Naija Times launches ‘Diaspora Conversations’ to engage Nigerians abroad

IN a bid to consolidate its mission of continuously cultivating the interest of Nigerians abroad, and engaging them on issues that concern the country, Naija Times has initiated the ‘Diaspora Conversations’ series, which is due to premiere on April 17.

In a statement on Wednesday, the fast-rising online medium with targets readership in the diaspora, said the theme of the maiden edition will be, “Nigeria’s security challenges and the way forward.”

The Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, Ehi Braimah, said the speakers are expected to provide refreshing insights into the challenging security situation in the nation.

Among those lined up to offer divergent perspectives on the topic are: Femi Adesina, presidential spokesman; Dr Reuben Abati, journalist, columnist and Arise TV anchor; Major General Abiodun Role (Rtd), security consultant; Dr Ikenna Nwosu, investment lawyer, public policy analyst, former vice president, Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce and member, Naija Times Editorial Advisory Board, and Toju Ogbe, communications strategist and doctoral student, King’s College, University of London.

On the motivation for the forum, Braimah said “Nigerians in the diaspora are an important demography for Naija Times and it explains why we have Diaspora News and Diaspora File sections”.

He added that the primary objectives of Naija Times Diaspora Conversations are “to engage Nigerians in the diaspora on issues that affect us; find a common ground and make recommendations to the government; promote patriotism amongst this demography and publish a summary of each conference on Naija Times website for the benefit of our readers.”

Apart from security challenges, the statement added that subsequent themes of the conference will focus on topics that include consular services, economic migration, diaspora remittances, investment opportunities, population growth, public health crisis, social capital, natural resources, tourism potential and development of infrastructure and so on.

Naija Times was launched on September 15, 2020, and, since then, the online newspaper has continued to spotlight issues relating to development communications.