Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has launched a sweeping policy initiative aimed at transforming the role of Edo indigenes in the diaspora from passive remittance senders to active stakeholders in the state’s development.

Under the Edo State Diaspora Agency, led by Dr. Loretta Ogboro-Oko, the administration is rolling out a visionary framework that prioritizes diaspora welfare, formalizes remittance channels, and turns global engagement into a catalyst for local economic growth.

Notably, the state accounts for an estimated $7 billion in annual diaspora remittances — nearly a third of Nigeria’s total. The new plan seeks to harness this financial power through secure, transparent platforms while providing incentives such as transfer rebates and potential tax breaks for returning residents.

Beyond economics, the initiative tackles pressing issues like irregular migration, with upcoming media programs such as “Echoes from the Diaspora” set to expose the harsh realities of unsafe migration routes. Youth outreach in schools and universities will also offer data-driven alternatives.

Governor Okpebholo’s administration is also creating a digital portal for Edo indigenes worldwide to connect, identify, and contribute meaningfully to homegrown development projects selected by their local communities.

Describing the initiative as a “movement” that will “outlive our children’s children,” the government urges Edo citizens across the globe to join in building a prosperous, secure, and internationally respected Edo State.

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