Chief Executive Officer of Winhomes Global Services Limited, Engr. Stella Ifeoma Okengwu, has commended Vice President Kashim Shettima for his engagement with Nigerians in the diaspora. The interaction took place on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. Okengwu described the encounter as significant, providing an opportunity to discuss Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), diaspora participation in national development, and challenges confronting Nigerians abroad.
Shettima led Nigeria's delegation to the UNGA on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, participating in high-level engagements and meeting with members of the Nigerian diaspora. He urged them to contribute their investment, expertise, and networks to national development. Okengwu highlighted the Vice President's willingness to listen to concerns and engage directly with investors on issues affecting their confidence in the Nigerian business environment.
Okengwu emphasized the importance of creating stronger institutional safeguards for Nigerians in the diaspora who invest in the country. She stated that patriotism cannot replace investment protection, and investors should be able to trust institutions responsible for protecting lawful investments. The Winhomes CEO noted that the Federal Government's efforts to attract diaspora capital would have a greater impact when investors have confidence in the protection of their legitimate interests.
According to Okengwu, investor experiences can influence the decisions of other Nigerians abroad and international investors considering Nigeria. She warned that when diaspora investors encounter serious institutional obstacles, it can have far-reaching consequences, including the loss of investor confidence and capital. The Winhomes CEO described her interaction with Shettima as significant, allowing her to communicate the human side of diaspora investment.
Okengwu described the Vice President as attentive and receptive during their conversation, adding that his willingness to hear investor concerns is crucial in building confidence between government and the diaspora community. However, she noted that such engagements would have greater significance when they translate into policies and institutional reforms that improve the investor experience.
Okengwu acknowledged the Federal Government's development initiatives in the South-East, including the establishment of the South East Development Commission. She said the impact of such measures would ultimately be determined by their implementation, with residents of the region assessing benefits through improved infrastructure, investment, employment opportunities, and stronger confidence in public institutions.
Okengwu stressed that attracting capital is only one part of the process, and retaining investor confidence after investments have been made is equally important. She called for diaspora engagement to go beyond remittances to encompass investment, entrepreneurship, technology transfer, and professional expertise. Okengwu also emphasized the need for a bridge of trust between government, institutions, citizens, and investors to support Nigeria's development.
Key points
- Okengwu commends VP Shettima for engagement with diaspora investors
- Winhomes CEO emphasizes need for institutional safeguards for diaspora investors
- Okengwu calls for diaspora engagement to go beyond remittances to investment and entrepreneurship
