Ola Akinwunmi
Edo State has emerged as a key force in Nigeria’s economy, contributing an impressive 31% of the country’s total diaspora remittances, according to the Director-General of the Edo State Diaspora Agency, Dr. Loretta Ogboro-Okor.
In a recent interview, Ogboro-Okor revealed that the state’s diaspora has maintained a strong financial presence, with remittances rising alongside national figures over the past several years.
“Out of the estimated 17 million Nigerians living abroad, a significant portion are from Edo. In 2017, the World Bank reported $22 billion in total remittances to Nigeria — $6 billion of that came from Edo,” she said. “By 2024, Nigeria’s remittances grew to $24 billion, and Edo’s contribution is projected at $7 billion.”
This steady growth reflects not only the state’s global reach but also its enduring connection to home. Ogboro-Okor credited this achievement to the resilience and deeply rooted family values of Edo indigenes.
“The money they send home is not just supporting relatives — it’s building infrastructure, sponsoring education, and fuelling small businesses. It’s changing lives and reshaping communities,” she said.
As part of efforts to deepen engagement with the diaspora, the agency has ramped up outreach campaigns in key European cities with large Edo populations, including Rome, Verona, and Napoli. These campaigns focus on strengthening cultural ties, streamlining support systems, and encouraging even greater participation in the state’s development.
Ogboro-Okor specifically praised Edo citizens in Italy for their consistent financial contributions, which she said not only bolster the state’s economy but also uplift Nigeria’s image abroad.
Governor Monday Okpebholo, she added, remains deeply appreciative of the diaspora’s commitment and is working closely with them to improve welfare programs and open new pathways for collaboration.
“Governor Okpebholo is proud of what our citizens abroad have accomplished,” she said. “He’s committed to ensuring that their efforts translate into visible, lasting progress back home.”
She encouraged more Edo indigenes and their international partners to continue supporting the state’s development, reaffirming that the administration’s priority remains the welfare and empowerment of its people.
With billions of dollars flowing back into Edo each year, the state is proving that distance is no barrier to impact — and that its sons and daughters abroad remain an engine of growth back home.
