Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has awarded International business development expert, Abiodun Dominic Odunuga, with the National Diaspora Merit Award (NDMA) in recognition of his contributions to entrepreneurship, education, technology and efforts to strengthen economic, institutional and investment ties between Nigeria and Europe.
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‎The award was presented at the NDMA ceremony held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, attracted more than 700 guests, including government officials, diplomats, development partners, business executives and members of the Nigerian diaspora from across the world. The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was represented by the Wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, while NiDCOM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, hosted the ceremony.
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‎Other dignitaries at the event included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye; Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako; Chairman of the House Committee on Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Tochukwu Okere; while Chairman of Channels Media Group, Dr. John Momoh, delivered the keynote address.
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‎For more than two decades, Odunuga has worked to foster partnerships between governments, investors, entrepreneurs and development institutions across Africa and Europe. As Chief Executive Officer of Bridge and Value and Co-Founder of Friends of Nigeria Europe, he has supported cross-border market expansion, promoted investment opportunities and strengthened engagement between Nigerians in the diaspora and their home country through strategic collaboration and knowledge exchange.
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‎Speaking after receiving the award, Odunuga described the recognition as a reminder that success should be measured by the impact people make rather than where they live. He reaffirmed his commitment to building partnerships that create opportunities for Nigerian entrepreneurs, expand access to education for young people and position Nigeria as a trusted global economic partner. According to him, Nigeria’s vast human capital and potential can be unlocked through stronger international collaboration, investment and innovation to drive sustainable economic growth.
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‎The National Diaspora Merit Award was established under Paragraph 2.3.4 of the National Diaspora Policy, approved by the Federal Executive Council in April 2021, to recognise Nigerians in the diaspora and international partners whose work has significantly advanced Nigeria’s development and global reputation.