Chief Francis Obidike
Appointed Imo State Government
Diaspora Co-coordinator for Germany
The African Union already recognized the contributions of the Diaspora and has also long recognized it as part of the continent. As far back as 2007, according to the World Bank, Bank of Ghana indicated that Ghanaians living abroad contributed up to US$2 billion to the economy of Ghana through remittances which have stimulated new enterprises and economic development. The story is the same across the continent. Most African governments have even gone ahead to create the Ministry of Diaspora. World Bank Reports state that Ghanaian government for example has passed citizenship legislation granting eligible overseas-resident Ghanaians the right to vote and has introduced a permanent Diaspora visa that allows descendants of the historical Diaspora to visit Ghana without visas after their first visit. Ghana has thus taking a lead in Africa in this respect.
In her recent trip to Nigeria, Chancellor Angela Merkel was very emphatic about the resolve of her government to encourage a new “Africa initiative” and promised a special interest for a smooth business relationship with Nigeria. The Nigerians in Diaspora are no doubt set to take up the challenges.
It is not surprising that the Executive Governor of Imo State H.E. Owelle Rochas Okorocha (OON) recently approved the appointment of Chief Francis Obidike, a Nigerian community leader, business man, patriot and the CEO of Chimex Motors Hamburg as the State Co-ordinator for Imo State Business and Trade initiatives with effect from December 2011.
Chief Francis Obidike will have the responsibilities to negotiate with business and international community, grant agencies, NGOs and prominent Imo indigenes with a view to attracting trade and businesses to Imo State. Chief Francis Obidike will be working hand in hand with the department of the Diaspora under the office of the Imo State Governor.
Contact Info.
Chimex Motors
Fahrzeug und Teilehandel
Import und Export
Werner Siemens Str. 83
22113 Hamburg, Germany
Tel. +49 (0) 40 73 09 09 41/2
Fax. +49 (0) 40 73 09 09 43
e-mail chimexhh@yahoo.de
