In a bid to enhance diplomatic ties and strengthen the synergy of bilateral relations for the nations involved to enjoy mutual benefits of productivity and peaceful co-existence, the Nigeria Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has taken its fruitful mandate of progressive excellence to another level of integration and socio-economic growth, as state governments have begun to embrace the diplomatic culture of development and national growth.
This development took place recently following the establishment of a full-fledged Diaspora Agency in Lagos State by the Lagos State Governor, His Excellency Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu in collaboration with the Nigeria Diaspora Commission under the leadership of Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa who is the chairman and CEO.
The new Diaspora Agency in Lagos will be headed by Jermaine Sanwo-Olu, who is also a member of the Association of Certified Protocol Practitioners in Nigeria.
Reacting to this laudable achievement, President of Association of Certified Protocol Practitioners in Nigeria (ACPPN), Hon. President Michael Ikinbor, in an official statement issued by the ACPPN’s Public Relations officer, Olatutu Oladunni, commended Nigeria Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) boss, Hon. Dabiri-Erewa and the Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, for the impressive move, described the development as a recognition of the vital role that ACPPN has played towards the development of nation’s economy, especially in Lagos, which is the economic and commercial nerve center of the nation.
Michael Ikinbor described the development as a kind consideration of inclusivity and another spectacular level of progress for national economy value and of course an excellent success of economic dynamism for Lagos State being the economic hub of our dear nation, Nigeria, West Africa and one of the top five in Africa.
Michael Ikinbor stated that it is important for the federal government to continue to maintain a smoother working relationship with Lagos State being the state that holds the highest economic value with a massive annual IGR being generated.
He said the establishment of the Diaspora Agency will give a wider opportunity for Lagos state to focus more on the good interest of Lagosians and her indigenes in diaspora, which will strengthen diplomatic engagements that will promote global recognition for Nigerians and for the country.
The President of ACPPN therefore congratulates Governor Sanwo-Olu for this distinct achievement terming it as a significant contributor to corporate advancement that will boost better relationships and fast-track development in the state with its Diasporans.
Ikinbor urges the Governor to work closely with every stakeholder in the diplomatic spheres where Protocol and Diplomacy take centre stage.
“Working with certified protocol practitioners will definitely take the state government further to a better global growth of integration and incorporation regardless of the atmospheric conditions,” he said. .
He, therefore, uses the medium to congratulate the state governments that have taken the beautiful step of establishing the Diaspora Agency as he assures them of the Association’s support and a fruitful working relationship with them.
He appeals to state governments to encourage their Protocol Officers to join ACPPN for effective professionalism and certification and global recognition as the Association is made up of certified protocol/diplomatic officers across Africa and beyond.
