Alhaji Moshood Wasiu Abiola is the Country Director for Nigeria-Diaspora for Asiwaju (NDA), in this interview with WALE OLAPADE, he speaks on how the NDA is mobilising diaspora support for President Bola Tinubu’s economic and development agenda, to better the lives of Nigerians.
What is the drive of NDA?
We are driven by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s passion for greater Nigeria. And, in our own ways, working assiduously through diaspora collaboration to see that we mobilise all and sundry to contribute meaningfully to the economic revolution his government will bring to the good people of Nigeria.
When was it created and what has been the success story so far?
Nigerian Diaspora for Asiwaju was founded in the UK in 2021, solely to galvanise support for the presidential aspiration of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and as God will crown our effort and that of the good governance promoters, he won the presidential seat. So going forward, we are strongly behind him to see that all hands are on deck to actualise the economic and developmental plans he has, to take Nigeria to the desired destination we all yearn for.
Diaspora contribution to the Nigeria economy is massive, do you think the FG recognises it?
The contribution is actually huge and from a 2022 output, it was reported that the total personal diaspora remittances amounted to $20.13 billion that year. We are partially recognised, but we believe Federal Government can do more.
In what ways is the NDA rallying diaspora support to invest in Nigeria economy?
We are speaking with our members to consider coming home to invest in the economy. Nigeria is the place to be. Most Nigerians are doing well abroad and if we are contributing handsomely to other people’s countries, why can’t we invest effort back home. So we are strategically mobilising Nigerians oversea to come home and invest.
In recent times, what is your build-up awareness plan for better governance in Nigeria?
Our awareness plan is to organise programmes and events that will highlight this government positively. This is the reason we are organising 10km Walk-A-Thon. Besides that, we will be doing press conferences, symposium and talk clinic on economic agenda to boost growth and development and many more.
What is the membership strength of NDA?
Now, we have more than 50,000 membership spread across 36 states, including FCT Abuja.
In terms of policy, what will be the three things you will want President Tinubu to focus on to better the life of the citizenry?
We want Mr President to look at implementing sustainable economy with policies that are people-driven and engaging, fix security to attract foreign investment as well as build agricultural innovations to boost productivity and food security.
What are your opinions on the dollar exchange rate to the naira?
It will stabilise. The last CBN administration mismanaged the forex. Once our economy improves, exchange rates will stabilise.
How do you think it can be controlled to cushion the effect it has on the economy of Nigeria?
The 45 banned items that were recently unbanned is a good step in this direction. We expect more of that from the government.
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