By Nkechi Eze
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has charged Nigerian youths to embrace the timeless values of hard work, discipline, and dignity, insisting that these virtues are the key to unlocking doors of opportunity both within and outside Nigeria.
Dabiri-Erewa made this passionate appeal during Day Two of the 2025 National Diaspora Day Youth Empowerment Summit in Abuja, where she drew from her personal life experiences to drive home the message that resilience, self-respect and focus can take any young person to unimaginable heights.
In a statement made available to journalists by the Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols at NiDCOM, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa recalled how her professional integrity and work ethic as a journalist at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) played a pivotal role in transforming her life and propelling her into national leadership.
“As a journalist at NTA, I did my job well and was proud of it. That hard work got me nominated for a Harvard course, thanks to the then Rev. Father Kukah. Though the fee was $10,000, Arcor Group sponsored me. That changed my life,” she told the youth, who listened with rapt attention.
After completing the prestigious Harvard course, Dabiri-Erewa said she felt a call to serve in a different capacity and took the bold step of venturing into politics. With the support of then Lagos State First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and strong encouragement from now President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, she contested for a seat in the House of Representatives and won. She went on to serve as a federal lawmaker for 12 years, before her appointment as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Diaspora Affairs and later as Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM.
“My hard work earned me respect. Wherever you are, work hard and carry yourself with dignity,” she stressed, noting that young Nigerians must never let temporary challenges derail them from the path of excellence and service.
Echoing similar sentiments, the Minister of Youth Development, Hon. Ayodele Olawande, commended the NiDCOM boss for her consistent efforts in engaging young Nigerians meaningfully. He encouraged the youths to see commitment as the most vital ingredient of long-term success.
“Commitment is the key to success,” Olawande said. “Stay focused and believe in your potential. No dream is too big if you’re ready to work for it.”
Another compelling voice at the summit was Hon. Bobby Digi-Olisa, a Nigerian-American politician and activist based in New York, who urged young Nigerians to embark on a personal journey of self-discovery and not to be afraid of taking bold, life-defining steps. His words resonated with many in the audience who saw in him a reflection of what is possible beyond Nigeria’s borders.
Prof. Fene Osakwe, a renowned scholar and motivational speaker, also advised the youth to always represent Nigeria positively, especially when abroad. “You are ambassadors of this country,” he said. “Let the world see Nigeria in you. Let them see excellence.”
On the subject of migration, Mr. Alex Oturu from the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), provided a sobering insight into the dangers of irregular migration. He warned that overstaying visas or violating host country immigration laws could lead to serious consequences, including arrest, deportation, or being trapped in exploitative situations such as human trafficking.
Oturu’s message was a crucial reality check amidst the summit’s many aspirational stories: “Don’t let desperation make you break the law. Understand the process, follow the rules. Irregular migration can destroy your future.”
Also inspiring the youth was Ms. Pelumi Nubi, the Nigerian adventurer who recently drove solo from London to Lagos in a daring and historic journey that captured global attention. She encouraged young people to challenge their limits, dream big, and start small if necessary.
“Start with what you have and trust yourself,” Nubi said, adding that courage and vision, not perfect conditions, are what drive historic accomplishments.
Miss Diaspora Nigeria-USA, Oyemen Ehikhamhen, also took the stage to share her personal journey of finding voice and identity through the arts. Wearing her crown with purpose, she said, “My crown is not just beauty, it’s a symbol of power and storytelling.” She encouraged the youth to use creativity as a tool for impact and cultural diplomacy.
As part of the efforts to support education and reward excellence, twelve students were awarded laptops at the event, with six of them emerging as overall best science students and receiving special sponsorship from Arcor Group, the same organisation that had supported Dabiri-Erewa years earlier. Six desktop computers were also donated to selected schools, while additional laptops were given out to lucky participants through a raffle draw.
The Youth Empowerment Summit, a central activity within the broader 2025 National Diaspora Day celebrations, has continued to serve as a powerful platform for young Nigerians to network, learn from accomplished mentors, and discover pathways to leadership, innovation, and global citizenship.
Inspiring stories, practical guidance, and tangible rewards all came together in a gathering that underscored the critical role of youth in building a better Nigeria, whether at home or in the diaspora.
As the National Diaspora Day Summit continues, its impact on the minds and spirits of young Nigerians remains unmistakable, igniting confidence, courage, and clarity for the journeys ahead.
