…Jiform, Others Laud Oyo Govt on foreign investment drive, Diaspora Matters
Oyo State Government has said it is committed to tapping into foreign investments, calling on its indigenes to come home and set up investments.
The Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Bolanle Sarumi-Aliu said this, pledging that the State government will also intensify efforts to reconnect and resettle trafficked girls from the State.
This was said on April 20, 2021 in Ibadan during a summit to mark the one year anniversary of the office of Senior Special Assistant to Oyo State on Diaspora matters.
The Chief of Staff to Governor Makinde, Chief Bisi Ilaka, affirmed that the State Government has executed due diligence and its ready to accommodate businesses in the State.
According to him, Oyo State has a pool of veritable talents outside the shores of Nigeria. He therefore called on them to join the State by investing in various sectors of the economy.
He commended the SSA on Diaspora Affairs, Mrs. Bolanle Sarumi-Aliu, describing her office as fit for the current challenges in the State.
Recounting the many successes of her office in the last one year, the host, SSA on Diaspora Affiars, Hon. Bolanle Sarumi-Aliu said the state government successfully repatriated over 100 victims of human trafficking.
The State government, she noted, has done a comprehensive needs assessment session with the returnees, who have received financial supports and empowerments from the State Government and different NGOs.
Meanwhile, the Journalists International Forum For Migration (JIFORM) and other relevant stakeholders have applauded Oyo state government over its committment to championing migration matters and promotion of diaspora investments.
The President of JIFORM, Ajibola Abayomi who was highly elated noted that the rate at which Oyo state was encouraging regular migration and diaspora investment is worthy of emulation by other states.
Speaking during the event, Ajibola Abayomi commended Governor Seyi Makinde’s giant strides to exposing the State’s economy to the benefits inherent in regular migration.
“I must commend oyo state government for taking the lead, opening the door to migrants and making the environment conducive for diasporans”, he said.
He also saluted Hon. Bolanle Sarumi Aliyu, the Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora Matters to Oyo State governor, describing her as worthy appointee, whose role in the Diaspora sector is unmatched.
He called on governments across the nation to show empathy for migrants and work with National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, (NAPTIP) in curbing irregular migration of Nigerians.
Speaking earlier, the Minister for Foreign affiars, Geoffrey Onyeama congratulated Oyo State for taking such initiative, which is assisting the federal government’s implementation of foreign policies.
Represented by the Ministry’s Director, Consular and Legal Matters, Amb Bolaji Akinremi, the Minister pledged its readiness to work with State Governments to boost economic investments in the nation.
The Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Disapora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri Erewa, said the Diaspora Commission is set to key into the Oyo State agenda for diasporans.
Speaking through the Commission’s Chief Diasporan Officer and Head of Commission, Lagos, she noted that the Diaspora focal officer in Oyo State, Hon. Bolanle Sarumi-Aliu has been a star in the diaspora community in Nigeria.
She described Bolanle Sarumi-Aliu as someone who has genuine empathy for diasporans, adding that she has worked with NIDCOM in bringing succour to many diasporans from Oyo State.