Bamidele Odunuga, Chief Executive Officer of Bridge and Value and Co-Founder of Friends of Nigeria Europe, has been recognised with the prestigious National Diaspora Merit Award (NDMA) for his decades of work fostering partnerships between governments, investors, entrepreneurs, and development institutions across Africa and Europe.
The award was presented at a distinguished ceremony held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, which attracted over 700 guests, including government officials, diplomats, development partners, business executives, and members of the Nigerian diaspora from across the world.
High-Profile Gathering
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was represented by the Wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, while NiDCOM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, hosted the ceremony.
Other dignitaries in attendance included:
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Senator George Akume – Secretary to the Government of the Federation
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Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye – Minister of State for Foreign Affairs
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Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako – Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare
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Hon. Tochukwu Okere – Chairman, House Committee on Diaspora Affairs
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Dr. John Momoh – Chairman, Channels Media Group (Keynote Speaker)
A Career of Cross-Border Impact
For more than two decades, Odunuga has worked to foster partnerships between governments, investors, entrepreneurs, and development institutions across Africa and Europe. Through his leadership at Bridge and Value and Friends of Nigeria Europe, he has supported cross-border market expansion, promoted investment opportunities, and strengthened engagement between Nigerians in the diaspora and their home country through strategic collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Award Acceptance Remarks
Speaking after receiving the award, Odunuga described the recognition as a reminder that success should be measured by the impact people make rather than where they live. He reaffirmed his commitment to building partnerships that create opportunities for Nigerian entrepreneurs, expand access to education for young people, and position Nigeria as a trusted global economic partner.
According to him, Nigeria’s vast human capital and potential can be unlocked through stronger international collaboration, investment, and innovation to drive sustainable economic growth.
About the National Diaspora Merit Award
The National Diaspora Merit Award was established under Paragraph 2.3.4 of the National Diaspora Policy, approved by the Federal Executive Council in April 2021, to recognise Nigerians in the diaspora and international partners whose work has significantly advanced Nigeria’s development and global reputation.
