Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has urged Nigerian youths to embrace hard work, discipline, and dignity as key values that pave the way to lasting success.
Speaking at the 2025 National Diaspora Day Youth Empowerment Summit in Abuja, Dabiri-Erewa recounted her journey from journalism to national leadership, highlighting how diligence shaped her path.
“As a journalist at NTA, I was proud of my work. That commitment earned me a nomination for a Harvard course, facilitated by Rev. Fr. Kukah. Though the course cost $10,000, Arcor Group sponsored me, and it changed my life,” she said.
She went on to describe how, after Harvard, she transitioned from broadcasting to politics with support from Senator Remi Tinubu and President Bola Tinubu. She won a seat in the House of Representatives, where she served for 12 years before becoming Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora Affairs and later head of NiDCOM.
“My hard work earned me respect. Wherever you are, work hard and carry yourself with dignity,” she told the youth.
Minister of Youth Development, Hon. Ayodele Olawande, commended Dabiri-Erewa for consistently involving the youth, urging them to remain focused and committed. “Commitment is the key to success,” he added.
Hon. Bobby Digi-Olisa, a diaspora representative from New York, encouraged youth to know themselves and take bold steps, while Prof. Fene Osakwe urged young Nigerians to make the country proud wherever they go.
Addressing migration concerns, Alex Oturu of the National Commission for Refugees and Migration cautioned against overstaying visas or flouting travel regulations, warning that such actions can lead to irregular migration and increased vulnerability to trafficking.
Adventurer Pelumi Nubi, who famously drove from London to Lagos, encouraged young people to pursue bold dreams: “Start with what you have and trust yourself,” she said.
Miss Diaspora Nigeria-USA, Oyemen Ehikhamhen, also spoke about how the arts gave her purpose. “My crown is not just for beauty — it represents power and storytelling,” she said.
As part of the summit, 12 students received laptops, including six top science students sponsored by Arcor Group. Additionally, six desktop computers were donated to schools, and several more laptops were won through a raffle.
The youth summit, a key feature of the National Diaspora Day celebrations, continues to empower young Nigerians to lead, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to national development both at home and abroad.
