops (including one on project collaboration and execution) and some other events of interest to the Nigerians in the Diaspora. 3). In addition, it is also expected that election into the executive committee of the organisation would be conducted during the meeting. Against this background, I am to appeal to you to endeavour to attend the meeting, as other matters of national importance will be discussed. A programme of events for the occasion is also attached herewith for your guidance. 3. The Nigerian Diaspora Day is part of the efforts of the government to mobilize and encourage the participation of the Nigerian Diaspora in Nigeria's development process thereby providing the Nigerian Diaspora ample opportunities to contribute to the transformation of Nigeria into a modern industrialized nation. Significantly, some progress is being made in this direction. 4. Apart from the remittances, a number of Nigerians in the Diaspora are now involved in small and large investments in the country, which in themselves are bound to impact positively on the society. Some are involved in capacity building and a large number continue to carry out humanitarian missions to Nigeria to provide much needed medical relief, especially to people in the rural areas. In the last two - three years for example, more than 30 medical missions have been undertaken to Nigeria, especially from America. 5. The above notwithstanding, for the Nigerian Diaspora to be able to play the role of a catalyst in the transformation of Nigeria and an effective partner as envisaged by government, there is the need for the involvement of a critical mass of professionals from the Diaspora. Nigerians must recognize that they and no body else, will develop the country and this can be accomplished through the joint establishment of businesses, industries and building the appropriate capacities including leadership. Even more important is that efforts must be made to identify, recognize and celebrate the contributions of those who are already engaged in one-development efforts or the other 6. This is what we seek to do, beginning from this year, first to compile an annul compendium of activities including investments of Nigerians in the Diaspora in Nigeria. Secondly, to institute the Presidential Nigerian Diaspora Award. While the compendium is to highlight the growing contributions of Nigerians in the Diaspora and illustrate their increasing participation in the affairs of Nigeria, the Presidential Award is to accord due recognition to the immense contributions being made by Nigerians abroad to the soco-economic development of Nigeria. 7. To help us accomplish our objectives, we wish to solicit the help of all Nigerians in the Diaspora in particular Nigerian organizations, (professionals, national, state, ethnic and cultural organizations) to: On the Compendum Send us a write-up on your organization indicating: (a) name of organization (b) activities especially in Nigeria, its location, focus, impact and cost. (c ) whether completed or on-going. (d) any other information, activities or programme that would better explain the project. Presidential Awards identify, nominate and recommend Nigerians in the Diaspora, organizations/associations whose projects, programme and activities particularly in Nigeria are worthy of recognition. 8. The write-ups and nominations should reach the office of the Coordinator, NNVS, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on or before 30 June 2006 and could be sent by e-mail to joekeshi@nnvs-ng.org. Joe Keshi Coordinator (NNVS) Chairman, Local Organizing Committee