Fellow Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, distinguished leaders, respected elders, vibrant youths, and committed members of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), I greet you all with great pride and deep patriotism.

Today, I speak not only as the National Director-Diaspora of our great party, but also as a Nigerian who understands the dreams, sacrifices, struggles, and hopes of millions of our people scattered across the world. From the busy streets of London to the hospitals of Canada, from the technology hubs in the United States to businesses across Africa, Nigerians abroad continue to carry the spirit of our nation with dignity and resilience.

However, while many of our citizens abroad are achieving greatness, the painful truth remains that countless Nigerians did not leave home because they hated Nigeria; rather, many left because they were searching for survival, security, stability, and opportunity. According to the World Bank, Nigerians in the diaspora send over 20 billion dollars annually back home. This is more than just money, it is evidence of sacrifice, responsibility, and unbroken love for family and country. In fact, diaspora remittances remain one of Nigeria's largest sources of foreign exchange, sustaining millions of households, supporting education, healthcare, and small businesses.

Therefore, the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) believes that the diaspora community must not merely watch from afar, but must actively participate in rebuilding the Nigeria we all desire.

Princess Marian Tolofari is a Nigerian public administrator, gender advocate, and political strategist who serves as the Director-General of the Directorate of Diaspora of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC).

A member of the Tolofari Royal Canoe House of Rivers State, she comes from a family with deep roots in leadership and public service in the Niger Delta. Her career has taken her through public service at the Nigerian Presidency, national party administration, and political organizing within the Nigerian diaspora.

Princess Tolofari brings experience in governance, policy, political communication, and international engagement to her work with the NDC. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Statistics and a Master of Science in Gender Analysis, combining an analytical background with a strong interest in inclusive governance and the advancement of women and other underserved groups.

Public Service and Political Leadership

Princess Tolofari served at the Presidency during the administration of former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, where she gained experience in executive governance, policy implementation, and national public administration.

She also served as the National Publicity Secretary of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), overseeing party communications, media relations, and public messaging at the national level.

In the United States, she served as the National Woman Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) USA Chapter. In that role, she worked to strengthen women's participation in party activities and supported civic engagement among Nigerians in the diaspora.

Gender Advocacy and Policy

Her academic background in Mathematics and Statistics has shaped her analytical approach to public policy and political strategy. Her master's degree in Gender Analysis further informs her work on inclusive governance, women's participation, and equitable policy development.

She is particularly interested in creating opportunities for women and other underrepresented groups to participate meaningfully in public life and decision-making.

Director-General, Directorate of Diaspora, NDC

As Director-General of the NDC Directorate of Diaspora, Princess Tolofari is responsible for coordinating the party's international chapters and strengthening its engagement with Nigerians around the world.

Her work focuses on building stronger connections between the party and the Nigerian diaspora, coordinating international advocacy and engagement, and creating avenues for Nigerians abroad to contribute their knowledge, skills, resources, and experience to national development.

Through her leadership, she seeks to build an organized and inclusive global network that connects Nigerians in the diaspora with the country's political and development priorities.