Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on Nigerians in the diaspora to actively support the country’s renewed efforts at rebuilding its global image by collaborating with relevant institutions to promote innovation and national development.
She made the appeal during an interactive meeting with Nigerians living in Qatar on the sidelines of the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) in Doha.
Senator Tinubu said Nigeria, under the current administration, is gradually “clawing its way back into reckoning and dignity in the comity of nations,” stressing that diaspora Nigerians must become key partners in this process.
The First Lady commended the innovators and entrepreneurs showcasing Nigerian startups and solutions at the global summit, saying their contributions were vital to the country’s positive image.
She said, “See all the wonderful things you are doing. I thank you for making Nigeria proud. The Nigeria that allowed us to become what we are today, our youth also deserve that same opportunity. We must remain optimistic that our nation will be great again.”
Senator Tinubu urged the community to deepen engagement with young people at home, noting that Nigeria’s transformation depends on changing the mindset of the next generation.
“You have to do more; talk to the students, the youth at home. They must begin to see the greater picture,” she added.
To strengthen collaboration, the First Lady referred several innovators to the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who was present at the meeting, for potential partnerships.
She emphasised that greater progress would be achieved when startups within and outside the country work closely with government agencies.
Meanwhile, Senator Tinubu also received members of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of Federal Universities of Nigeria, who are in Doha for the Education Beyond Borders Conference.
