Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged Nigerians in the diaspora to recognize and harness Nigeria's enormous potential.
Sanwo-Olu said with the country's rich resources, impressive talent pool and skilled population, both at home and abroad, it had become imperative that they unite and develop Nigeria for the benefit of future generations.
Governor Sanwo-Olu made this call while speaking at the “Connected Diaspora Fireside Talk 2024”, held on Thursday at the JK Randle Museum, Onikan, Lagos, saying that by celebrating and recognizing the achievements of the nation, they were inspiring others to follow suit and ultimately contributing to the growth and greatness of Nigeria.
The governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, said it was a matter of joy that young Nigerians were returning to the country to invest their money, talents and knowledge, among others, based on the understanding that the country is safe for their investments, expressing hope that the initiative will continue on a larger scale.
“We need to talk more about the good things that are happening in our country. We need to raise our positivity. We need to appreciate our ingenuity and talents. As a people we must also value our achievements and not always look at the negative side, many good things are happening in this land.
“I think these young men and women are noticing what some of us here don't. That's why it's good for people to return home. They realize that Lagos is safe, they move around doing their business and they are realizing that it is a place where they can invest. Not only financially, but also materially, spiritually and even in terms of community development, it has been high. That's why it's gratifying to see that,” he said.
Stating that Africa's future is bright and the continent is poised to become the best place to be, Governor Sanwo-Olu said his optimism was rooted in Africa's most valuable resources, especially its people, who He, he said, had brilliant minds.
This, according to him, gives them the potential to unleash a wave of innovation and progress that is capable of propelling the continent towards greatness, stressing that it was important for Nigerians to understand their history, culture and tradition to be able to compete in the world. the world.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in his speech, urged Nigerians to believe in the nation, urging both Nigerians in the diaspora and those at home to work together to build a nation that is comfortable for all.
“We are Nigerians. Let's create and build our beloved country. Nigerians at home should work with Nigerians in the diaspora. Let us bring home innovations that will help build a nation that is inclusive and great for all.” Dabiri-Erewa said.
Dabiri-Erewa assured that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) would continue to support Nigerians outside the country to achieve their objectives and goals.
In his goodwill message, the Co-Founder of ConnectED Diaspora, Siji Abere, noted that the event highlighted the belief of Nigerians in the Diaspora in their desire to return to a better Nigeria, driven by the passion to contribute to the growth of the country and development
“ConnectED Diaspora started on the basis that Nigerians miss home and return to a better Nigeria. As diasporas, we are happy to be from a country like Nigeria, and this aligns with our dream of educating Nigerians with technological skills to empower them to improve the country,” he said.
READ ALSO FROM Newslodge
Sanwo-Olu delivers 260 patrol vans, bulletproof vests and other items to the police