The Zumunta Association USA Inc. has officially announced that its 2025 Annual Convention will be held in Lafia, Nasarawa State — marking only the second time in its 35-year history that the event takes place in Nigeria. This year’s theme is “From Connection to Action: Mobilizing Local Experience and Diasporan Insights for National Development.”
The 10-day event, scheduled for July 14 to 23, 2025, is set to align with Nigeria’s National Diaspora Day and Diaspora Week events in Abuja, coming up on July 25–26, 2025. Speaking at a joint press briefing in Abuja, the National President of Zumunta, Mr. Sunday Bitrus, emphasized the convention’s goal of deepening engagement between diaspora professionals and local communities.
“This homecoming is not symbolic — it’s strategic,” said Mr. Bitrus. “We are shifting from connection to action, from diaspora dialogues to real-time delivery at home.”
Mr. Bitrus also highlighted Zumunta’s ongoing contributions to education and public health in Northern Nigeria, revealing that the Association’s scholarship programme has so far empowered over 5,000 science students, with more than ₦100 million disbursed. He further noted Zumunta’s involvement in health and palliative projects in collaboration with over 30 NGOs.
“This convention focuses on impactful engagement and collaborative action,” he said, reinforcing the Association’s long-standing mission.
Speaking on behalf of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Dr. Sule Yakubu Bassi, Secretary to the Commission, commended Zumunta’s commitment to Nigeria’s development. Representing NIDCOM Chair/CEO Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Dr. Bassi noted, “Zumunta is demonstrating that the diaspora is not just watching, they are working. This 2025 convention showcases the power of collaboration between diaspora organisations, state governments, and federal institutions.”
He also confirmed that NIDCOM fully supports the initiative, as it aligns with their mission to facilitate structured diaspora contributions in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, and education.
Nasarawa State Governor Engr. Abdullahi Sule, himself a former National President of Zumunta, expressed excitement about hosting the event. Represented by Princess Margaret Elayo, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, he affirmed the state’s readiness to support the programme.
“As a proud alumnus of Zumunta, I understand its vision, values, and capacity. Hosting this convention in Nasarawa reaffirms our government’s belief in partnerships that drive development and inspire the next generation,” said Princess Elayo.
The convention’s packed schedule will begin with a Free Medical Outreach from July 14 to 16 at Gudi General Hospital. This will be followed by an ICT training programme for 1,000 youths from July 14 to 18 in Lafia. Sports events including the Zumunta Golf Classic and Tennis Tournament will hold from July 19 to 20.
A Strategic Business Meeting covering key sectors such as agriculture, mining, housing, and health will take place on July 21. The Opening Ceremony, Plenary Sessions, Gala Night, and Fundraiser will all hold on July 22. Stakeholder engagement and royal courtesy visits are planned for July 23, with the convention wrapping up during the Diaspora Week events in Abuja on July 25–26.
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Zumunta Association USA Inc., founded in 1991 in New York, continues to promote national development through diaspora-led, non-partisan and non-religious programmes focused on youth empowerment, healthcare access, and economic investment.