By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has reinforced its commitment to diaspora-driven innovation and youth entrepreneurship with the successful hosting of the second edition of the Connected Diaspora Innovation Challenge, held in Lagos, where participants were urged to tap into the vast opportunities available in Nigeria.
The event, organised through NiDCOM’s Home Strings Programme, brought together government officials, diaspora leaders, entrepreneurs, youth advocates and young Nigerians from across the globe to showcase diaspora-led solutions and youth-driven innovations contributing to national development.
In an official statement signed by the Director of Media and Public Relations, NiDCOM, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, who served as the Special Guest of Honour, described innovation, youth empowerment and diaspora collaboration as indispensable tools for sustainable national development.
Drawing from his personal experience, Dr Hamzat highlighted the racial challenges faced by Nigerians living abroad and explained his decision to return home in order to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s growth. He commended the initiative and encouraged young Nigerians to believe in themselves and have confidence in those entrusted with leadership.
Delivering the keynote address, the Chairman of Zinox Group, Mr Leo Stan Eke, urged young Nigerians to believe in the country and invest in impactful, homegrown solutions that address local challenges while remaining globally competitive.
In her remarks, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, emphasised the importance of skills transfer, collaboration and collective responsibility in nation-building. Welcoming participants to Lagos, she encouraged Nigerians in the diaspora to bring their expertise, innovation and global exposure back home, noting that Nigeria remains open to partnerships across all sectors, particularly technology and entrepreneurship.
“No matter where you are in the tech world, we can partner. We can build our country together by believing in Nigeria. Nation-building is not the responsibility of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu alone; it requires collective effort from Nigerians at home and in the diaspora,” she said.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the Bank of Industry and First Bank, Tomi Aregbesola, President of the Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians, Mobolaji Ogunlende, Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Jermaine Sanwoolu, Head of the Lagos State Diaspora Office, the President of Nigerian Students in the Philippines, as well as other youth leaders and key diaspora stakeholders.
One of the emotional moments of the event came from Aisosa, a Nigerian visiting the country for the first time in 20 years, who shared his personal story and reconnection experience with the audience.
The second edition of the programme, themed “Building, Breaking & Believing in Nigeria,” was moderated by the Co-Founder of Connected Diaspora, Nosa Okunsebor. A panel session featuring Adesuwa Okunbo-Rhodes of Aruwa Capital Management, Preston Ideh of Stears, Subuola Adeleye of Beauty Hut Africa, Chime Nwoka of Breeze, and Siji Abere of Connected Diaspora explored entrepreneurship, innovation and strategies for building sustainable businesses in Nigeria.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of the ₦1 million first-place prize of the DOWA Start-Up Challenge to Team VeriProp, in recognition of their innovative solution.
Also at the event, the Founder of the Most Influential Persons of African Decade, Kamil Olufowobi, presented Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa with the MIPAD Diaspora Champion Award in recognition of her contributions to diaspora engagement and national development.
The event reaffirmed NiDCOM’s commitment, under the leadership of Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, to strengthening diaspora engagement, empowering Nigerian youths and driving inclusive national development through innovation and entrepreneurship.
