Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) has started moves to contribute to nation-building through interventions in critical areas of the country’s development.

The group, which held its yearly general meeting and world conference in Atlanta, GA, U.S., last week, said it would seek ways to “deepen and expand unity, comradeship, and commitment among all Nigerians and concomitant organisations in the diaspora to mobilise support and cooperation for transformational nation building and development.”

In a communiqué signed by the Chairman, NIDOA Board of Trustees, Dr. Ezekiel Macham, after the conference, which has the theme: “A Unified NIDOA for Transformational Impact on Nation Building,” the group examined its past, present and future in relation to Nigeria and appointed an outreach committee to negotiate the terms for the integration of its chapters that are yet to join the unified boards.

It also resolved to continue to collaborate with NIDO worldwide and other stakeholders on shared interests such as diaspora voting rights and the mobilisation of talent and resources to help create a knowledge-based economy in Nigeria.

It also seeks to “vigorously pursue the expansion of NIDO Americas to all countries of the American Continents.

During the business meeting of the AGM, the group amended its bylaws to remove some areas of potential conflict between the national and continental bodies, strengthen election procedures, and streamline chapter creation guidelines.

One of the keynote speakers at the yearly meeting was former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Joe Keshi, who underscored the need for NIDOA to prioritise intervention initiatives that focus on the education, health and ICT sectors in Nigeria.