Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has issued a powerful call to Nigerians living abroad: it’s time to come home and invest in the nation’s future! He emphasized that the country is ripe with potential for personal and national growth. With a focus on leveraging skills, resources, and a deep sense of national pride, the governor’s message is clear: the diaspora has a crucial role to play in Nigeria’s development.
Key Takeaways:
- Sanwo-Olu urges diaspora Nigerians to contribute to national development.
- Nigeria offers vast opportunities for investment and personal growth.
- Lagos is highlighted as a safe and conducive environment for business.
- Collaboration between Nigerians at home and abroad is essential.
Why Nigeria Needs Its Diaspora Now
Speaking at the “ConnectED Diaspora Fireside Chat 2024” in Lagos, Governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, stressed that recognizing and celebrating Nigeria’s achievements can boost national pride and spur development. He didn’t mince words, highlighting that Nigeria’s wealth of natural resources, impressive talent pool, and skilled workforce make it an incredibly attractive place for investment. The call is not just for financial investment but also a commitment of skills and talents to drive the country forward. This is in line with the trend that more and more young Nigerians are now returning home to invest in various sectors, which is great for the local economy.
Lagos: A Hub of Opportunity
The governor made it clear that Lagos is not only safe but also offers a very business-friendly environment. This is important to potential investors. According to him, it’s not just about material investments but also about a spiritual commitment to the country’s development. By creating a stable and nurturing environment for investments and community projects, Lagos stands out as a great example for the rest of the country.
A Bright Future for Africa
Sanwo-Olu made it known that he firmly believes in the bright future of Africa. He sees its people as the most valuable resource. He also pointed out that understanding Nigeria’s unique history, culture and tradition is vital for every citizen. With this initiative, he expressed his hope that it will continue and grow to make an impact on Nigeria’s progress.
NiDCOM’s Commitment
Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman of the Nigeria in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), added her voice to this. She encouraged collaboration between Nigerians within the country and those in the diaspora. This collaboration is crucial, she argues, for building an inclusive and prosperous Nigeria. NiDCOM is fully committed to supporting Nigerians abroad and helping them to achieve their goals. Her emphasis on a strong partnership between Nigerians at home and abroad is central to achieving sustainable national growth.
The ConnectED Diaspora Initiative
Mr Siji Abere, Co-founder of ConnectED Diaspora, also spoke about the shared desire among Nigerians in the diaspora to return to a better Nigeria and help to build it into a great nation. The ConnectED Diaspora program aims to equip Nigerians with the tech skills they need to excel. This aligns with the vision of using technology to solve local challenges and make sure that Nigeria keeps up with the rest of the world.
The Road Ahead
The message is clear: Nigeria is not just a place of origin, it’s a land of opportunity. The call for a united effort of Nigerians at home and abroad is stronger than ever. By investing in skills, resources, and a deep sense of patriotism, Nigerians can help to create a stronger, more prosperous nation. This call to action is not just about financial investment; it is about investing in the future of Nigeria through collaboration and a shared vision.
