By Henry Ihimekpen
Nigeria’s leading professionals from the diaspora and across key sectors have called for a stronger national commitment to mentorship, artificial intelligence (AI) skills development and healthy living as essential tools for empowering young people and driving sustainable national development.
The call was made at the 2026 National Diaspora Day Youth Empowerment Summit organised by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) in Abuja, where speakers argued that Nigeria’s youthful population can only realise its full potential through deliberate investment in knowledge, innovation and human capital.
Held under the theme, “Harnessing Global Diaspora Medical Expertise to Strengthen Local Health Systems for National Development,” the summit featured a high-level panel that brought together experts in healthcare, technology, education, law enforcement, media, philanthropy and sports to examine practical strategies for preparing Nigerian youth for an increasingly competitive global economy.
Moderated by youth development expert Hon. Bobby-Diggi Olisa of the Canvas Institute, New York, the discussion featured Prof. Bisi Ademuyiwa of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and Founder of Rooted in Naija; Assistant Commander General of Narcotics at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nnoruka Kenechi; clinical pharmacist and Ribbon Rouge Foundation founder, Morenike Eniola Olasebikan; Nigerian-American basketball player and Carriage Foundation founder, Ejimofor Anosike; U-VOL Foundation founder and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Faith Adole; veteran broadcaster Kierian Umeayo; ARCO Group’s Head of Branding and Communications, Christopher Okoigun; and Chief Executive Officer of Cecy Intelligence, Dr. Emiri Odogwu.
A recurring message from the panel was that mentorship remains one of the most effective pathways for nurturing future leaders. Speakers urged Nigerians in the diaspora to deepen their engagement with young people through mentorship, sponsorship, career guidance and professional networking.
They also encouraged young Nigerians to remain open to learning, cultivate discipline and leverage digital platforms responsibly to build careers and meaningful professional relationships.
Artificial intelligence emerged as another major focus of the conversation, with speakers warning that technological disruption will increasingly shape employment opportunities worldwide.
Dr. Faith Adole advised young Nigerians to see AI as an opportunity rather than a threat, urging them to acquire relevant digital skills that complement their existing expertise and improve their competitiveness in the evolving global workforce.
Beyond technology, the panel stressed that personal well-being is inseparable from productivity and leadership. Participants were encouraged to adopt healthier lifestyles through balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, adequate rest and greater attention to mental health.
The experts also challenged young people to identify problems within their communities and develop innovative solutions while continuously upgrading their skills to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.
The panel concluded that long-term national development depends on sustained investment in education, volunteerism, entrepreneurship and inclusive opportunities that allow young Nigerians to thrive.
The session ended with a renewed commitment by the panellists to continue supporting initiatives that connect Nigerian youth with global opportunities, strengthen diaspora collaboration and equip the next generation with the confidence, networks and capabilities needed to contribute to Nigeria’s development while competing successfully on the international stage.
