By African Heritage Diaspora Correspondent
In a groundbreaking event held virtually on June 9, 2025, the African Democratic Congress Diaspora Network (ADC-DN) hosted the ADC Worldwide Convergence of Diaspora Coalition Partners & Stakeholders, rallying global Nigerian and African diaspora leaders to a common cause and nation-building through strategic leadership, policy engagement, and sustainable development. The event, themed “The Imperative of Diaspora Leadership in Building the Coalition for Change and National Transformation in Nigeria and Africa,” was a resounding call for unity, innovation, and political inclusion. The welcome address was delivered by Hon. (Dr.) Kenneth Chibuogwu Gbandi, Chair of ADC-DN and Deputy National Chairman (Diaspora Engagements), ADC. A former senatorial candidate and an enduring voice for diaspora engagement, Gbandi opened the convergence with a stirring appeal to participants to rise beyond remittances and step into leadership as nation-builders. “This is not just another virtual meeting. It is a summit of destiny,” declared Dr. Gbandi. “A call to step beyond remittances and resume our role as policy influencers, reform champions, and nation-builders.”
Among the distinguished guests were Chief Ralphs Okey Nwosu, ADC National Chairman, recognized for his progressive leadership and inclusion of the diaspora as ADC’s 7th geo-political zone; Prof. Adenike Grange, former Nigerian Minister of Health and Chair of the Nigeria Diaspora Coalition for Change (NDCfC), who delivered a keynote address emphasizing health diplomacy and diaspora-led reforms; Dr. Pierrette Herzberger-Fofana, former Member of the European Parliament and Chair of ARDI, brought a pan-African and European perspective on diaspora leadership in governance and international collaboration via a written presentation. Other notable speakers included Prof. Gold, Ambassador Waya, Dr. Nweke ( written presentation) and Engr. Izedonmwen-Edo State ADC former gubernatorial candidate and Prof. Charles Orbih who excellently moderated the event, all participants lending expertise on governance, development, youth engagement, and diaspora investment.
Dr. Gbandi used the moment to spotlight the impressive contributions of the Nigerian diaspora, which has remitted over $65.34 billion in the last three years alone, averaging 4% of Nigeria’s GDP. He also reminded attendees of the $300 million oversubscription of Nigeria’s inaugural diaspora bond as testament to the community’s commitment.
Despite these contributions, Gbandi lamented the diaspora’s absence from critical national policy-making and electoral participation. “We are not just sending money home, we are shaping economies. Yet, we remain at the margins of the nation’s critical policy and political architecture,” he said. Referencing a pivotal 2018 political dialogue he convened in Austria, Gbandi emphasized the historic journey that led to the current diaspora-inclusive vision of ADC. He praised the party’s unique position in institutionalizing diaspora participation and setting the pace for others. “Only one party has walked the talk and that party is ADC by enshrining the diaspora as the 7th geopolitical zone in its constitution,” he stated, acknowledging the bold leadership of Chief Nwosu.
Gbandi extended an open hand to both politically affiliated and apolitical partners to join the movement. He stressed that the mission transcends party lines—it is about creating a legacy that institutionalizes diaspora contributions for national development.
As the convergence set the stage for a united diaspora front toward the 2027 general elections and beyond, Dr. Gbandi’s final words captured the spirit of the moment: “Let this convergence spark a new era of diaspora unity and influence. Let it become the launchpad of a movement that future generations will thank us for.”
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