Dabiri-Erewa urges unity, global cooperation at first muslim diaspora forum in Ankara

Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa has called for greater unity, coordinated action, and stronger international cooperation among Muslim diaspora communities to address shared challenges and harness their contributions to national and global development.

Dabiri-Erewa made the call while representing Nigeria at the First Muslim Diaspora Forum in Ankara, Türkiye, held under the theme “From Roots to Routes,” with ministers, heads of delegations, policymakers, and representatives from more than 47 countries in attendance.

The forum was declared open by the Vice President of the Republic of Türkiye, Cevdet Yılmaz, who urged participants to promote fairness, transparency, inclusion, and stronger cooperation in addressing issues affecting diaspora communities.

In her presentation, entitled “Unity in the Diaspora: Current Needs, Common Solutions,” Dabiri-Erewa stressed that effective diaspora engagement must go beyond remittances to include knowledge and skills transfer, investment, innovation, humanitarian intervention, cultural exchange, and stronger links with countries of origin.

She identified public communication, humanitarian initiatives, and joint action against discrimination and hate speech as key areas requiring greater collaboration among Muslim diaspora communities and institutions.

Highlighting NiDCOM’s efforts, Dabiri-Erewa noted the commission’s work in providing accurate information to Nigerians abroad, promoting positive narratives, countering misinformation, and supporting Nigerians affected by crises and vulnerable migrants.

She emphasized that migration should not sever the connection between citizens and their countries of origin, stressing the need to create opportunities for the diaspora to continue contributing to national development.

On the sidelines of the forum, Dabiri-Erewa met with Fuad Muradov, Chairman of the State Committee on Diaspora Affairs of Azerbaijan; Sayed Ahmed, head of Sudan’s diaspora organization; and Zahra Zumrut, Director-General of SESRIC.

The meetings focused on exchanging experiences, strengthening relationships, and exploring areas of cooperation in diaspora affairs and development.

The NiDCOM Chairman also held a bilateral meeting with Ahmet Alemdar, Vice President of Türkiye’s Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB). Discussions emphasized the existing Memorandum of Understanding between NiDCOM and YTB, with both sides underscoring the importance of translating the agreement into concrete and impactful programs, particularly in knowledge exchange, youth development, and bilateral cooperation.

The official communique, which stressed the need to sustain the theme and gains of the summit, was presented by program liaison Ali Fahad, a Turkish-Nigerian.