Empowering the Youth Through Technology and Collaboration
The Zumunta Association USA Inc., a prominent Nigerian diaspora group, has announced an ambitious initiative to train 1000 youths in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) during its 2025 Annual Convention. This effort underscores the association’s commitment to leveraging technology for national development and youth empowerment.
At a joint news conference held in Abuja, the National President of the association, Mr. Sunday Bitrus, revealed that the convention will take place in Nasarawa State. This marks the second time the event is being held in Nigeria since the association was founded 35 years ago. The convention is set to run from July 14 to July 23, 2025, coinciding with the National Diaspora Day and Diaspora Week celebrations in Abuja, which are scheduled for July 25 to July 26, 2025.
The 2025 Zumunta Convention is expected to feature a variety of impactful programs designed to foster collaboration and drive meaningful change. These include a free medical outreach, golf and tennis tournaments, and strategic business meetings focused on key sectors such as agriculture, mining, health, and housing. Participants will also have the opportunity to engage in activities related to the National Diaspora Day and Diaspora Week in Abuja.
The theme of the convention, “From Connection to Action: Mobilizing Local Experience and Diasporan Insights for National Development,” highlights the association’s shift from mere dialogue to tangible action. According to Bitrus, this approach emphasizes the importance of leveraging both local knowledge and diasporan insights to contribute to the country’s growth.
In addition to the ICT and AI training, the Zumunta Association has a long history of supporting education and health initiatives in Nigeria. Bitrus mentioned that the association’s scholarship scheme has empowered over 5,000 science students in Northern Nigeria, with a total of ?100 million disbursed so far. The association has also implemented health and palliative care projects in partnership with more than 30 non-governmental organizations.
Bitrus emphasized the importance of moving beyond discussions and into real-time delivery of solutions at home. “We are shifting from connection to action, from diaspora dialogues to real-time delivery at home,” he stated.
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), represented by Dr. Sule Yakubu Bassi, the Secretary to the Commission, praised the return of the Zumunta Convention as a significant milestone in diaspora engagement. She highlighted the role of the diaspora in actively contributing to national development.
“Zumunta is demonstrating that the diaspora is not just watching; they are working. This 2025 convention showcases the power of collaboration between diaspora organizations, state governments, and federal institutions,” she said.
NIDCOM expressed pride in supporting this initiative, which aligns with its mandate to promote structured and impactful contributions from the diaspora to national development.
The Zumunta Association’s efforts reflect a growing trend among diaspora groups to play a more active role in addressing the challenges facing their home countries. By combining technological innovation with community engagement, these groups are helping to build a more connected and prosperous future for Nigeria.
