Two Nigerians recently evacuated from South Africa on Saturday recounted the discrimination, financial hardship and bureaucratic obstacles they faced abroad, as the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) used the occasion to encourage young Nigerians to pursue their ambitions at home and abroad with resilience and determination.
The returnees spoke at the 2026 National Diaspora Day Youth Empowerment Summit in Abuja, where NiDCOM Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, urged Nigerian youths to believe in themselves, embrace leadership and draw inspiration from the experiences of Nigerians who had overcome adversity.
Dabiri-Erewa said the summit was designed to inspire and equip young Nigerians with the knowledge and confidence needed to become responsible leaders and contribute meaningfully to national development.
She urged participants to make the most of the experiences shared by resource persons and panellists, stressing the need to develop leadership skills, overcome challenges and remain proud of their Nigerian identity.
The NiDCOM boss recalled that some participants had attended similar capacity-building programmes in previous years and later returned to share success stories, describing mentorship as a powerful tool for youth empowerment.
One of the returnees, a chemical engineering student, narrated how he successfully combined his university education in South Africa with operating a tutoring business that served more than 30 students every week before circumstances compelled him to return to Nigeria.
He said he hoped to complete his education and build a career in Nigeria’s power and petroleum sectors.
While he admitted missing the friendships he had built in South Africa, he said he did not miss the discrimination and bureaucratic hurdles he encountered during his stay.
Another returnee, Mrs Maria Adeyemi, recounted the challenges she and her family experienced, including documentation problems, financial losses and prolonged separation from her husband.
She expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government for facilitating their evacuation through NiDCOM’s intervention.
Adeyemi also disclosed plans to establish a restaurant in Nigeria, saying she hoped to contribute to the country’s hospitality industry with her culinary skills.
Responding to their testimonies, Dabiri-Erewa assured the returnees that NiDCOM would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to support their reintegration and help them realise their aspirations.
She reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to promoting youth development, supporting Nigerians in the diaspora and assisting returnees to rebuild their lives.
Earlier, she encouraged young Nigerians to dream big and remain determined despite challenges.
According to her, nothing was impossible for young people who were focused, resilient and willing to learn.
Also speaking, the Group Managing Director of ARCO Group Plc, Engr Alfred Okoigun, urged Nigerian youths to embrace innovation, integrity and lifelong learning as essential values for driving national development.
Okoigun commended NiDCOM for creating a platform that connects young Nigerians with accomplished professionals and members of the diaspora, describing it as a valuable avenue for mentorship, collaboration and nation-building.
He also applauded the Federal Government for supporting initiatives that empower young Nigerians while leveraging the expertise of Nigerians in the diaspora to promote sustainable national development.