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.

First and foremost, Nigerians abroad are among the most educated, hardworking, and successful immigrant communities in the world. Nigerian doctors are saving lives in the UK and the US. Nigerian professors are shaping global institutions. Nigerian entrepreneurs are building businesses across Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Yet, despite these achievements, many still wake up every day worrying about their families back home due to insecurity, unemployment, inflation, unstable electricity, and poor governance continue to affect ordinary citizens. Consequently, as a political party we believe that the diaspora community must play a central role in national transformation. Our knowledge, investments, global exposure, and networks can help reposition Nigeria for progress.

One of the greatest challenges confronting Nigeria today is the growing crisis of brain drain. The steady migration of our most skilled and educated professionals to foreign countries in search of better opportunities. We must speak honestly about the growing migration wave known as "Japa." Behind every visa approval is often a story of frustration, disappointment, and lost hope. A young graduate leaves Nigeria after years without employment. A medical doctor relocates because hospitals lack equipment. An entrepreneur shuts down due to multiple taxation and economic hardship. These are not merely statistics; they are human stories.

According to reports, thousands of Nigerian healthcare professionals have left the country in recent years. Sadly, while other nations continue to benefit from Nigerian talents, Nigeria itself suffers from shortages of skilled professionals. Many public hospitals are overstretched because our experienced doctors and nurses have relocated overseas. Universities are losing qualified lecturers and researchers, while our industries struggle to retain competent manpower.

As we celebrate their success abroad, we must also ask ourselves: what kind of nation loses its brightest minds because opportunities are limited? I believe

My fellow Nigerians, we are tired of empty promises and recycled failures. Citizens want leaders who understand their pain and genuinely work for the people. Leadership is not about power; it is about responsibility.

As a party, We the NDC stands for transparency, accountability, inclusion, economic growth, and people centered governance. We believe every Nigerian deserves access to quality education, healthcare, security, and economic opportunity regardless of tribe, religion, or social status.

For too long, politics in Nigeria has divided people along ethnic and religious lines. However, the future we seek can only be built through unity. Whether Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa, Ijaw, Tiv, Efik, Fulani, or from any other ethnic group, we all share one identity above all, we are Nigerians.

In addition, diaspora Nigerians continue to support the nation despite the distance. A mother in Abuja survives because her son abroad sends money monthly. A student graduates because an aunt in Canada pays tuition fees. A small business survives because relatives overseas invested in it. These silent acts of sacrifice happen every day.

Therefore, diaspora engagement should go beyond remittances alone. Nigerians abroad should be given stronger involvement in governance, policy discussions, investment opportunities, innovation, and national development. The NDC believes the diaspora voice matters and must be heard.

Sadly, Nigeria's global image has suffered over the years because of corruption, insecurity, cybercrime, and poor leadership. As a result, many hardworking Nigerians abroad face unfair stereotypes and discrimination.

Nevertheless, we must not allow the mistakes of a few define the greatness of millions. Nigeria remains a nation blessed with extraordinary talents, rich culture, natural resources, creativity, and resilient people. From Afrobeats to technology, sports to business, Nigerians continue to excel globally. Our task now is to build a country that matches the greatness of its people.

Nigeria's democracy will only work if leaders are held accountable. NDC will champion independent electoral institutions, judicial reform, and transparency in government. But we need you to be part of that watchdog function, through advocacy, monitoring, and engagement during home visits and elections.

Politics must not be about hatred, violence, or manipulation. Instead, it should unite citizens around a shared vision of peace, justice, development, and national progress.

The future of Nigeria is our youth. NDC will build a bridge between diaspora professionals and Nigerian students and young graduates through structured mentorship, internships, and political apprenticeship programs. We want Nigerian youth to learn from your global experience and apply it at home.

Thousands of Nigerian doctors, nurses, engineers, and IT professionals are excelling abroad. We must create systems that encourage these talents to invest, collaborate, return, and contribute to national development. Our youths deserve a country where hard work is rewarded, where businesses can grow, where innovation is encouraged, and where dreams can become reality without leaving home.

Democracy cannot depend on a few wealthy godfathers. As a party, we will open legal, transparent channels for diaspora members to contribute to party building. Small, regular contributions from thousands of you will give NDC independence and make the party truly people owned.

I speak with a heavy heart over the growing insecurity across our nation. No country can truly develop when its citizens live in fear. Investors cannot invest confidently, children cannot learn peacefully, businesses cannot grow steadily, and families cannot sleep safely when insecurity continues to spread from one region to another.

Sadly, recent events in Nigeria have once again reminded us of the painful reality facing ordinary citizens. The heartbreaking kidnapping of students and teachers in Oyo State, alongside the horrifying killing of a mathematics teacher reportedly beheaded by his captors, has shaken the conscience of Nigerians both at home and abroad. No nation can prosper without security. Investors, businesses, students, and families all need safety and stability to thrive. We must remain committed to policies that strengthen national security.

Build With Us. We are asking for your ideas, your networks, your expertise, and your vote. Join your local NDC diaspora chapter. Register in our database. I encourage you to run for a position. Debate our policies. Nigeria's democratic renewal will not happen without you.

Politics must no longer be left only to career politicians. Nation building requires patriots, visionaries, professionals, and citizens who genuinely care about the future. Furthermore, we must understand that democracy cannot grow where citizens remain passive. Every great nation in the world was built by people who refused to stay silent during difficult times.

So Fellow Nigerians, When insecurity rises, we must speak. When corruption destroys institutions, we must act. When youths lose hope, we must inspire them. When Nigeria's image is damaged globally, we must help rebuild it.

Finally, the Nigerian Democratic Congress stands firmly committed to building a nation that works for every Nigerian, both at home and in the diaspora. Let us be aware that the future of Nigeria cannot depend on a few individuals alone. It requires collective responsibility. This generation must rise with courage, vision, and determination to rebuild our nation.

I strongly believe that a better Nigeria is possible, a Nigeria where: youths can find meaningful jobs, businesses can grow, security is guaranteed, education works, leadership is accountable,

Together, let us move beyond complaints and become part of the solution. Let us replace division with unity, hopelessness with vision, and fear with progress. History will remember this generation not for giving up on Nigeria, but for standing up to rebuild her.

A new Nigeria is possible.

A stronger Nigeria is achievable.

And together, through the NDC, we will build the Nigeria our children deserve.

God bless the Nigerian Democratic Congress. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Thank you All !!!

FROM: OFFICE OF THE NATIONAL DIRECTOR - DIASPORA Princess Marian Tolofari, B.Sc, M.Sc National Director - Diaspora

Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC)