Alake lauds Nigerians in diaspora for deploying resources for national development

The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Dr Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, has lauded Nigerians living outside the country, for their selflessness and commitment towards the development of the country.

He appreciated them for deploying their hard earned money for the betterment of citizens of the country.

The monarch stated this during the free medical outreach organised by the Yoruba Nurses of North America held at Ake Palace, Abeokuta, on Tuesday.

Oba Gbadebo disclosed that the exodus of Nigerians to foreign land for greener pastures some years back has been yielding positive results,based on their determination to add value to the national economy.

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He said, “One of the best things that has happened to our nation is our children who are all over the world doing so well especially in deploying their hard earned resources for the upliftment of others.

“Some of these people are coming back to be chiefs, to be traditional rulers, industrialists adding a whole lots of value to our economy.

“So let those people who want to stay behind in the country do so and for those who wants to travel abroad, those whose skills are wanted abroad, let them go, make it there and come back to support the well being of their people back home and our economy too.”

He noted that Nigeria is next to India in terms of money sent home annually, saying the support is making lots of difference in the life the people and the nation’s economy.

Oba Gbadebo commended the medical personnel for giving back to the people out of their resources.

The traditional ruler described the medical outreach as good example of collaboration with people in diaspora that are aimed at empowering the people and making life more meaningful for the people back home.

The President, Yoruba Nurses of North America, Dr Adebisi Allison, said the annual free medical outreach underscored the association’s commitment towards enhancing health and well-being of Yoruba people across the South West, including Kogi and Kwara states, through a holistic and community-driven approach.

While adding that the free medical outreach served as an avenue for Yoruba health care professionals across North America to give back to their communities and help their kinsmen, the Yoruba people.

He hinted that the nation’s health care system is facing numerous challenges, especially shortage of healthcare facilities and equipment; inadequate health literacy; limited access to certain services; high out of pocket expenses and fragmented structure that prioritizes tertiary heath care at the expense of primary health care.

“These challenges have continued to undermine the potency of Nigeria’s Health sector, despite the substantial amount of funds allocated to healthcare infrastructure in this country. Moreover, massive brain drain of Nigerian health practitioners has further exacerbated the ugly situation.

“In the light of this, the Yoruba Nurses of North America, (YORNNA), seeks to bridge the gap by promoting equitable access to essential health services, encouraging community participation, and fostering partnerships with government at all levels, community groups and third-party organizations.

“YORNNA’s resolution to prioritize immediate action on health care across Yoruba communities arose out of the discussions from a 2022 Forum spearheaded by Apero Nile Loko initiatives, developed by Egbe Omo Yoruba North America, which focused on key issues facing the Yoruba people. According to Prof. Funsho Famuyiwa, who spoke at YORNNA 2024 Health Outreach Information Session and Fundraiser, a comprehensive 400-page report released in 2023 from the Apero forum emphasized the urgent need for improved access to health care services, education and deeper community involvement,” he added.

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