Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa says the federal government is ready to create an enabling environment for diaspora contributions and investment.

Mr Sule stated this at the second phase of the Zumunta Association of USA Inc. Benevolent Palliative Project Awards held at Radio House in Abuja.

The not-for-profit association presented palliatives and awards to 18 NGOs from 11 states (Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Gombe, Kwara, Niger, Taraba, Kaduna, Plateau, Lagos, and Nasarawa) and the Federal Capital Territory.

The governor lauded the association’s patriotism.

“Your act of humanity will go a long way in facilitating the change we hope to see in Nigeria. Let me seize this opportunity to assure you that the federal government, on its part, will spare no effort to create an enabling environment that will protect and support its diaspora,” said Mr Sule. “To excel in their various calling and in turn, to encourage them to contribute and invest their quota to the development of their fatherland.”

Zubairu Dada, Minister of State Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also commended the association.

He urged the association to work with the Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) in actualising their goal.

NiDCOM chair Abike Dabiri-Erewa praised the association’s efforts to give back to its home country and organise the programme.

Philip Moses, the association’s president, said, “We have encouraged trade and investment opportunities by facilitating face-to-face meetings between Nigerian entrepreneurs and their American counterparts.”

(NAN)