All is now set for Abia State to host its Diaspora Global Homecoming from December 18 to 21, 2026, with indigenes living abroad expected to engage with the state government, explore investment opportunities and contribute their professional expertise to the state’s development.
Addressing Newsmen in Umuahia while unveiling their plans for the event, the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Secretary of the Abia State Diaspora Commission, Rev. Dr Ambassador Annie Onu said the homecoming would bring Abians from different parts of the world together to demonstrate solidarity with their homeland, assess ongoing development initiatives and identify areas where they could contribute to the state’s growth.
She explained that the initiative was designed to strengthen the relationship between Abia and its diaspora community while creating opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange, business partnerships and investment across various sectors.
“The Abia Diaspora Global Homecoming is an opportunity for Abians living abroad to return home, witness the progress being made in the state and contribute their knowledge, skills and resources to its development.”
“Our brothers and sisters in the diaspora have heard about the achievements of the present administration, and they are coming in their numbers to see the progress for themselves and identify ways to support the state.”
“The programme will provide an opportunity for our diaspora community to interact with local entrepreneurs, organic farmers and other stakeholders, exchange business ideas and explore investment opportunities that can benefit Abia State.” Rev. Onu stated.
According to her the programme would enable participants to see developments in the state firsthand, interact with local stakeholders and explore practical ways of supporting the government’s development agenda.
The commission’s chief executive said activities would begin on December 18 with a solidarity walk, followed by engagements with local content providers and organic farmers to encourage interaction, exchange business ideas and showcase locally produced goods.
She noted that the engagements would also provide opportunities for diaspora participants to identify products with export potential and explore partnerships that could expand markets for locally made goods.
The CEO, who said that many Abians living abroad had acquired valuable skills, knowledge and professional experience in their respective fields, added that the homecoming would provide a platform for them to bring those resources home and contribute to development.
“We have professionals and highly skilled Abians doing great things in different parts of the world. They are eager to bring their knowledge and expertise back home and contribute to the development of Abia in various capacities.”
She disclosed that the grand finale, scheduled for December 21, would feature an interaction with Governor Alex Otti, during which diaspora participants would have the opportunity to discuss possible areas of collaboration and offer ideas on how they could support the state.
She said participants would explore ways of contributing to the project, noting that improved air connectivity could create opportunities for economic activities, investment and stronger links between Abia and the international community.
Rev. Onu called on residents of the state to prepare to receive their brothers and sisters from abroad, urging them to make the visitors feel welcome and use the opportunity to exchange ideas that could promote community development.
She emphasised that the success of the homecoming would depend on collective participation and collaboration between the government, residents and Abians in the diaspora.
She said that the commission was committed to promoting the welfare of Abians living abroad, including supporting their educational needs and providing guidance where necessary.
She added that the commission was also working towards establishing chapters in different locations where Abians reside to strengthen communication, improve engagement and ensure that indigenes abroad remained connected to their home state.
“The Commission is committed to ensuring the welfare of Abians living abroad, supporting their needs and strengthening the relationship between the state and its citizens in the diaspora.”
“I urge our brothers and sisters at home to prepare to receive their returning compatriots warmly, interact with them and exchange ideas that can promote community development and the overall progress of Abia State.” Rev. Onu stated.
The Diaspora Global Homecoming is expected to provide a platform for strengthening diaspora relations, mobilising expertise and exploring partnerships that could support investment, entrepreneurship and sustainable development in Abia State.
