PRESIDENT Jonathan has said that his administration is committed to ensuring that more Nigerians in the Diaspora are involved in the development of the country.
He stated this while hosting Nigerians in the Diaspora, who were in the country for the Sixth Diaspora Day celebrations, tagged: "Diaspora Nigerians: Agents of Investment and Development" at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Represented by the Vice President, Mohammed Sambo, Jonathan urged them not to relent in their efforts on making valuable contributions towards national development.
He said: "Like most developing countries in the world, Nigeria must leverage on the huge human capital of our nationals living abroad to impact on the development process at home. Our ultimate goal is to engage Nigerians with the requisite knowledge expertise and financial acumen to join in the development of the Nigerian state irrespective of their country of abode.
"I wish to assure you of our unalloyed commitment to transform this country. We remain resolute in our chosen path in doing all that is necessary to achieve this goal. We will continue to create the enabling environment that would allow all those who desire the space to join in our national development endeavours.
"Our doors remain open to useful, patriotic and constructive suggestions that will assist us in bringing the dividends of democracy to the populace thereby transforming their standard of living and wellbeing."
President Jonathan commended the Diaspora for their continued interest in the affairs of the country, saluting their courage and appreciating "the sacrifice you have made to be here."
In his remarks, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim, congratulated the Diaspora for a successful week of activities, urging them to do more for their fatherland.
In her thought-provoking presentation, a 13-year-old visually impaired author, Miss Adeife Adeniran, appealed for the strict implementation of the ideas and discussions that came out of the conference, urging active participation of youths in future conferences.
Cultural troupes from the six geopolitical zones of the country performed to the delight of the audience.
The Guardian