Edo: Okpebholo’s Administration Backs Diaspora, Sets $7 Billion Remittance Goal

Through the Edo State Diaspora Agency, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has announced plans to empower and engage the state’s worldwide diaspora through a revolutionary and creative policy framework.
The governor said in a statement issued by his chief press secretary, Fred Itua, that the program demonstrates his administration’s dedication to fortifying ties with Edo indigenous people around the world by putting their welfare first, maximizing diaspora remittances for planned economic growth, and presenting a positive, cohesive image of Edo State internationally.

He recognized the complex issues that diaspora members experience, especially the mental health issues that irregular migrants who have traveled through hazardous and traumatic situations face.

“Governor Okpebholo’s administration is committed to offering not only financial support but also humanitarian aid that upholds the worth of every Edo life,” the statement said. This strategy marks a significant change from considering the diaspora as merely remittance sources to acknowledging them as important stakeholders whose welfare is critical to the overall development of the state.

Read Also: Nigerian Health Worker Jailed in UK for Kissing Care Home Resident

Additionally, as diaspora remittances have long been an essential lifeline for Edo households and the state economy, the administration aims to unleash the enormous economic potential that lies within them.

Nearly one-third of Nigeria’s total diaspora remittances come from Edo State alone, which contributes an astounding $7 billion a year, according to recent figures.

Governor Okpebholo’s administration is dedicated to formalizing these financial flows through creative means that promote security, openness, and investment preparedness in light of this.

The state hopes to transform informal personal remittances into strategic investments that will support long-term economic transformation across sectors by establishing a safer and more enabling environment through responsive governance, security reforms, and strong infrastructure development.

Simultaneously, the administration is committed to changing and enhancing Edo State’s image internationally. Edo people continue to thrive in a variety of sectors throughout the diaspora, making substantial contributions to their host communities while staying deeply rooted in their heritage.

“The government’s strategy include utilizing the Edo associations and educational alumni networks that are already in place around the world, enabling enthusiastic individuals to serve as official liaisons who keep an open line of communication with the agency in both directions.

The creation of a state-of-the-art online portal, which allows Edo indigenous people to register and obtain unique identifiers that verify their community membership, complements these initiatives. In addition to increasing the visibility of diaspora businesses, this platform opens up exclusive benefits including money transfer refunds and possible tax exemptions for returning citizens, strengthening ties to the community and promoting increased economic engagement.

The emphasis on community-driven development, in which local Edo communities determine their most pressing needs and the diaspora is mobilized to support specific projects, is a key component of the policy. This strategy would promote a cooperative development paradigm that will unite Edo people in a common goal and transcend regional boundaries.

Additionally, the administration employs a thorough, research-based approach to address the pressing problem of irregular migration. The organization, led by Dr. Loretta Ogboro-Oko, intends to collaborate with broadcast media sources to create the “Echoes from the Diaspora” series in recognition of the fact that migration issues are frequently caused by exploitation and false information.