Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on Nigerians in the diaspora, particularly healthcare professionals, to strengthen their collaboration with the country by sharing their expertise, mentoring young professionals and investing in the nation’s health sector.
The First Lady, represented by the Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima, made the call at the 2026 National Diaspora Merit Awards Dinner, held in Abuja as part of activities marking the 2026 National Diaspora Day celebration organised by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
Speaking on the theme, “Enhancing Global Diaspora Expertise to Strengthen Healthcare Systems for National Development,” Senator Tinubu applauded Nigerians across the world for distinguishing themselves through excellence, innovation and professionalism in their various fields of endeavour.
She said the achievements of Nigerian professionals abroad continue to enhance the country’s global image while creating opportunities for national development.
The First Lady particularly commended participants in the Diaspora Health Impact Initiative (DHII), noting that Nigerian healthcare professionals from different countries had returned home to undertake medical missions, perform life-saving surgeries, provide specialist consultations and organise training and capacity-building programmes for local health workers.
According to her, the initiative demonstrates genuine patriotism and highlights the immense value of harnessing diaspora expertise to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system and improve the quality of life of citizens.
She stated that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recognises a functional healthcare system as a critical pillar of national development, stressing that the administration remains committed to creating an enabling environment for greater diaspora participation.
The First Lady encouraged Nigerian professionals abroad to sustain their support by transferring knowledge, mentoring the next generation of healthcare workers and investing in medical infrastructure and innovation.
“Our greatest national resource is our people,” she declared, adding that the commitment of Nigerians in the diaspora continues to inspire confidence in the country’s future.
She commended the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, for consistently promoting diaspora engagement through initiatives that connect Nigerians abroad with national development programmes.
The First Lady also congratulated recipients of the 2026 National Diaspora Merit Awards, describing them as worthy ambassadors whose achievements and service continue to project Nigeria positively across the globe.
She expressed optimism that through sustained collaboration between Nigerians at home and abroad, the country would continue to build a stronger healthcare system and a more prosperous future for generations to come.
Senator Tinubu urged Nigerians in the diaspora to remain committed to the country’s development, assuring them that every contribution towards improving healthcare, education and other critical sectors brings Nigeria closer to achieving its national aspirations under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
