The Edo State Government will host the 5th State Diaspora Focal Point Officers (SDFPO) National Summit in Benin City from April 12 to April 15, 2026, in a move to deepen diaspora engagement for national development.
The summit is being organised by the Edo State Diaspora Agency in collaboration with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM). It is themed “Bringing the World Home: Harnessing Diaspora Health Expertise for National Development.”
The event is expected to attract key stakeholders, including the Chairman of NiDCOM, members of the National Assembly Committees on Diaspora, delegates from Nigerian diaspora communities, and focal point officers from about 35 states.
According to the programme, activities will begin on April 12 with the arrival of over 70 special guests. The main summit will hold on April 13, featuring keynote addresses, a special address by the host governor, and presentations on diaspora-driven initiatives across various states.
The day’s programme will also include technical sessions, panel discussions, the commissioning of the Edo State Diaspora Headquarters, and the launch of the state’s diaspora policy.
On April 14, participants will embark on visits to selected sites of interest, followed by a dinner and cocktail session, while departure of guests is scheduled for April 15.
All events will take place at the Festival Hall of the Government House in Benin City, starting at 9:00 a.m. daily.
The summit is expected to serve as a strategic platform for harnessing the expertise of Nigerians in the diaspora—particularly in the health sector—towards sustainable national development.