In a landmark diaspora engagement, the Executive Chairman of Boki Local Government Area, Hon. Eti-Eka (Mrs.) Beatrice Etta Nyiam, met with the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Zafar Iqbal, on Saturday, 2nd August 2025, at The New Bingley Hall, Birmingham, on the sidelines of the Cross Riverians in Diaspora (CRID) Convention 2025.
The meeting, facilitated by Hon. Augustine Obi, Special Adviser on Diaspora Engagement, Trade, and Economic Development, focused on exploring potential collaboration between Boki Local Government Council and Birmingham City Council, particularly in areas such as cultural exchange, community development, and local economic empowerment.
In her remarks, Hon. Eti-Eka highlighted Boki’s rich cultural heritage, agricultural potential, and the importance of harnessing diaspora partnerships to drive rural development.
“Our vision is to create meaningful relationships that empower our communities, share knowledge, and inspire innovation at the grassroots level,” she said.
Joining the Executive Chairman at the meeting, Hon. Augustine Obi described the engagement as a strategic step toward connecting Boki’s local development priorities with global opportunities and diaspora networks. He noted that collaboration with a forward-thinking city like Birmingham could open doors to knowledge exchange, technical support, and cultural connection.
A major highlight of the visit was the exhibition of samples of Boki’s key agricultural and natural resources—including premium cocoa beans, palm fruits, banana bunches, and timber offcuts—presented to the Lord Mayor. The display showcased Boki’s economic strengths and investment potential, sparking interest in future partnerships.
In response, Councillor Zafar Iqbal, the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, warmly welcomed the Boki delegation and praised the initiative as a progressive approach to diaspora-driven development. He expressed Birmingham’s openness to maintaining contact with Boki and exploring areas of shared interest.
To further deepen the budding relationship, Hon. Eti-Eka formally extended an invitation to the Lord Mayor to visit Boki Local Government Council. The Lord Mayor received the invitation warmly and expressed interest in continued engagement.
Symbolic gifts were exchanged, and both parties agreed to keep the conversation open, laying the groundwork for possible future collaboration between Birmingham City Council and Boki Local Government Council.
This meeting forms part of a broader diaspora outreach strategy led by the Boki LGA administration during the CRID 2025 Convention, focused on promoting global visibility, attracting investment, and advancing diaspora-led development initiatives for the people of Boki.
Courtesy:
The Press Unit,
Boki LGC with input from SA Diaspora Engagement Trade and Economic Development Hon Augustine Obi.
