Oluremi Tinubu Calls on Nigerians in Diaspora to Champion Innovation, Youth Growth

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged Nigerians living abroad to deepen their involvement in national development by supporting programmes that strengthen innovation and expand opportunities for young people.

Speaking during an interactive forum with Nigerians in Qatar, held on the sidelines of the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) in Doha, she emphasised that the country’s progress is closely tied to how effectively it can harness the creativity and energy of its youth.

Tinubu noted that Nigerians in the diaspora remain one of the country’s strongest assets, especially in fields such as technology, science, enterprise, and education. She said their global exposure and professional expertise can help accelerate local reforms when channelled into structured partnerships with agencies and organisations back home.

The First Lady highlighted that several Nigerians attending the WISE Summit were already demonstrating this potential, showcasing start-ups, research work, and digital tools addressing challenges in education, health, and social development. She described their contributions as proof of the talent and resilience embedded in the nation’s young population.

She called on the diaspora community to go beyond remittances and personal support networks by directly engaging in mentorship programmes, innovation hubs, and youth-focused initiatives that seek sustainable solutions to national problems. According to her, empowering young Nigerians with digital skills, critical thinking abilities, and global exposure will help reposition the country competitively.

Tinubu also urged government agencies to strengthen their collaboration with Nigerians abroad, especially those working in fields where Nigeria has capacity gaps. She stressed the need for structured platforms that make it easier for professionals overseas to contribute to policy development, innovation ecosystems, and capacity-building programmes.

Participants at the meeting expressed optimism about Nigeria’s potential, noting that young entrepreneurs and innovators are already breaking ground despite infrastructural and economic constraints. They pledged to expand their engagement with government-backed initiatives aimed at promoting education and technological advancement.

The First Lady reaffirmed her commitment to championing youth development and creating opportunities for innovation to thrive. She said the administration remains focused on building an environment where Nigerian youths can compete globally while also contributing meaningfully to national progress.