NiDCOM boss to LASU graduates: Be useful, visible, Nigerian

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has urged graduating students of Lagos State University (LASU) to step into the world with purpose, excellence and a strong sense of national identity.

She urged them to see themselves as ambassadors of Nigeria wherever their journeys take them.

Dabiri-Erewa made the call while delivering the Convocation Lecture at the 29th and 30th Convocation Ceremonies of Lagos State University, held on Tuesday, with the theme “From LASU to the World: Harnessing the Nigerian Diaspora as the 7th Region for National Development”.

Addressing the students, the NiDCOM boss encouraged them to think globally while remaining firmly connected to Nigeria, stressing that international exposure should serve as an avenue for acquiring knowledge, building networks and creating opportunities that can ultimately benefit the country.

She described the Nigerian diaspora as Nigeria’s 7th Region a vast and influential community endowed with skills, knowledge, expertise, investments and global networks capable of contributing significantly to national development.

According to her, the increasing global presence of Nigerians presents enormous opportunities for the country, particularly when the knowledge, experiences and resources acquired abroad are channelled towards nation-building.

Dabiri-Erewa, who was honoured with honorary doctorate degree of the institution in 2023, urged the graduates to pursue excellence wherever their journeys take them, while maintaining a strong sense of responsibility and connection to their homeland.

She further challenged the graduates to deploy their skills, knowledge and networks to make tangible contributions to national development, emphasising that success should not be measured solely by personal achievement but also by the impact individuals make on society.

The NiDCOM boss urged the new graduates to “Be Useful, Visible and Nigerian,” encouraging them to become positive ambassadors of Nigeria wherever they find themselves around the world.

She noted that Nigerians in the diaspora have an important role to play in shaping the country’s future through investments, innovation, knowledge transfer, mentorship, partnerships and other forms of engagement.

Her message to the graduating class was clear: wherever they go, they should remain connected to Nigeria, make an impact and remember to give back.