The Unveiling and Rebranding Nigeria Initiative (URNI) says it is working with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) to mobilize the country’s estimated 17 million citizens living abroad.
According to URNI, the partnership will help promote a positive image of Nigeria and support national development.
Chairman of URNI’s Board of Trustees, retired Brigadier-General Buba Shajiaba, said this in a statement released on Sunday in Abuja.
He explained that the initiative is focused on reshaping how Nigeria is seen through cultural diplomacy, engaging young people, and uniting Nigerians in the diaspora.
Shajiaba added that URNI had extended its activities worldwide by partnering with diaspora groups, including Friends of Nigeria in Europe (FON), co-chaired by John Okoro in France.
He said these collaborations have helped boost cultural exchanges and mobilize diaspora resources for Nigeria’s development.
Shajiaba also praised NIDCOM’s chairman, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, for her leadership in promoting the welfare and empowerment of Nigerians abroad.
He commended the commission’s efforts in diaspora investment, advocacy, and policy-making, noting that these efforts align with URNI’s vision of building a Nigeria respected globally.
As part of its activities, URNI launched its first publication, Faces of Patriotism, which highlights the achievements of outstanding Nigerians, and unveiled its roadmap for rebranding the country.
NIDCOM’s Secretary, Dr. Sule Bassi, said Nigerians abroad hold great potential in investment, innovation, and diplomacy.
He encouraged URNI to align its programmes with NIDCOM’s initiatives to strengthen their collaboration, describing the partnership as a step towards building international confidence in Nigeria.
Both organizations reaffirmed their commitment to promoting Nigeria’s strengths and talents across the world.
Since its creation in 2007, URNI has worked at the grassroots level to build national pride. The group said its partnership with NIDCOM would unite Nigerians everywhere to contribute to the country’s rebranding.
