Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has met with Ondo State indigenes living in Canada as stakeholders explored new pathways for contributing to the development of Nigeria, Ondo State and Erusu Akoko.
The engagement took place during Tunji-Ojo’s visit to Canada and brought together prominent Ondo indigenes, community leaders and members of the Erusu Akoko community for discussions on development, collaboration and the role of Nigerians in the diaspora.
The minister was warmly received by members of the Ondo community, with the engagement culminating in a dinner at the Mandarin Restaurant in Brampton, Ontario.
Among those present were Oluseyi Agunloye, Mrs. Olayinka Animashaun and Bolarinwa Abayomi, alongside several other prominent members of the Ondo community in Canada.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the stakeholders to exchange ideas on how Nigerians living abroad can contribute their expertise, resources, professional networks and international experience towards national development.
Beyond Nigeria, the discussion also focused on Ondo State and the need to strengthen the connection between the state and its growing diaspora community.
Particular attention was given to Erusu Akoko in Akoko North-West Local Government Area of Ondo State, with stakeholders discussing possible ways of supporting the community and creating opportunities that can contribute to its long-term development.
For the participants, the engagement represented an opportunity to look beyond geographical boundaries and consider how Nigerians abroad can become stronger partners in the development of their country and communities.
Animashaun Applauds Tunji-Ojo’s Impact
One of the prominent voices at the gathering was Olayinka Animashaun, a Canada-based community leader who hails from Erusu Akoko.
Animashaun used the occasion to commend Tunji-Ojo for his contributions to public service and the impact of his work, particularly in his capacity as Minister of Interior.
Her participation also brought a strong community perspective to the engagement, reflecting the continued interest of Ondo indigenes in the diaspora in the affairs and development of their ancestral communities.
The gathering further highlighted the importance of creating stronger bridges between Nigerians at home and abroad, particularly in areas such as investment, education, skills development, technology, entrepreneurship, community projects and knowledge transfer.
Diaspora Role in National Development
The stakeholders noted that the Nigerian diaspora possesses significant human and professional resources that can be harnessed to support development across the country.
For Ondo State, stronger diaspora engagement could provide opportunities for investment, partnerships and community development initiatives, while also creating platforms for professionals abroad to share knowledge and experience with people and institutions at home.
The discussion around Erusu Akoko similarly reflected the desire of community members in the diaspora to remain connected to their roots and contribute to the advancement of the town.
The Brampton dinner therefore served not merely as a reception for the minister but as a platform for conversations about the future of Nigeria, Ondo State and Erusu Akoko.
With several other Ondo indigenes and community stakeholders in attendance, the engagement provided an avenue for reconnecting, exchanging ideas and considering practical ways of turning diaspora relationships into meaningful development partnerships.
The meeting ended with a renewed emphasis on collaboration and collective responsibility, as stakeholders explored how government, diaspora communities and local stakeholders can work together to create sustainable opportunities for Nigeria and its constituent communities.
For the Ondo diaspora in Canada, the engagement also reaffirmed the importance of maintaining a strong connection with home while contributing to the broader development of Nigeria.
The discussions are expected to further encourage conversations around how the expertise, networks and resources of Nigerians abroad can be channelled towards practical initiatives capable of making a lasting difference in Nigeria, Ondo State and Erusu Akoko.