Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo called on Nigerians living in the United Kingdom to support the economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu.
This outreach represents a strategic effort by the Nigerian government to secure financial investment and political legitimacy from the diaspora. By targeting citizens in the UK, the administration aims to bridge the gap between overseas Nigerians and domestic policy goals.
During his visit to London, Ododo met with Kogi indigenes and other Nigerians residing in the region. He urged the attendees to rally behind the current administration's efforts to stabilize the economy and foster national development [1], [4]. The governor said the success of these reforms depends on the collective support of all Nigerians, regardless of where they live.
"Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State has called on Kogites and Nigerians living in the United Kingdom to rally behind the economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu," Ododo said [1].
Beyond the UK, Ododo has extended similar appeals to residents within Nigeria. In Kogi State, the governor has specifically addressed the youth, urging them to align with the federal government's vision. He said the administration has introduced several youth-focused initiatives designed to create opportunities, and improve the quality of life for the younger generation [3].
Ododo also highlighted the importance of direct investment in the state's development. He encouraged Nigerians in the diaspora to bring their expertise and capital back home to help build sustainable infrastructure and industries [4].
"Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has called on the people of the state and other Nigerians in the United Kingdom to ... support Tinubu, Nigeria," Ododo said [2].
The governor's mission underscores a broader push by the Tinubu administration to leverage the resources of the diaspora to mitigate the effects of ongoing economic shifts and attract foreign direct investment through citizens who have established professional networks abroad [1], [4].
“"Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State has called on Kogites and Nigerians living in the United Kingdom to rally behind the economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu."”
This diplomatic push indicates that the Nigerian government views the diaspora not just as a source of remittances, but as a critical political and economic pillar. By deploying state governors to engage with citizens in global hubs like London, the administration is attempting to build a coalition of support to sustain potentially unpopular economic reforms while simultaneously seeking private capital to fund infrastructure projects.
