Nigerians living abroad, particularly young professionals, have been urged to take advantage of the vast and untapped investment opportunities available in the country, as leaders and business executives called for renewed confidence in Nigeria’s economic potential.
The call was made at the Connected Diaspora Innovation Challenge and Flagship Event, held at the JK Randle Museum, Onikan, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat encouraged Nigerians abroad to look beyond prevailing narratives and explore opportunities in the country.
Dr Hamzat described his decision to return to Nigeria after several years in the United States as one of the best decisions of his life, noting that financial success abroad does not always translate to fulfillment.
“I was earning more than the Mayor of New York at the time I returned to Nigeria, but I realised that despite the money, there was still a glass ceiling,” Hamzat said. “Nobody can treat you like a second-class citizen in your own country.”
He revealed that President Bola Tinubu had strongly encouraged him to return home, a move he said ultimately reinforced his belief in contributing to national development.
Hamzat also challenged criticisms of Nigeria’s education system, pointing out the irony in countries that question its quality while aggressively recruiting Nigerian professionals.
“They tell us our education is bad, yet they recruit our doctors, our nurses, and now our teachers,” he said, noting that over 60 per cent of key departments in major New York hospitals, including Mount Sinai and Bronx Lebanon, are headed by Nigerian-trained professionals.
Also speaking, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa said the Connected Diaspora initiative was designed to move engagement beyond entertainment to meaningful economic and developmental conversations.
She further stated that, “Beyond singing and dancing, we decided to have this conversation. The Connected Diaspora DOWA Start-Up Challenge is already creating tangible opportunities and transforming lives”.
The NIDCOM head reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to leveraging the skills, capital, and innovation of Nigerians in the diaspora to drive national growth.
Positive Mindset
Delivering the keynote address, the Chairman and Founder of Zinox Group, Mr. Stanley Ekeh urged Nigerians in the diaspora to adopt a positive mindset about Nigeria and recognise that success in the country is not limited to politics.
Mr Ekeh said there are unlimited opportunities in Nigeria. “You do not have to be a politician before you can succeed here as the country offers an environment without the “glass ceiling” often encountered abroad” he said.
He also advised young Nigerians overseas to remain connected to the country, stressing the importance of collective responsibility.
According to him, Nigerians should remember the nation in their prayers, including its leadership, and focus on the future rather than past challenges.
The event was well attended by policymakers, industry leaders, and members of the Nigerian diaspora.
Olusola Akintonde