This year’s Diaspora Day celebration has become a rallying cry for justice, as members of the Nigerian diaspora express anger and disillusionment over the ongoing neglect of their interests—particularly the forceful demolition of WINHOMES Estate in Okun Ajah, Lagos.
The Renewed Hope Concern Citizens (RHCC), a civic advocacy group, is demanding urgent intervention from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, calling on him to compensate diaspora investors whose legally acquired properties were bulldozed under controversial circumstances by the Federal Ministry of Works for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.
At a press briefing in Abuja, RHCC Chairman Hon. Tayo Agbaje stated:
“Diaspora Day should be a celebration of contribution and connection—not a reminder of betrayal. The Federal Government must not allow the illegal demolition of WINHOMES Estate to go unanswered. These are patriotic Nigerians who returned home with dreams, dollars, and dignity—only to be met with bulldozers and silence Mr. President must act now.”
The demolished WINHOMES Estate, a multimillion-dollar residential development backed by diaspora capital, was reportedly flattened without proper notice, legal due process, or compensation—sending shockwaves through Nigerian communities abroad.
Agbaje called for the immediate establishment of an independent presidential committee to investigate the matter and facilitate adequate compensation:
“The time for delay is over. The Tinubu administration must take a bold step to resolve this injustice. Anything short of compensation will further erode the trust of global investors and paint Nigeria as a hostile environment for its own citizens.”
RHCC did not spare the leadership of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM). The group sharply criticized NIDCOM Chairperson Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa for what they described as “complete dereliction of duty,” accusing her of turning Diaspora Day into a “lavish distraction” while diaspora lives and investments are in ruins.
“Abike Dabiri has betrayed the very people she was appointed to protect,” Agbaje declared. “While she organizes parties and photo-ops, the real diaspora heroes are being robbed of their livelihoods. Her silence on this issue is not just loud—it is dangerous.”
The RHCC warned that if the matter is not urgently resolved, it could trigger diplomatic fallout, mass protests in Western capitals, and deepen the perception that Nigeria’s systems are unjust and hostile to lawful investment.
“Diaspora contributions fuel Nigeria’s economy. To destroy those contributions without remorse is to burn the very bridges we need for progress,” Agbaje said.
The RHCC is urging the international media, civil society, and global Nigerian communities to stand in solidarity and demand accountability. As the nation marks Diaspora Day 2025, the call is loud and clear:
No Justice, No Celebration. Compensate the Diaspora Now RHCC said .
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