#234DiasporaDiscourses | The political, socioeconomic, and historical discourses that affect us and that we care about back ‘home’ and abroad.
#234DiasporaDiscourses are “on topics related to state-diaspora ties. . .with an emphasis on the relations between [Nigeria] and their communities of nationals resident abroad.” (Laurie Brand)
Through a particular focus on the politics of belonging, we explore the extent to which Nigerians in the Diaspora perform the progressive role expected of us in globalizing discourses of Diaspora and development. The interplay between national, subnational, and geo-ethnic visions of belonging and development has fundamental implications for viability of the Nigerian state. Our #234DiasporaDiscourses mobilize identity ‘abroad’ and spark transnational interventions at ‘home’. The Nigerian Diaspora can either advance or undermine nation building in Nigeria. Our transnational engagements and interventions can transcend the ethnicized boundaries of belonging to articulate and pursue visions of Nigeria’s national development. While our involvement in the politics of belonging and the progress of ‘home’ may be more ambivalent than globalizing discourses might hope, our potential for contributing to a unified and prosperous Nigeria should not be dismissed.
Adapted From: Ben Lampert, The Open University (UK)
Here at MsNigeriaDiaspora.com, Nigerian lives matter back ‘home’ and abroad and it is through engaging in discourses that we spark and move transnational interventions in Nigeria.
To contribute to our #234DiasporaDiscourses, click here to become a MND contributor.
