The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has honoured Canada-based Nigerian trade and investment expert, Kenneth Oguzie, with theNational Diaspora Merit Award in recognition of his contributions to leadership development, diaspora engagement and Nigeria’s national development.

 

Oguzie received the award at the 4th National Diaspora Merit Awards held at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja, where NiDCOM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, commended his sustained efforts in promoting leadership excellence and strengthening links between Nigeria and its global diaspora community.

 

Presenting the award, Dabiri-Erewa described Oguzie as an exemplary ambassador of Nigeria whose commitment to leadership development and nation-building has positively projected the country’s image abroad.

 

She noted that the honour recognises his “selfless service and contributions as a Nigerian in the diaspora in the field of leadership development” and acknowledges his “unflinching love and contributions to national development.”

 

Responding, Oguzie described the recognition as both an honour and a renewed call to service, saying it reinforces the responsibility of Nigerians abroad to deploy their knowledge, networks and expertise for the country’s advancement.

 

“This award is a great honour and a reminder that leadership is about service and impact. I’m grateful that my efforts in leadership development and building bridges between Nigeria and the diaspora have been recognised.

 

“It also motivates me to continue creating opportunities that contribute to Nigeria’s growth and development,” he said.

 

He also commended NiDCOM for deepening engagement with Nigerians living abroad, describing the Commission as a critical platform for recognising diaspora contributions while fostering partnerships that advance national development.

 

According to him, the Commission has significantly strengthened communication and collaboration between Nigeria and its diaspora community, creating wider opportunities for engagement, investment and knowledge exchange.

 

While acknowledging that challenges remain in areas such as policy implementation and investment facilitation, Oguzie said NiDCOM has recorded remarkable progress in narrowing the gap between Nigeria and its citizens overseas.

 

He described the National Diaspora Merit Awards as a timely initiative that highlights the strategic role of Nigerians abroad in national development and encourages greater participation in the country’s socio-economic transformation.

 

Oguzie, who is President and Founder of the Africa Canada Trade and Investment Venture (ACTIV), a Nova Scotia-based consultancy, maintained that sustainable trade and investment, rather than dependence on foreign aid, remain the most viable pathway to Africa’s long-term economic growth and prosperity.

 

Drawing from more than a decade of international experience across four continents and five countries, he has facilitated several cross-border trade and investment partnerships, earning recognition as one of the leading voices in Africa-Canada economic relations.

 

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Oguzie has distinguished himself through mentorship of internationally educated professionals, promotion of economic integration within the African diaspora in Canada, and advocacy for diversity, equity and inclusion.

 

He currently serves on several corporate and advisory boards in Canada and has received numerous honours, including recognition among the Top 10 Most Inspiring Immigrants in Atlantic Canada, the Most Distinguished Nigerian Award by the Nigerian Association in Nova Scotia, and recognition among the Top 25 Individuals in Canada Shaping Africa-Canada Trade.