47 Countries Gather in Türkiye for First Muslim Diaspora Forum
The inaugural forum in Ankara brings ministers, policymakers and diaspora representatives together as Nigeria calls for stronger cooperation beyond remittances.
By Abdullahi Yusuf
Representatives from more than 47 countries have gathered in Ankara, Türkiye, for the first Muslim Diaspora Forum, with Nigeria calling for greater unity and cooperation among Muslim communities living abroad.
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), made the call while representing Nigeria at the inaugural forum, held under the theme, “From Roots to Routes.”
The forum was declared open by Türkiye’s Vice President, Cevdet Yılmaz, who urged participants to promote fairness, transparency, inclusion and stronger cooperation in addressing issues affecting diaspora communities.
In her presentation, titled “Unity in the Diaspora: Current Needs, Common Solutions,” Dabiri-Erewa said diaspora engagement should extend beyond financial remittances to include knowledge and skills transfer, investment, innovation, humanitarian intervention, cultural exchange and stronger links with countries of origin.
She identified public communication, humanitarian initiatives and joint action against discrimination and hate speech as areas requiring greater collaboration among Muslim diaspora communities and institutions.
Dabiri-Erewa highlighted NiDCOM’s efforts to provide accurate information to Nigerians abroad, promote positive narratives and counter misinformation, while supporting Nigerians affected by crises and vulnerable migrants.
She also pointed to diaspora contributions through medical missions, educational projects, philanthropy and other development initiatives.
The NiDCOM chief said migration should not sever the connection between citizens and their countries of origin, arguing that opportunities should be created for diaspora communities to continue contributing to national development.
She said the shared concerns of diaspora communities, including dignity, safety, opportunity and freedom to practise their faith, required common solutions and stronger partnerships.
On the sidelines of the forum, Dabiri-Erewa held meetings with Fuad Muradov, Chairman of Azerbaijan’s State Committee on Diaspora Affairs; Sayed Ahmed, who heads Sudan’s diaspora organisation; and Zahra Zumrut, Director-General of the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC).
The meetings focused on exchanging experiences, strengthening relationships and exploring areas of cooperation in diaspora affairs and development.
Dabiri-Erewa also held a bilateral meeting with Ahmet Alemdar, Vice President of Türkiye’s Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB).
Discussions between NiDCOM and YTB focused on an existing Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions, with both sides stressing the need to translate the agreement into concrete programmes.
Alemdar called for specific joint projects between Nigeria and Türkiye, particularly in diaspora engagement, knowledge exchange, youth development and bilateral cooperation.
Dabiri-Erewa reiterated that the objective should not simply be to stop migration, but to maintain the connection between diaspora communities and their countries of origin and encourage continued contributions to national development.
She said Nigeria would strengthen international cooperation on diaspora affairs and deepen relations with participating countries while working with diaspora communities to harness their skills, knowledge, investment, cultural influence and diplomatic connections.
A communique from the forum, presented by programme liaison Ali Fahad, a Turkish-Nigerian, stressed the need to sustain the theme and gains of the inaugural gathering.
The Ankara forum brought together ministers, heads of delegations, policymakers and representatives from more than 47 countries for discussions on the role of diaspora communities in development and international cooperation.
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