In a motivational address to Nigerians residing in the United States, President Bola Tinubu urged them to shift their mindset towards success, leaving behind the disappointments of past leadership. This inspirational message was delivered during the Presidential Townhall Meeting for Nigerians in the diaspora, which took place on Wednesday in New York. The event was organized by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) in conjunction with the 78th session of the UN General Assembly.
Drawing from his own experiences as a diaspora Nigerian, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of changing one’s mindset to recognize the abundance of business opportunities in Nigeria. He encouraged the diaspora community to search for and seize these opportunities with determination and focus.
President Tinubu commended the achievements of Nigerians who have excelled in various fields in the U.S., acknowledging their exemplary behavior and contributions. He emphasized the need for their return to Nigeria, stating, “Nigeria has arrived; forget the frustration of the previous year’s leadership.”
During his address, President Tinubu highlighted the potential of Nigeria as a blessed nation, emphasizing that the country’s challenges primarily stem from leadership issues. He recounted his own challenging election campaign, underlining the importance of determination and perseverance.
Furthermore, President Tinubu urged Nigerians to embrace unity and reject ethnic divisions, emphasizing the importance of a united Nigerian family. He encouraged Nigerians abroad to support one another without discrimination.
The event saw the introduction of accomplished Nigerians in the U.S. to the President by Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson of NiDCOM. These individuals expressed their admiration for President Tinubu’s leadership and pledged to continue supporting his efforts to reform Nigeria. They committed to making Nigeria proud in their host country and contributing to the development of their homeland.
Among the notable speakers was Oye Owolewa, the first Nigerian-American elected to the United States Congress, who shared insights into economic empowerment opportunities for Nigerians in the U.S. Olufunmilola Obe, an Inspector in the New York Police Department (NYPD), detailed her efforts to promote African excellence, particularly Nigeria, within the NYPD.
The Townhall Meeting also featured the presence of high-ranking Nigerian officials, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; and the Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the UN, Amb. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande. Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Amb. Uzoma Emenike, and Consul Generals from New York and Atlanta were also in attendance, along with several Nigerian state governors.
The event served as a platform for fostering unity, inspiring success, and strengthening ties between Nigerians in the diaspora and their home country.
