Chapter One — 1.1 Background to the Study

Diaspora Diplomacy has increasingly attracted the attention of researchers, regulators, and practitioners concerned with nigeria's national image abroad. This growing interest reflects the recognition that diaspora diplomacy does not operate in isolation, but interacts with a wider set of institutional and market conditions found within Edo State.

Edo State presents a useful setting for examining this relationship precisely because the conditions there — structural, regulatory, and behavioural — differ from those typically assumed in the broader literature, most of which draws on evidence from more developed economies.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

While diaspora diplomacy is widely discussed in policy and industry circles, empirical evidence on its actual effect on nigeria's national image abroad within Edo State remains sparse and, in places, contradictory. This lack of localized, rigorous evidence makes it difficult for decision-makers to know with confidence whether current approaches to diaspora diplomacy are helping or hindering nigeria's national image abroad — a gap this study sets out to close.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To examine the effect of Diaspora Diplomacy on nigeria's national image abroad in Edo State.
2. To assess the extent to which diaspora diplomacy influences nigeria's national image abroad within the study area.
3. To identify the challenges associated with diaspora diplomacy in relation to nigeria's national image abroad.
4. To recommend strategies for optimizing diaspora diplomacy in order to improve nigeria's national image abroad.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What is the effect of diaspora diplomacy on nigeria's national image abroad in Edo State?
2. To what extent does diaspora diplomacy influence nigeria's national image abroad within the study area?
3. What challenges are associated with diaspora diplomacy in relation to nigeria's national image abroad?
4. What strategies can be adopted to optimize diaspora diplomacy in order to improve nigeria's national image abroad?

1.5 Significance of the Study

Beyond its academic contribution to the field of international relations and diplomacy, this study has practical value for management teams within Edo State seeking to understand how diaspora diplomacy translates into measurable outcomes around nigeria's national image abroad. It is equally useful to students and future researchers looking for a localized empirical reference on this relationship.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study is limited to an examination of Diaspora Diplomacy and its relationship with nigeria's national image abroad within the context of Edo State. It reflects a clearly defined scope of analysis and relies on data and perspectives available within that scope; generalizing the findings beyond this specific context should therefore be done with appropriate caution.