By Nkechi Eze
Manal Al-Ansi, Esq., Attorney and Founder of Diaspora District in the United States, has called for the formal recognition of July 25 as Global Diaspora Day, in a bid to strengthen engagement and unity among Diaspora communities worldwide.
The proposal was made public during a strategic meeting with Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), according to Gabriel Odu of NiDCOM’s Media and Public Relations Unit.
Al-Ansi commended Nigeria’s leadership for institutionalizing its Annual National Diaspora Day Celebrations on July 25 and emphasized the strategic value of expanding the observance to a global scale. She highlighted that a unified date would foster a stronger sense of belonging, collaboration, and identity among Diaspora communities across the world.
“Aligning this celebration across multiple cities and countries ensures that Diaspora members, regardless of cultural background, know they are welcome and can connect with a global community,” Al-Ansi stated.
In response, Dabiri-Erewa expressed NiDCOM’s readiness to support the initiative, saying, “We are ready to work with you, to partner with you, and to champion this with you, to have July 25 recognized as Global Diaspora Day. I believe this will be a win-win for Diaspora communities all over the world.”
She also referenced the annual Badagry Door of Return Festival, which takes place every October, noting its historical significance for Diaspora visitors who traverse the actual slave trade route. “It is an emotional and historic experience. We would be glad to work with you in making this initiative a reality. Thank you for championing this cause,” she added.
