Inspired by John 1:46 – “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip.
In the Gospel of John, when Nathanael questioned the origin of Jesus, asking skeptically, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip responded with a simple yet powerful invitation: “Come and see.” This phrase has echoed through centuries as a call to look beyond assumptions and witness the truth for oneself.
Fast forward to today, the question could well be posed about the Edo people living in Italy. Can anything good come out of Edo people in Italy? Bishop Desmond Osazuwa Amasihohu answers with certainty: “Yes indeed. Come and see.”
A Letter from Bishop Desmond Osazuwa Amasihohu
Dear All,
A must-read by all. Please read to the end.
The Economic Power of the Edo Diaspora in Italy:
Diaspora remittances have long been a lifeline for many developing economies. For Nigeria, the inflows of money sent home by Nigerians living abroad are a critical pillar supporting the country’s economic growth, development, and foreign exchange earnings.
According to a recent report by Agusto & Co, a respected Pan-African credit rating agency and research firm, diaspora remittances to Nigeria are projected to hit an astonishing $26 billion in 2025. This growth is expected to be bolstered by improving economic conditions in advanced economies, as well as innovations in financial technology that make sending money easier, faster, and more secure.
In May 2025, both the World Bank and the European Union reported that remittances to Nigeria had indeed reached this impressive milestone—$26 billion between 2024 and 2025.
Italy: The Top Country Sending Money Home to Nigeria
Breaking down the numbers, the country from which the largest remittance inflows to Nigeria originate is Italy. Nigerian expatriates in Italy sent a remarkable $6 billion back to Nigeria in just one year.
More strikingly, statistics show that the highest contributors within this figure are Edo people living in Italy, who sent approximately $4 billion of this total back to Edo State alone.
This fact alone decisively answers the question posed earlier. Yes, something very good is coming out of Edo people in Italy.
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A Call for Recognition and Appreciation
As a spiritual leader closely associated with Edo State’s governance, I, Bishop Desmond Osazuwa Amasihohu, have observed this trend for years. It is now time for the Governor of Edo State to formally recognize this remarkable contribution by inviting top Italian dignitaries and the Italian Ambassador to Nigeria to Edo State.
Such a symbolic gesture could take the form of naming a town, street, or district after Italy, honoring the significant financial lifeline that the Edo diaspora in Italy provides to the state’s economy each year.
Facts that Speak Volumes
Here are some key facts that underscore the importance of these remittances:
• In 2024, remittance inflows to Nigeria reached $20.93 billion, marking an 8.9% increase year-on-year.
• The Central Bank of Nigeria is targeting $1 billion in monthly remittances by 2025, signaling the critical role remittances play in the national economy.
• The World Bank confirms that remittances to Nigeria hit $26 billion within two years, propelled by the continuous engagement of the diaspora and advances in financial technology.
What Drives This Remittance Growth?
Several factors fuel this upward trend:
• Economic Conditions: As economic conditions improve in advanced economies like Italy, the capacity of the diaspora to send money home increases.
• Diaspora Engagement: Nigerians abroad, especially Edo people in Italy, maintain strong ties with their communities and families, ensuring regular remittance flows.
• Fintech Innovation: Modern financial technologies enable easier, faster, and more transparent money transfers, reducing costs and barriers for senders and recipients alike.
Central Bank of Nigeria’s Role in Facilitating Remittances
To sustain and enhance this momentum, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has implemented measures aimed at transparency and efficiency in remittance flows:
• Revised IMTO Guidelines: Inbound money transfers are now required to be settled in Naira through authorized dealer banks, helping to stabilize the currency market.
• Special FX Window: Eligible International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs) can purchase Naira directly from the CBN, enabling same-day settlement and improving liquidity.
These policies not only encourage formal channels for money transfers but also increase the overall impact of remittances on the Nigerian economy.
Italy Leads the Way, Edo People Are the Vanguard
Among all the countries contributing to Nigeria’s remittance inflows, Italy stands out as the leader, and within Italy, the Edo community shines brightest.
This group of dedicated, hardworking individuals continues to build bridges between their new homes and their ancestral roots by sending billions of dollars every year to support families, businesses, and community development projects in Edo State.
So, to those who may still question the value or contributions of the Edo people in Italy, Bishop Desmond Osazuwa Amasihohu’s message is clear:
“Come and see.”
Look at the tangible evidence of commitment, love, and economic empowerment coming from this vibrant diaspora community. Their contributions are transforming Edo State’s economy and uplifting countless lives.
In this era of global interconnectedness, where people often migrate in search of better opportunities, the Edo people in Italy exemplify how the diaspora can be a powerful engine of progress for their homeland.
May God bless the Edo people in Italy and all Nigerians abroad who continue to sow seeds of hope and development in their motherland.
By Bishop Desmond Osazuwa Amasihohu,
Spiritual Leader to the Edo State Governor
About The Author
