The event attracted senior government officials, diplomats, lawmakers, business leaders and Nigerians from different parts of the world.

Among the dignitaries present was Hajiya Nana Shettima, wife of the Vice President, who represented the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. Also in attendance was the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr. George Akume, while the Chairman/CEO of Channels Media Group, Dr. John Momoh, delivered an inspirational address.

Momoh urged Nigerians in the diaspora to remain optimistic about the country and continue to contribute to its development. He also encouraged young Nigerians to discover and maximise their potentials, noting that the country’s prospects remain greater than its challenges.

The celebration featured the participation of several government and legislative stakeholders, including Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare; Senator Aniekan Bassey, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, represented by Senator Anthony Yari; and Hon. Chinedu Tochukwu Okere, Chairman of the House Committee on Diaspora Affairs.

The event was organised under the theme, “Harnessing Global Diaspora Medical Expertise to Strengthen Local Health Systems for National Development.”

The theme highlighted the Federal Government’s efforts to leverage the expertise, investments and knowledge of Nigerians in the diaspora to strengthen national development.

Onah’s humanitarian activities align with that broader vision. Over the years, he has supported rural communities through the construction of culverts and bridges, road grading and provision of boreholes.

He has also provided educational materials and scholarships, empowered widows, assisted less-privileged Nigerians with hospital bills and supported orphanages.

As President of the Benue State Union in Côte d’Ivoire, Onah has also worked with his team to support efforts to rescue victims of human trafficking and facilitate their return to Nigeria in collaboration with relevant authorities.

His business activities in Côte d’Ivoire have equally contributed to employment creation and economic activity, reflecting the potential of Nigerians abroad to create value in their host countries while maintaining strong connections with their homeland.

The 2026 National Diaspora Day celebration was also supported by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, who was listed by NiDCOM as Co-Host of the event.

Commendation also went to the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, for her continued efforts toward strengthening the relationship between Nigeria and its citizens abroad.

For High Chief Joseph Ajah Onah, the National Diaspora Merit Award represents more than a personal honour. It is a recognition of a journey built around enterprise, compassion, leadership and service.

From his humble beginnings in Oju, Benue State, to building businesses, supporting communities in Côte d’Ivoire and earning national recognition at the Presidential Villa, Onah’s story demonstrates the impact Nigerians in the diaspora can make both at home and abroad.

“Our goal is to equip our youths to become self-reliant, build sustainable livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to the development of Lagos State and Nigeria.” He added.

Aregbe commended President Tinubu for placing young people at the centre of national development and praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat for their commitment to youth empowerment.

He urged young people across Lagos to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the hub, describing it as “a commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders, innovators and changemakers.” He said.

In 2024, when Nwadialo was first arrested, the Anambra state government denied that he had once been appointed by Governor Charles Soludo. Law Mefor, the state’s commissioner for information and public enlightenment, spoke on the development on Saturday, November 9.

However, his sentencing has started generating reactions from Nigerians.

Below are some of their comments:

David Ogba called for sanctity in public offices: “Public office should symbolize trust, not scandal. Cases like this stain Nigeria’s image and deepen public distrust. Accountability must be swift, transparent, and extend beyond prison to public office too.”

Joedinho decried the damage the sentencing of the local government chairman had caused Nigeria: “Every time a public official gets caught in a case like this, people say it’s an isolated incident. At some point, that excuse stops being believable.

A local government chairman involved in a romance scam worth over $3.5 million? If true, that’s the kind of headline that writes its own criticism. Unpopular opinion: the real damage isn’t the money lost.

It’s the damage done to public trust and Nigeria’s reputation whenever a high-profile figure is linked to fraud. The most disturbing part isn’t the sentence. It’s that someone entrusted with public responsibility was allegedly running a scheme that targeted vulnerable people for millions.”

Nwa Regina claimed that Nigeria’s broken electoral system gave room for someone like Nwadialo to hold public office: “These are the criminals we entrust power to through our broken electoral system. Smdh!”