NPN’s Washington Summit: Diaspora unites for Nigeria’s sustainable future

In a significant collaborative effort, the Nigerian Professionals Network (NPN), in partnership with The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund Nigerian Community, orchestrated a momentous event in Washington, DC, on the 14th of December 2023. The event, themed “Nurturing Nigeria’s Future: Integrating Health and Enterprise Development for Sustainable Growth,” transcended conventional gatherings, serving as a resounding call to the Nigerian diaspora to assume a central role in moulding the nation’s healthcare policies and micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) development.

The heart of the discussions was a convergence of Nigerian professionals from diverse sectors, all propelled by a collective vision of leveraging diaspora resources and expertise for Nigeria’s sustainable advancement. The primary focus revolved around translating this vision into actionable recommendations, aiming to effect tangible impacts in healthcare and MSMEs development within the country.

The discourse on healthcare revealed the imperative of robust primary healthcare systems as the bedrock of a prosperous Nigerian society. Participants delved into the vast potential of diaspora networks, envisioning contributions through knowledge transfer, innovative health solutions, and strategic partnerships. The dialogue extended beyond addressing immediate health disparities, emphasising the construction of sustainable systems anchored in global best practices and resources.

Similarly, discussions centred on the indispensable role of the Nigerian diaspora in propelling the growth and innovation of MSMEs. Strategies were deliberated upon, exploring avenues to link Nigerian SMEs with international markets, secure capital, and navigate the complexities of global business ecosystems. The collective aspiration was to unlock the immense potential of Nigerian MSMEs by connecting them with the wealth of experience and resources within the diaspora community.

The event’s esteemed speakers comprised luminaries such as Ms. Zainab Ahmed of The World Bank, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, Nigeria’s Minister of Trade and Investment (represented by Special Adviser, Edirin Akemu), Dr. Ed Olowo-Okere, Adenike Oyeyiola, and other notable experts. Thought leaders including Dr. Adanna Chukwuma, Patterson C. Ekeocha, Chuku Chuku, Witney Schneidman, President of Schneidman & Associates International, Olumide Okunola, Dr. Mohiuddin Khan of IOM Nigeria, UN Migration, and Chisom Okechukwu of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, enriched the dialogue, facilitating a holistic comprehension of pertinent issues around healthcare and MSMEs development.

The event, expertly anchored by Emana Shunnom and convened by the Nigerian Professionals Network under the leadership of Olumide Lawal, underscored the synergized endeavors of NPN and the Nigerian Community at the WBG & IMF.

A celebratory gala at the Èkó House in Rockville, Maryland, marked the conclusion of a year celebrating the collective journey. The gala provided Nigerian professionals in the DMV area an opportunity to engage in cultural festivities, fostering community bonds in an evening replete with Nigerian cuisine, music, and dance.

This Nigerian Diaspora Professional’s event serves as the inception of an ongoing journey to actively engage the diaspora in shaping Nigeria’s future. These conversations transcend mere discussions; they signify a commitment to continuous collaboration and involvement. The vision is of a unified path forward, where every Nigerian professional, whether at home or abroad, plays a pivotal role in determining the nation’s destiny.

The Nigerian Professionals Network (NPN), Diaspora, is a collaborative space for Nigerians across various professional fields. Actively engaged in projecting positive narratives about Nigeria, fostering social integration, and harnessing Nigerians’ intellectual and business acumen, the NPN aims to strengthen their domestic and international impact. The NPN serves as a platform for Nigerian professionals to network, forge strategic partnerships, discuss current development issues, contribute to local communities, and access tools and resources to enhance their specific practices.