Joseph Onah Bags FG’s National Diaspora Merit Award at Presidential Villa

High Chief Joseph Ajah Onah, President of the Benue State Union in Côte d’Ivoire and an international businessman and philanthropist, has been honoured with the 2026 National Diaspora Merit Award by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).

The award was presented on Saturday, July 25, at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, during the grand finale of the two-day 2026 National Diaspora Day celebration, held from July 24 to 25.

Onah was recognised for his contributions to philanthropy, humanitarian service, entrepreneurship, community development and exemplary leadership, as well as his role as a model for Nigerians living abroad.

His recognition was particularly notable as he was the only award recipient from Côte d’Ivoire at the ceremony.

The event attracted senior government officials, diplomats, lawmakers, business leaders and Nigerians from different parts of the world.

Among the dignitaries present was Hajiya Nana Shettima, wife of the Vice President, who represented the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. Also in attendance was the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr. George Akume, while the Chairman/CEO of Channels Media Group, Dr. John Momoh, delivered an inspirational address.

Momoh urged Nigerians in the diaspora to remain optimistic about the country and continue to contribute to its development. He also encouraged young Nigerians to discover and maximise their potentials, noting that the country’s prospects remain greater than its challenges.

The celebration featured the participation of several government and legislative stakeholders, including Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare; Senator Aniekan Bassey, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, represented by Senator Anthony Yari; and Hon. Chinedu Tochukwu Okere, Chairman of the House Committee on Diaspora Affairs.

The event was organised under the theme, “Harnessing Global Diaspora Medical Expertise to Strengthen Local Health Systems for National Development.”

The theme highlighted the Federal Government’s efforts to leverage the expertise, investments and knowledge of Nigerians in the diaspora to strengthen national development.

Onah’s humanitarian activities align with that broader vision. Over the years, he has supported rural communities through the construction of culverts and bridges, road grading and provision of boreholes.

He has also provided educational materials and scholarships, empowered widows, assisted less-privileged Nigerians with hospital bills and supported orphanages.

As President of the Benue State Union in Côte d’Ivoire, Onah has also worked with his team to support efforts to rescue victims of human trafficking and facilitate their return to Nigeria in collaboration with relevant authorities.

His business activities in Côte d’Ivoire have equally contributed to employment creation and economic activity, reflecting the potential of Nigerians abroad to create value in their host countries while maintaining strong connections with their homeland.

The 2026 National Diaspora Day celebration was also supported by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, who was listed by NiDCOM as Co-Host of the event.

Commendation also went to the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, for her continued efforts toward strengthening the relationship between Nigeria and its citizens abroad.

For High Chief Joseph Ajah Onah, the National Diaspora Merit Award represents more than a personal honour. It is a recognition of a journey built around enterprise, compassion, leadership and service.

From his humble beginnings in Oju, Benue State, to building businesses, supporting communities in Côte d’Ivoire and earning national recognition at the Presidential Villa, Onah’s story demonstrates the impact Nigerians in the diaspora can make both at home and abroad.