According to ODA’s Director, the purpose of the meeting is to navigate the possibility of how they can collaborate with all political parties Diaspora units in order to effectively harness the Diaspora towards national development. In explaining the mandate of ODA, Mr Conteh stated that the institution is a national entity that was set up to engage Sierra Leoneans living overseas irrespective of their political parties “In order to have a full participation of Sierra Leonean Diasporans there is a need to collaborate with political parties Diaspora units”

Mr Conteh who promised to engage all other political parties, stressed the need for these parties to provide them data of their Diaspora compatriots” with these data we will be able to know relevant information regarding their expertise and experience for possible recruitments in order to fill critical gaps in Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDA’s)” He told them about the Migration and Development for Africa (MIDA) Project. He said they are implementing this project with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to outsource Sierra Leonean Diaspora Medical Practitioners to provide health care services to areas like Koinadugu District which is in dire need of such services.

In his statement, SLPP Director of Administration, Alhaji Brima Koroma commended the Director of ODA for taking up such a great venture to engage them. Mr Koroma stated that before this time their prior thought was that the ODA was set up to seek the interest of the APC Diasporans. He however promised that they will convey the outcome of the meeting to the party’s executive and later they will get on to the Director of ODA accordingly.

The Coordinator of SLPP Diaspora Coordinating Unit, Bockarie Massaquoi also pointed out the need for an inclusive Diaspora engagement approach for the development of the Country.

Meanwhile Office of Diaspora Affairs will also be meeting with other Diaspora units of various political parties in the country.