As part of activities marking the National Diaspora Day celebration, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has organised a Youth Summit at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, aimed at nurturing future leaders and promoting responsible citizenship among young Nigerians.
The summit brought together students from schools across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), who participated in interactive sessions, including panel discussions focused on leadership, discipline, nation-building and the role of young people in shaping Nigeria’s future.
Speaking at the event, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NIDCOM, Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said the initiative was designed to mentor and prepare young Nigerians for leadership responsibilities while instilling values of patriotism and service.
She also provided a platform for two Nigerian returnees from South Africa, who were victims of xenophobic attacks, to share their experiences. Dabiri-Erewa assured them that the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, remains committed to supporting returning Nigerians to rebuild their lives and realise their aspirations.
In his remarks, the Group Managing Director of ARCO Group Plc, Engr. Alfred Okoigun, stressed the importance of knowledge, discipline and deliberate investment in youth development. He commended NIDCOM for its Diaspora Doctors Digital Health Research initiative, noting that it has significantly advanced telemedicine and healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
The panel discussion, moderated by youth development expert Hon. Bobby Digi-Olisa of the Canvas Institute, New York, featured seasoned resource persons who shared insights on leadership, personal development and national service.
Nigerian-American basketball star Ejimofor Anosike, in an interview, applauded NIDCOM for creating a platform to inspire young Nigerians. He highlighted the mentorship programmes run by his foundation and expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Dr. Dabiri-Erewa, whom he described as “Mama Diaspora,” for their commitment to Nigerians at home and abroad.
Also speaking, Dr. Aisha Attahiru, Consultant Public Health Physician and Lecturer at the University of Abuja, described the summit as impactful, saying it would encourage young Nigerians to embrace leadership, excellence and civic responsibility.
The event featured a musical performance by a 15-year-old saxophonist and the rendition of the Diaspora Anthem by a 16-year-old Nigerian composer. The anthem has been officially adopted by the Commission as a symbol of unity among Nigerians in the diaspora.
Participants also toured exhibition stands where partner organisations showcased innovative products and services, with Dymcare presenting its healthcare solutions among other exhibitors.
The summit concluded with a renewed commitment by NIDCOM to continue investing in youth development as a strategic pathway to national development and sustainable leadership.
