In what ever context I tried to use the word "diaspora," it returns with a negative connotation. The english dictionary did not help either. Every edition that I tried my hands on, gives similar meaning.

In short, the dictionary defines "diaspora" as a noun, then explains with examples: the dispersion of the jews from Israel, jews living outside Israel, dispersed people from their original homeland.

This then got me thinking; why would Nigerians living abroad choose to name their union "The Nigeria Diaspora Group" as if they were dispersed from the shores of their motherland like the jews.

I dug further into the dictionary to see whether there might be a softer meaning through synonyms. Not quite. In fact, it even hardens as words like separate, scatter, split, break and etcetera kept surfacing.

The first time I came across the word "diaspora" was some years back as Masters degree student at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen. I was approached by a Nigerian permanent resident in Glasgow who introduced himself as branch executive member of the Nigeria Diaspora Group. He said he was told I had excellent relationship with a Minister of the federal republic and had come to solicit for my assistance to convince the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to open a Consulate in Scotland.

Nigerians generally like to use big, uncommon english words to impress. Diaspora is not however impressive. Nobody kicked any Nigerian out of his country. No group of people, based on ethnicity, tribe or religion was "dispersed" from their motherland as were the jews.

It is therefore surprising to see that the Federal Government of Nigeria has technically recognised and adopted the word "diaspora" despite what it connotes and even established a Commission with the same name.

I am not an english student, but from the little I shared above, I think there is every need for the the Federal Government to come up with a better name that suites the Commission shouldered with the responsibility of dealing with Nigerian settlers abroad.

At this stage, the continued use of the term "diaspora" is bad public relations for the nation. Time for change.

Culled From Aminu Iyawa