The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has actually called on finishing trainees of Lagos State University (LASU) to strive for difference, stay dedicated to Nigeria and put their proficiency and international connections to work for the nation’s improvement.
Dabiri-Erewa made the call on Tuesday while delivering the Convocation Lecture at LASU’s 29th and 30th Convocation Events.
The lecture, titled “From LASU to the World: Utilizing the Nigerian Diaspora as the 7th Region for National Development,” concentrated on the massive capacity of Nigerians living and working outside the country.
Dabiri and other dignitaries at the occasion The NiDCOM employer explained the Nigerian diaspora as the nation’s”7th Region,”stating it represents a formidable worldwide community endowed with professional competence, capital, understanding, innovation and strategic relationships that can be utilized for nationwide progress. She maintained that Nigeria’s broadening existence around the world uses substantial opportunities for development, particularly if the understanding, abilities and resources acquired by Nigerians abroad are redirected towards fixing obstacles in your home.
“Be experienced, not just accredited. Let your abilities be your currency. Discover digital skills, communication and other relevant abilities,” she said.
L-R: The outgoing Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, and Hon Abike Dabiri Dealing with the graduates, Dabiri-Erewa advised them to embrace a worldwide outlook without losing sight of their Nigerian identity. She noted that travelling abroad or acquiring global direct exposure must surpass private profession development, worrying that such experiences need to equip graduates with knowledge, relationships and ideas that might ultimately benefit their communities and the nation.
The NiDCOM chief motivated the graduates to differentiate themselves in their various fields, regardless of where life takes them, while maintaining a meaningful connection with their homeland.
Dabiri-Erewa, who was consulted an honorary doctorate degree by LASU in 2023, also challenged the brand-new graduates to turn their education, expert abilities and networks into useful contributions to Nigeria’s growth.
< img data-src=" https://edugist.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/photo-output_8-scaled.jpeg "alt="Lasu"width =" 2560 "height="
1435″src= “image/svg+xml; base64, PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg ==”/ > A cross-section of graduates at the occasion According to her, achievement should not be evaluated only by monetary success, profession progression or individual acknowledgment, but also by the distinction individuals make in society and the worth they create for others. She for that reason advised the graduates to “Be Useful, Noticeable and Nigerian,” motivating them to forecast a positive image of the nation wherever they may find themselves.
Dabiri-Erewa stated Nigerians in the diaspora might contribute substantially to nationwide change through financial investment, development, transfer of know-how, mentorship, tactical collaborations and other forms of engagement.
She even more encouraged the graduates to take advantage of their positions and worldwide relationships to create more powerful links between Nigeria and the rest of the world.
The NiDCOM manager stressed that understanding and experience obtained outside Nigeria ought to be funnelled towards developing the nation’s human capability and addressing national obstacles.
The ultimate value of the 7th Area, according to her, depends on human capital, understanding transfer, technology sharing, and international networks.
“Whether the graduates select to remain in Nigeria to take advantage of emerging sectors like farming, innovation, the innovative industries, and production, or travel to sign up with the diaspora as medical professionals in Toronto or engineers in Berlin, both paths are deeply patriotic,” Dabiri-Erewa mentioned.
LASU 29th and 30th Convocation Her main message to the graduating students was that their geographical place must not identify their dedication to Nigeria.
She urged them to make beneficial contributions to society, stay linked to their roots and embrace the duty of returning to the country that offered the foundation for their academic and expert journeys.
The remarks were contained in a statement issued by the Director, Media, Public Relations and Protocols of NiDCOM, Abdur-Rahman Balogun.
The LASU convocation united graduating students, university management, academics, parents, relatives and other stakeholders to mark the scholastic accomplishments of the institution’s graduates.