Okpebholo unveils ambitious policy to harness $7bn Edo diaspora remittances

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has unveiled an ambitious and inclusive diaspora engagement strategy aimed at transforming the contributions of Edo indigenes abroad into a structured force for economic development and social cohesion in the state.

Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Governor Okpebholo emphasized that the new policy—spearheaded through the Edo State Diaspora Agency—is designed to foster a stronger bond between the state and its global diaspora, while also addressing critical challenges faced by Edo citizens abroad, particularly issues linked to irregular migration and mental health.

“The government of Governor Okpebholo is committed to offering both financial and humanitarian support that upholds the worth of every Edo life,” the statement read. “This approach redefines the diaspora not just as remittance senders but as strategic partners in Edo’s long-term development.”

The governor cited the estimated $7 billion remitted annually by Edo indigenes living overseas—representing nearly a third of all diaspora inflows to Nigeria—as a key driver for the policy shift.

Recognizing the untapped potential of this enormous financial input, the administration seeks to formalize remittance channels, ensuring greater transparency, security, and investment readiness.

Central to the new strategy is the deployment of a cutting-edge digital platform that allows Edo indigenes abroad to register and obtain unique community identifiers.

The platform offers features that include a directory for diaspora-owned businesses, eligibility for financial incentives like money transfer refunds, and tax benefits for those returning home to invest or resettle.

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The policy also places a premium on grassroots, community-driven development. Local communities will be empowered to identify their most pressing needs, with the diaspora encouraged to rally resources and expertise toward fulfilling those specific projects. This participatory model, officials say, is aimed at erasing geographical barriers and uniting the global Edo community around shared goals.

In addition, the state plans to appoint official diaspora liaisons within key Edo associations and alumni networks worldwide.

These liaisons will serve as communication bridges, feeding back real-time concerns and contributions from the diaspora to the government while also keeping the community informed of state initiatives.

Governor Okpebholo also acknowledged the psychological and emotional toll faced by irregular migrants, many of whom encounter exploitation, misinformation, and trauma during perilous journeys abroad.

To combat this, the administration—through the leadership of Dr. Loretta Ogboro-Oko—is partnering with media outlets to launch a new documentary-style series titled Echoes from the Diaspora.

The series will tell real stories of triumph and hardship among Edo people abroad, serving both as a cautionary tale and a source of inspiration.

“Our government is taking a research-based approach to migration, and our diaspora outreach reflects our broader goals of inclusive governance, infrastructure development, and human dignity,” the statement concluded.

With this new framework, the Edo State Government hopes to reposition its diaspora as a key stakeholder in its development agenda, tapping into their talents, capital, and goodwill to build a more prosperous and connected homeland.