NiDCOM Rallies Diaspora to Power Youth Innovation, Entrepreneurship at Connected Diaspora x DOWA Start-Up Challenge
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has renewed its push to harness diaspora expertise for national development, championing innovation, skills transfer and youth entrepreneurship at the second edition of the Connected Diaspora Innovation Challenge under its Homestrings Programme.
Held in Lagos, the event brought together government officials, business leaders, diaspora influencers and young innovators, with a strong call for Nigerians abroad to explore the growing opportunities at home.
Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, who was Special Guest of Honour, said innovation, youth empowerment and diaspora collaboration remain critical to driving sustainable growth. Drawing from personal experience, he spoke about racial challenges faced abroad and highlighted the need for Nigerians to invest their talent and energy in building the nation. He commended the initiative and urged young Nigerians and public institutions to believe more in local capacity.
Keynote speaker and Chairman of Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh, challenged the youth to retain faith in Nigeria and channel their creativity into impactful, homegrown solutions capable of competing globally.
Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, underscored the role of skills transfer and collaboration in nation-building. She encouraged Nigerians in the diaspora to bring their expertise back home, stressing that the country remains open to strategic partnerships, particularly in technology and entrepreneurship.
“Nation-building is not the responsibility of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu alone; it requires collective effort from Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora,” she said.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the Bank of Industry and First Bank; President of the Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians, Tomi Aregbesola; Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende; Head of Lagos State Diaspora Office, Jermaine Sanwo-Olu; and youth leaders including the President of Nigerian Students in the Philippines.
A touching moment came when Aisosa, a Nigerian visiting home for the first time in 20 years, shared his emotional journey of reconnection and renewed hope.
The event, themed “Building, Breaking & Believing in Nigeria,” featured a panel session moderated by Co-Founder of Connected Diaspora, Nosa Okunsebor.
Panelists, Adesuwa Okunbo-Rhodes (Aruwa Capital), Preston Ideh (Stears), Subuola Adeleye (Beauty Hut Africa), Chime Nwoka (Breeze) and Siji Abere (Connected Diaspora), discussed business sustainability, funding, innovation ecosystems and the realities of building in Nigeria.
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A major highlight was the presentation of the ₦1 million first-place prize of the DOWA Start-Up Challenge to Team VeriProp, recognizing their innovative solution and entrepreneurial promise.
In recognition of her leadership in diaspora engagement, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa received the MIPAD Diaspora Champion Award from Kamil Olufowobi, Founder of the Most Influential Persons of African Descent initiative.
The event reaffirmed NiDCOM’s commitment to strengthening diaspora engagement, empowering young innovators and driving inclusive national development through strategic collaboration and innovation-driven opportunities.
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