When Governor Monday Okpebholo appointed Dr. Loretta Oduware Ogboro‑Okor as Director‑General of the Edo State Diaspora Agency, he entrusted her with a clear and ambitious mandate: to weave stronger bonds between Edo people abroad and those at home, transforming diaspora goodwill into concrete development projects. This significant appointment, announced in March 2025, positioned a physician, educator, and diaspora advocate at the helm of Edo’s ambitious global engagement strategy.
A Mandate with Momentum
Under Governor Okpebholo’s leadership, diaspora engagement has evolved from mere formality to a pivotal development strategy. Communications from the state emphasise collaboration on investments, knowledge exchange, and cultural diplomacy—not just remittances. The stakes are high: Nigeria’s remittances reached an estimated $24 billion in 2024, with Edo projected to account for approximately $7 billion (~31%).
Dr. Ogboro‑Okor’s proactive approach is further highlighted by the appointment of over 70 diaspora and local liaison officers across the world, laying the groundwork for sustained and responsive engagement.
Where the Road Has Taken Her (So Far)
Italy (Rome – Milan – Naples)
- Rome: Dr. Ogboro‑Okor began her European outreach with a visit to Rome in May 2025, convening with Edo communities to raise awareness and encourage unified development efforts. (Obaland Magazine)
- Naples: Shortly after Rome, she continued her mission in Naples with her team, including Prince Kelly, underscoring Edo’s commitment to diaspora cohesion. (Obaland Magazine)
United Kingdom (London)
- Mid-year, Dr. Ogboro‑Okor was honoured with the “Woman of Excellence” award at the Africa Day Awards International—an accolade that elevated Edo’s narrative and galvanised UK-based indigenes.
Institutional Coordination (Abuja, Nigeria)
- At home, she engaged with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aligning Edo’s diaspora strategies with federal frameworks.
Canada & Spain — Newly Documented
While not previously featured in formal press releases, Canada and Spain have now emerged as important stops in Dr. Ogboro‑Okor’s tour, as verified by video footage circulating on diaspora-focused platforms (e.g., official Agency social media, community broadcasts). These recordings show her leading dialogues with Edo expatriates—advocating for collaborative development, safe migration, and inclusion in the state’s investment pipeline.
Why This Appointment Matters
- Political Will Meets Strategy
Governor Okpebholo has placed diaspora engagement in the centre of state policy, committing to inclusion (“no Edo indigene left behind”), transparent investment processes, and a digital portal that enhances diaspora participation. (Obaland Magazine, Obaland Magazine, Nigerian Observer) - Credible Leadership at the Helm
Dr. Ogboro‑Okor’s unique blend of medical expertise and diaspora advocacy has earned her trust among communities abroad—not just as a policymaker but as a relatable leader. (Wikipedia) - Beyond Remittances to Structured Investment
Under her direction, the Agency is channelling diaspora contributions into measurable projects—targeting health, education, MSMEs, and infrastructure—with monitoring dashboards for visibility and accountability. - Human Security First
The Agency also emphasises welfare support and mental-health services, especially for irregular migrants—enhancing trust and legitimacy among diaspora communities.
What Success Looks Like
| Milestone | Description |
|---|---|
| Deals, Not Just Dialogues | Establishing diaspora-backed MSME funds, scholarships, and co-financed community projects with transparent dashboards. |
| Skills on the Move | Initiatives enabling short-term professional exchanges—doctors, engineers, creatives returning home to teach and collaborate. |
| Rapid Response Network | Building on the liaison-officer structure to form a global early-warning and opportunity grid for Edo people. (Nigerian Observer) |
| Cultural Diplomacy | Elevating Edo representation internationally—turning “Edo stories told by Edo people” into a powerful brand asset. |
The Governor’s Vision
By appointing a high-calibre DG and supporting a robust, actionable diaspora strategy, Governor Okpebholo is investing in a future shaped by diaspora contributions—through job creation, safety nets, and pride. His administration, validated by legal affirmation post-2024 elections, signals long-term stability and seriousness—pivotal when engaging global partners.
Confirmed Visits to Date
- Italy – (Rome, Milan, Naples)
- United Kingdom – (London)
- Canada – (Emerging documentation via video coverage)
- Spain – (Emerging documentation via video coverage)
- Nigeria (Abuja) – (NiDCOM, Foreign Affairs)
