Youth Ambassador, Idahosa Makes Case for State Diaspora Agencies

Ambassador Collins Idahosa, Governor of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), European Chapter, has called on Nigerian authorities to consider institutionalising diaspora agencies at state level across the nation.

Idahosa, who is also the Brand Ambassador for The Global Clusters, a networking platform for entrepreneurs and nation builders, emphasised that the importance of the agency for national development cannot be overstated.

In a statement to THECONSCIENCE NG on Wednesday ahead of his birthday on Thursday, the youth ambassador urged Nigerian states to take a bold and strategic step in that regard.

According to the birthday message and call to action titled “State Diaspora Agencies: A Missing Link in Nigeria’s Development Strategy,” while the federal government has made commendable efforts through the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), meaningful diaspora engagement must also be embraced at the state level.

“States must take ownership of engaging their own citizens abroad—those who maintain family ties, support community projects, and wish to be part of their state’s future.”

The statement noted that “in 2023 alone, remittances from Nigerians abroad exceeded $20 billion—a figure that surpasses foreign direct investment and official development assistance combined.

“These funds support millions of households, drive local businesses, finance education, build homes, and provide emergency relief. However, beyond remittances, the Nigerian diaspora contributes through skills transfer, investments, technology partnerships, and global advocacy. These contributions reflect a deep connection to home and an untapped resource for structured development.”

The Global Clusters Ambassador commended Edo and Kwara states, which he said “have taken deliberate steps to establish diaspora-focused agencies and offices.”

He remarked: “The Edo State Diaspora Agency, recently reinforced by the appointment of Dr. Loretta Oduware Ogboro-Okor as Director-General, stands as a commendable example of institutionalising diaspora engagement. Similarly, Kwara State’s Office of Diaspora Matters reflects a forward-looking vision by recognising the value of its global citizens.”

He also acknowledged states such as Abia, Ondo, Lagos, and Anambra for appointing Commissioners or Special Assistants for Diaspora Affairs.

He insisted that while these efforts are encouraging, they are insufficient, as a Commissioner or Special Assistant can drive political will and offer visibility, but without a formal agency, there is no continuity, resource mobilisation, or programme implementation.

He further explained that a dedicated diaspora agency provides a permanent institutional framework for planning, coordination, monitoring, and evaluation of diaspora engagements.

He stated that it also enables states to align policies with NiDCOM and benefit from federal-level support and bilateral diaspora partnerships.

Speaking further, he explained that beyond government initiatives, innovative platforms like The Global Clusters, led by Ambassador Adekunle Badmus, are already pioneering solutions that align with this vision. As a Brand Ambassador for The Global Clusters, Idahosa said he has seen firsthand how this dynamic global platform is transforming engagement among entrepreneurs, professionals, and technocrats, fostering strategic connections and sustainable development.

He concluded that state governments must explore partnerships with platforms like The Global Clusters to maximise the contributions of their diaspora populations, drive innovation, and create sustainable economic opportunities.

London Bubbles As Angel Global Promotions, Jummiey Entertainment Host Musibau Alani, Lateef Student Fuji at ‘Itunu Awe Show’

The Nigerian community in the United Kingdom will be agog on Friday, April 4, 2025, as iconic Fuji musician, Alhaji (Chief) Musibau Alani a.k.a. Comma and rave Fuji singer, Alhaji Lateef Student Fuji the Aare Maiyegun Fuji 1, takes the stage to thrill funseekers at this year’s Eid-el-Fitri show tagged ‘Itunu Awe Dance’.

According to Princess Adetutu Jakande, CEO of Angel Global Promotions UK, the organizers of the event in conjunction with Jummiey Entertainment, the event is organized annually to mark the Islamic festivity after the 30-day Ramadan fasting, and the 2025 edition is going to be unique with colours featuring various other entertainment activities.

The event billed to be held at The Redemption House on Peckham Street, London SE15 5EB, will feature other entertainers like Okin Lokoso and Alex Bio and more.

Terror Strikes Again: Soldiers Feared Killed as Boko Haram Attacks Military Base in Borno

A yet-to-be-confirmed number of Nigerian soldiers were feared killed on Monday as Boko Haram insurgents launched a deadly attack on a military base in Sabon Gari, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.

According to local sources, the attack unfolded in the evening when heavily armed insurgents stormed the military formation, firing indiscriminately and causing massive casualties. While the exact number of dead and injured soldiers remains unclear, witnesses confirm that the assault led to significant losses.

Reinforcements Caught in Deadly Explosion

Amid the chaos, tragedy struck again when military reinforcements rushing to the scene hit a landmine, triggering a deadly explosion. A resident of Damboa, Abba Usman, recounted the harrowing moment:

“I do not have much information, but I can confirm that there was an attack and soldiers were killed. We also heard that reinforcements stepped on something like a bomb, and it exploded.”

A military source also confirmed the attack, stating:

“Many soldiers were killed, but the figure is currently not known.”

Conflicting Reports on the Incident

While some reports indicate a coordinated insurgent attack, officials have offered a slightly different account. The Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Usman Tar, confirmed an explosion but insisted it was an accidental detonation of an improvised explosive device (IED), not a direct attack.

“I can confirm there was an IED attack in a place called Wajiroko (under Damboa). Our military personnel stepped on an IED. We lost one, and one sustained an injury. It was not an attack; it was an IED our soldiers stepped on,” Tar stated.

Despite these official claims, eyewitness accounts and military insiders suggest the incident was far deadlier than authorities are acknowledging.

Army Chief Calls for Stronger Counterterrorism Strategy

As the security situation in Borno continues to deteriorate, Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has called on military commanders to enhance collaboration with key stakeholders to combat terrorism effectively. Speaking at the First Senior Command and Leadership Seminar in Nasarawa State, Oluyede emphasized the need for joint efforts between the military, security agencies, and local communities.

“These stakeholders are pivotal to addressing the prevailing security threats within your areas of responsibility. A strategic and integrated approach is essential for long-term national stability,” he stated.

With rising insurgent attacks and growing concerns over military casualties, Nigerians are demanding greater transparency and stronger action from security forces. Will the military rise to the challenge, or is Boko Haram gaining the upper hand once again?