11th January, 2025
By Fortune Abang
The Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) has described recent claim that it was created by the Nigerian Intelligence Agency (NIA) as entirely false.
Dr Victor Ubani, the Coordinating Chairman of NIDO, Worldwide, denied the claim made online by a journalist during an interview on Friday.
Ubani described the claims, which suggested that the Federal Government established NIDO for espionage purposes on fellow Nigerians, as malicious, harmful, and baseless.
Ubani pointed out that NIDO was established in 2000, during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo, as an umbrella organisation for Nigerians in the Diaspora.
The NIDO chief also urged Nigerians to embrace patriotism in order to bolster national growth.
He emphasised the importance of patriotism in overcoming the country’s challenges, building a brighter future, and promoting greatness.
Ubani also stressed the need for Nigerians in the Diaspora to contribute meaningfully to the country’s development through investments, skills transfer, and knowledge sharing.
He said, “We emphasise the importance of verifying claims with credible sources to prevent misinformation.
“The claims regarding NIDO’s membership and activities being infiltrated by NIA operatives is defamatory and lacking evidence.
“We maintain transparency in our operations and governance.
“We hereby call for responsible journalism and verification of claims before dissemination and we reserve the right to pursue legal actions against defamatory statements.”
Ubani also called on Nigerians to support NIDO’s mission.
“We, therefore, urge the public to disregard this conspiracy theory and continue supporting NIDO’s mission.
“We also urge recognition of the contributions of those working for Nigeria’s progress and unity, rather than succumbing to misleading narratives.
“Let us recognise and support the efforts of those driving positive change and progress in our nation,” he said.
According to him, NIDO is an independent and non-political entity that aims to foster connections among Nigerians abroad.
The organisation also promotes their contributions through Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), advocacy, healthcare, education, skills, and knowledge transfer to Nigeria.
“We remain committed to our mission of fostering unity and development among Nigerians in the Diaspora,” he said.
He said, by working together and embracing patriotism, Nigerians could build a brighter future and promote greatness of their country. (NAN)
