Diaspora voting is in good hands
Abuja, Nigeria – In a stirring address at the Nigerian Diaspora Day 2024, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, represented the Speaker and delivered a powerful message to Nigerians living abroad. Kalu, who himself has roots in the diaspora, having lived in Australia, shared his personal journey of returning home to contribute to nation-building.
Kalu emphasized the importance of the diaspora in Nigeria's development, stating,
"Though I contributed from abroad, I realized that I had to return home and lay my life as a brick in the process of nation building."
He encouraged other Nigerians in the diaspora to consider returning home to play their part in the country's progress.
One of the key highlights of his speech was the announcement that diaspora voting could soon become a reality. Kalu revealed that a bill to enable diaspora voting was recently sponsored and assured the audience that he would do everything in his power to see it come to life.
"Diaspora voting is in good hands,"
he said, noting his role as the Chairman of the House Committee on the Review of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution. He stressed that it was a constitutional issue and pledged to push for its passage.
Kalu's speech was a call to patriotism, urging Nigerians abroad to remain connected to their homeland and contribute to its development. "Our nation needs your skills, your investments, and your commitment," he said. "Together, we can build a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria."
The event, organized by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), was themed "Japa Phenomena and Its Implication for National Development" and highlighted the significant contributions of the diaspora to Nigeria's economy and society. The proposed diaspora voting bill aims to grant over 20 million Nigerians living overseas the right to vote, recognizing their substantial impact through remittances and investments.
As the Deputy Speaker concluded his address, he left the audience with a message of hope and determination. "It's time for this vision to become a mission," he said. "We need to ensure that Nigerians abroad are not only contributing economically but also have their rights protected, including the right to vote."
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