Edo to Host 5th State Diaspora Focal Point Officers National Summit

The Edo State Government is set to host the 5th State Diaspora Focal Point Officers (SDFPO) National Summit in Benin City from April 12 to April 15, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen diaspora engagement for national development.

The summit, which is being organised by the Edo State Diaspora Agency in collaboration with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), is themed “Bringing the World Home: Harnessing Diaspora Health Expertise for National Development.”

It is expected to attract key stakeholders including the Chairman of NiDCOM, members of the National Assembly Committees on Diaspora, and delegates from Nigerian diaspora communities, alongside focal point officers from about 35 states.

According to the programme outline, activities will commence on April 12 with the arrival of over 70 special guests. The main event is scheduled for April 13 and will feature keynote addresses, a special address by the host Governor, and presentations on diaspora-driven initiatives across states.

The day will also include technical and discussion sessions, as well as the commissioning of the Edo State Diaspora Headquarters and the launch of the state’s diaspora policy.

On April 14, participants will embark on visits to selected sites of interest, followed by a dinner and cocktail session, while departure of guests is slated for April 15.

All events will take place at the Festival Hall of the Government House, Benin City, starting from 9:00 a.m. daily.

The summit is expected to provide a strategic platform for harnessing the expertise, particularly in the health sector, of Nigerians in the diaspora towards sustainable national development.