APC chieftain and Imo State governorship aspirant, Chief Charles Orie, has paid a courtesy visit to Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Amin Dalhatu, to discuss ways of strengthening diaspora participation in the development of Nigeria and their communities of origin.

During the meeting in London on Friday, Ambassador Dalhatu pledged his support for Orie’s efforts to promote diaspora inclusion and encouraged him to sustain his engagement with Nigerians living abroad. He also expressed support for Orie’s aspiration ahead of the 2027 Imo State governorship election.

The discussions focused on strengthening ties between Nigerians in the United Kingdom and their homeland, understanding the needs and aspirations of diaspora communities, and exploring ways the Nigerian High Commission could facilitate their participation in national and community development.

Ambassador Dalhatu emphasised the importance of recognising the Nigerian diaspora as a strategic national asset, noting its contributions to various sectors of British society and its potential to support development initiatives in Nigeria.

According to the High Commissioner, Nigerians constitute the third-largest diaspora community in the United Kingdom, after India and Pakistan. He noted that Nigerians are well represented across several professions, including medicine, nursing, information technology, law, banking, finance and law enforcement.

He disclosed that approximately 15,000 Nigerian doctors and another 15,000 Nigerian nurses work within the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS). He also highlighted the presence of people of Nigerian descent in British politics, including members of parliament, mayors and councillors.

The envoy further described diaspora engagement as one of the four pillars of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda, observing that remittances from Nigerians abroad have become a significant source of foreign income for the country and are approaching the value of its oil earnings.

In his remarks, Chief Orie reaffirmed his support for President Tinubu and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, pledging to continue mobilising political support for the President across Imo State and among Nigerians in the diaspora ahead of the next presidential election.

Orie also stressed the need to move diaspora engagement beyond family connections and cultural affiliations by creating practical opportunities for Nigerians abroad to contribute their professional expertise, entrepreneurial experience, international networks and financial resources to the development of their homeland.

He maintained that Nigerians in the diaspora possess valuable skills, knowledge and global connections that can help address development challenges, stimulate enterprise and strengthen institutions in their communities of origin.

For Imo State, he noted, stronger partnerships with Nigerians living abroad could provide opportunities to attract investments, encourage knowledge exchange and promote sustainable development.

The meeting also examined the role of the Nigerian High Commission in facilitating stronger connections between diaspora communities and institutions in Nigeria. As Nigeria’s diplomatic mission in the United Kingdom, the High Commission serves as an important link for citizens seeking to maintain ties with their homeland and explore opportunities for constructive collaboration.

The engagement underscored the growing recognition that diaspora contributions extend beyond financial remittances to include professional expertise, technical knowledge, business experience and international partnerships.

However, participants acknowledged the importance of sustained communication, a clearer understanding of diaspora needs and practical mechanisms that enable Nigerians abroad to participate meaningfully in decisions and initiatives affecting their communities and country.

Ambassador Dalhatu’s pledge of support provides an opportunity for further dialogue on strengthening these relationships and developing practical approaches to diaspora inclusion.

Members of Chief Orie’s delegation included Barrister Sympathy Nwosu, Mrs Ngozi Awa, Chief Nwanosike Uche, Elder Aloysius Nnawugo, Barrister Chibuzo Ubochi, Hon. Ejike Ikezuagu, Chinedu Ekwenugo and Barrister Sam Eze.

The visit highlighted the potential for closer cooperation between community representatives, diplomatic institutions and Nigerians abroad in advancing shared development goals.

For Chief Orie, the broader objective is to foster a stronger relationship between Nigeria and its diaspora by ensuring that Nigerians living overseas are recognised not merely as people residing outside their homeland, but as valuable partners whose skills, experience, resources and commitment can contribute to the country’s future.

As discussions on diaspora inclusion continue, the challenge will be to translate expressions of support into sustained cooperation, practical initiatives and opportunities that deliver lasting benefits to communities across Imo State and Nigeria as a whole.