By FRANCA OCHIGBO, Abuja

The President who made this statement yesterday during the second Nigeria diaspora day and 3rd science and technology conference in Abuja said the ministers of science and technology, education and health should partner with Nigerians in the diaspora in creating platforms in science for Nigeria institution of learning.

Said Yar’Adua ''my main goal is to tackle poverty, generate jobs encourage foreign investors,'' he appealed to Nigerians both at home and in diaspora to collaborate and form a formidable force in tackling poverty, generate enough wealth to meet the target of being among the 20 wealthy nation in the world by 2020.”

Chukwuma Soludo the governor of Central Bank of Nigeria CBN expressed dismay at Nigerians who are not willing to identify with their root, saying that there are 17 million Nigerians in the diaspora but that their contribution so far to the growth of the nation was quite minimal compared to other developing nations.

AmbassadorJoe Keshi a prime mover of the Nigeria diaspora day said the primary objective was to tap into and utilize the knowledge, skills and resources of the Nigerians in diaspora to strengthen and complement government efforts at addressing the issues of sustainable development.

The Secretary to the Federal Government Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe said the present government would ensure thatbrain drain was turned to brain gain for the benefit of the nation.