MOSIEND seeks Diaspora support for Niger Delta development

The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta, MOSIEND, has called on the Ijaw diaspora for greater support to accelerate development and create new opportunities for the region’s people.

The organisation made the call after appointing Dr Ilaye Subi as Chairman of its European Chapter, describing the move as part of efforts to strengthen diaspora engagement and attract international partnerships to the Niger Delta.

MOSIEND President General, Dr Kennedy West, said Subi’s appointment would deepen the organisation’s engagement with Ijaws in Europe and across the diaspora.

West said Subi’s academic background, international exposure and commitment to youth development positioned him to build stronger relationships between Ijaw communities and academic, professional, business and development institutions across Europe.

“We are optimistic that his leadership will bring fresh ideas, strategic partnerships and new opportunities that will ultimately contribute to the advancement of the Ijaw people and the Niger Delta,” he said.

Subi is an academic, leadership consultant and international development specialist whose professional interests include higher education, human capital development, educational reform, digital transformation and youth development.

He holds an EdD and MSc, alongside several professional fellowships, and has worked with higher education institutions in the United Kingdom.

West said Subi’s interests in artificial intelligence, technology-enhanced learning, curriculum development and youth empowerment were relevant to the needs of young people in the Niger Delta as the global economy becomes increasingly technology-driven.

He added that Subi’s professional experience across the United Kingdom, Italy and Switzerland would be valuable in connecting Ijaw communities in the diaspora with institutions and organisations capable of supporting development in the region.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the MOSIEND National Elders Council, Elder T.K. Ogoriba said the Ijaw diaspora remained a major source of professional expertise, investment and international networks that could contribute to the development of the Niger Delta.

Ogoriba, however, noted that the resources and opportunities available through the diaspora had not always been effectively linked to the region’s development needs.

He said the European Chapter would therefore be expected to promote youth development, education, professional networking, international partnerships and constructive advocacy for the Ijaw people.

Ogoriba expressed confidence that Subi’s appointment would strengthen MOSIEND’s international presence and help create new opportunities for collaboration between Ijaws at home and in the diaspora.