22-04-2020
With boundless gratitude for the confidence placed in me by His Excellency Engineer Seyi Makinde, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, and with an unswerving resolve to honour that trust, my appointment as the Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora is a call to serve the people of Oyo State under his leadership. I give thanks to Almighty God for this opportunity.
My deep respect and appreciation go to all leaders, executives and members of the Oyo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for your strong support.
Diaspora is a product of Emigration. Emigration is an aspect of our life especially here in Nigeria and Oyo State is no different. Migrants’ contribution to development in both host countries and countries of origin is germaine. Migrants bring new and sometimes scarce skills, innovative ideas and energy to host countries, which often are challenged by demographic or labour market problems. Migrants contribute positively to the social security systems of these countries. Migrants continue to support their countries of origin not only through remittances, but also by exporting back new democratic and economic ideas, knowledge, models and by creating new trade channels and markets.
Every year, thousands of our people leave Oyo State for other climes for various reasons such as education, work, etc. The result is that we have a significant global diaspora. Our pool of people have vast resources, connections, expertise and experiences that this administration under His Excellency, Engineer Seyi Makinde will tap into.
Our diaspora, like some others, have an emotional connection with their homeland that has driven them to keep contact with their country.
Nigeria today, is one of the leading countries in the world in terms of diaspora supports and remittances. Every year, Nigerians abroad send back the equivalent of about $20 billion home, almost equivalent of our National budget. Even as Foreign Investments have ebbed over the years, this remittance continue to flow and a proportion of this flow comes to Oyo State.
Cconsidering that Nigeria has one of the most resilient, hardworking, intelligent and resourceful people in the Diaspora, in every field of human endeavour, it would be very tragic if we fail to tap this immense potential. That is why I commend our Executive Governor for his foresight and by God’s Grace, we will work closely to deliver.
The former President of the United States Barrack Obama said Nigerians are the most educated immigrants in the United States. This fact is backed by research from Rice University Texas as well as Migrations Policy Institute, USA.
His Excellency, Engineer Seyi Makinde acknowledges the immense potential and benefits in harnessing and utilizing Oyo diasporans to drive development to our state. His Excellency recognises that the diaspora community is an important asset to the Oyo State Government. I am committed and honoured to assist our governor to achieve this goal so help me God.
Signed
Bolanle Sarumi Aliyu
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Diaspora
