NiDCOM Boss Urges Nigerian Youths to Dream Big, Supports Returnees at National Diaspora Day Summit
Oru Leonard
Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa has challenged young Nigerians to dream big, remain resilient, and believe in their ability to achieve success despite life’s challenges.
Speaking at the Youth Empowerment Summit, one of the highlights of the 2026 National Diaspora Day celebration in Abuja, Dabiri-Erewa said the programme was designed to inspire and equip young people with the knowledge, leadership skills, and confidence needed to become responsible citizens and future leaders.
She encouraged participants to maximize the opportunity to learn from the experiences shared by resource persons and panelists, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, innovation, and pride in their Nigerian identity.
The NiDCOM boss recalled that several participants from previous editions of the programme had gone on to achieve remarkable success, underscoring the value of mentorship and youth empowerment initiatives.
As part of the summit, Dabiri-Erewa introduced two Nigerian returnees from South Africa who shared inspiring stories of resilience after enduring difficult experiences abroad.
One of the returnees, a Chemical Engineering student, narrated how he successfully combined his studies with running a tutoring business that served more than 30 students weekly before circumstances compelled him to return to Nigeria. He expressed his determination to complete his education and build a career in the power and petroleum sectors, while noting that although he missed the friendships he formed in South Africa, he did not miss the discrimination and bureaucratic hurdles he encountered.
Another returnee, Mrs. Maria Adeyemi, recounted the documentation difficulties, financial losses, and prolonged separation from her husband that her family experienced in South Africa. She expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government for facilitating their safe return through NiDCOM’s intervention.
Adeyemi also disclosed plans to establish a restaurant in Nigeria, saying she hopes to contribute to the country’s hospitality industry with her culinary skills.
Responding to their testimonies, Dabiri-Erewa assured the returnees of NiDCOM’s continued engagement with relevant stakeholders to support their reintegration and aspirations.
She reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to promoting youth development, supporting Nigerians in the diaspora and returnees, and creating opportunities that enable young Nigerians to reach their full potential.
Also speaking at the event, the Group Managing Director of ARCO Group Plc, Engr. Alfred Okoigun, urged Nigerian youths to embrace innovation, integrity, and lifelong learning as critical drivers of national development and transformation, particularly in the healthcare sector.
Okoigun commended NiDCOM under Dabiri-Erewa’s leadership for providing a platform that connects young Nigerians with accomplished professionals and members of the diaspora to foster collaboration, mentorship, and nation-building.
He also praised the Federal Government for supporting initiatives that empower young people and harness the expertise of Nigerians in the diaspora for sustainable national development.
