OGUN State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Solomon Adeola (Yayi), has been urged to establish a Diaspora Directorate within his campaign organisation to harness the expertise and resources of indigenes of the state living abroad.
The call was made by a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress and coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Poland, Omooba Adekunle Ayoola.
In a statement, Ayoola said the proposed directorate would identify, unite and engage Ogun indigenes and people of Ogun heritage living in different parts of the world.
According to him, Ogun State has a vast network of accomplished professionals contributing to various sectors, including business, technology, academia, medicine, finance, law, engineering, entertainment and international development.
He said, “We therefore urge the APC governorship hopeful to establish an Ogun Diaspora Directorate within his campaign organisation to identify, unite and engage Ogun indigenes and people of Ogun heritage living around the world.
“The Directorate would harness diaspora expertise, investment, technology, professional networks and international partnerships to support Ogun’s development.”
Ayoola said the proposed structure could link local businesses, institutions and young people in the state with global mentors, markets and opportunities.
He added that it could also promote investment in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, technology, healthcare, education, tourism, renewable energy, housing and infrastructure.
The APC chieftain cited Ghana and Rwanda as examples of countries that had demonstrated how structured diaspora engagement could contribute to investment, knowledge transfer and development.
He also noted that Ogun’s global potential was reflected in the achievements of prominent indigenes and people of Ogun heritage, including Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka; investment and infrastructure executive, Adebayo “Bayo” Ogunlesi; global boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, whose family has roots in Sagamu; Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani; and African energy executive, Adewale “Wale” Tinubu.
He noted that the achievements of these personalities, alongside those of “countless other Ogun people worldwide,” are a reflection of the depth of talent available to the state.
Ayoola said the activities of the directorate should include diaspora consultations, investment mapping, mentorship programmes and the creation of a secure registration platform.
He, however, stressed that the proposed structure must operate within relevant legal frameworks.
According to him, if Senator Adeola eventually wins the governorship election, the campaign directorate can then evolve into a formal Ogun Diaspora Affairs Office or Agency.
He said, “Ogun has talent and goodwill across the globe; what is needed is the vision and structure to connect these resources to local development.”
