Abuja: Sunday Bitrus, the President of Zumunta Association USA, states that the association is set to train 1,000 youths in ICT and conduct a three-day medical outreach in Nasarawa State.
Bitrus made this known at a press conference to announce the association’s Annual Convention, scheduled from July 14 to July 23 in Nasarawa State.
He said that the lineup of activities at the convention includes a Medical Outreach at Gudi Hospital, Akwanga, and ICT training for 1,000 participants, where the best-performing participants will receive IT tools.
Bitrus said that there would also be Google-certified training, in partnership with the Africa Universities Fund, Inc., as well as the Zumunta Golf Classic Tournament and the Tennis Tournament.
Bitrus said that the association promotes the positive image of Nigeria globally through the impactful actions of its members.
“Zumunta has contributed to meaningful dialogue, social and economic advancement, and the creation of a peaceful, just, and sustainable international Nigerian community.
“Our association is deeply committed to serving the needs of our members, partnering with host communities, and promoting unbiased, inclusive discourse on national development.
“Our flagship scholarship programme has transformed the lives of over 5,000 science students in Northern Nigeria, with over 100 million Naira disbursed since inception,” he said.
Speaking earlier, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), said that the commission was glad to partner with the Diaspora group.
Dabiri-Erewa, represented by Eng. Yakubu Bassi, Secretary to the Commission, said that the Zumunta Association had made significant contributions to the Nigerian economy and promoted unity and nation-building through its activities.
“The association has participated in giving scholarships across the 19 northern states of Nigeria over the past 35 years.
“It also built the first cyber café in Kaduna State, and introduced ICT up north through the cyber café set-up,” she said.
Margaret Elayo, Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Nasarawa State, stated that the choice of the state as the venue was due to its rich deposits of solid minerals.
Elayo described Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State as a selfless leader who saw the need to replicate the quality infrastructure he experienced while schooling in America in the state.
“Those of you that had passed through Houston, Texas, and Washington, by the time you get to Lafiya, the capital of Nasarawa, you will think you are in one of those places,” she said.
The 2025 Zumunta convention is themed: From Connection to Action: Mobilising Local Experience and Diaspora Insights for National Development.
