Dr Loretta Ogboro-Okor says Edo indigenes abroad contributed $7bn to Nigeria’s $24bn diaspora inflow in 2024, highlighting their economic impact and strong community ties.
The Director-General of the Edo State Diaspora Agency, Dr Loretta Ogboro-Okor, has revealed that Edo State contributes an estimated 31 per cent of Nigeria’s total diaspora remittances.
Speaking in a telephone interview, Ogboro-Okor noted that a significant number of the 17 million Nigerians abroad hail from Edo State.
“Edo has played a critical role in diaspora contributions since 2017, when the World Bank reported that Nigeria received $22 billion in total remittances. Of that amount, $6 billion came from Edo State,” she said.
“By 2024, the total remittances to Nigeria had increased to $24 billion, and Edo’s contribution was projected at $7 billion.”
She credited the state’s strong diaspora support to resilience, hard work, and deep-rooted family values.
Ogboro-Okor also highlighted outreach efforts in Italy, praising Edo citizens in Rome, Verona, and Napoli. She reaffirmed Governor Monday Okpebholo’s commitment to strengthening diaspora engagement and improving citizen welfare.