The Member representing Epe Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rep. Tasir Olawale Raji, has called for deliberate strategies to harness the skills, expertise, investments and global networks of Nigerians in the Diaspora for national development.
Epe Insights reports that Rep. Raji at LASU event made the call while highlighting the importance of creating stronger connections between Nigerians abroad and development efforts at home.
The lawmaker said Nigeria could benefit significantly from the knowledge, experience and resources of its citizens living in different parts of the world.
He stressed the need for government to develop practical frameworks that would encourage Nigerians in the Diaspora to contribute meaningfully to the country’s growth.
According to Raji, the Diaspora represents an important resource that should be strategically integrated into Nigeria’s development plans.
He noted that Nigerians abroad possess expertise across various sectors, including technology, education, healthcare, business and other areas of professional endeavour.
The lawmaker said their international exposure and networks could provide valuable opportunities for innovation and economic development.
Raji also highlighted the potential of Diaspora investments to support businesses, create employment and contribute to national economic growth.
He called for policies that would make it easier for Nigerians abroad to invest and participate in development initiatives in the country.
The Epe Federal Constituency representative also emphasised the importance of knowledge transfer.
He said Nigerians with international experience could help strengthen local institutions through mentorship, partnerships and professional collaboration.
Raji noted that effective engagement with the Diaspora could also expose young Nigerians to global opportunities and new ideas.
He said such collaboration should form part of a broader national development strategy.
The lawmaker also commended the Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, for what he described as five years of institutional transformation.
Raji acknowledged the efforts of the university management in advancing the institution during the period.
He said the progress recorded at LASU demonstrated the importance of visionary leadership in strengthening educational institutions.
The lawmaker also congratulated the university’s graduands and urged them to approach the next phase of their lives with purpose and responsibility.
Raji challenged the graduands to become agents of innovation and positive change.
He encouraged them to explore opportunities in entrepreneurship and develop solutions to challenges facing society.
The lawmaker also urged the graduates to embrace leadership and service as important responsibilities.
According to him, academic achievement should serve as a foundation for meaningful contributions to society.
Raji said the graduates have an important role to play in shaping Nigeria’s future.
He encouraged them to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during their studies to address real-world challenges.
The lawmaker also emphasised the need for young professionals to remain adaptable in a rapidly changing global environment.
He said innovation and entrepreneurship would be increasingly important in creating opportunities for young Nigerians.
Raji urged the graduands to remain committed to excellence while seeking opportunities to contribute to their communities.
He noted that leadership should not be measured only by positions but also by the ability to make positive contributions.
The lawmaker’s remarks linked the role of young graduates with the wider need for Nigeria to maximise its human capital.
He said the country must create opportunities for talented Nigerians, both at home and abroad, to contribute to national development.
Raji maintained that effective human-capital development requires collaboration between government, educational institutions, businesses and citizens.
He also stressed the importance of strengthening the relationship between universities and the wider economy.
According to him, graduates should be equipped not only with academic qualifications but also with skills that can support innovation and entrepreneurship.
He encouraged educational institutions to continue preparing students for emerging opportunities in the global economy.
Raji said Nigeria’s development would require deliberate investment in knowledge, innovation and human capacity.
He further called for stronger partnerships that would connect Nigerian institutions with global professional networks.
The lawmaker noted that the country’s Diaspora community could play a significant role in establishing such partnerships.
He said government must create an enabling environment that encourages Nigerians abroad to bring their expertise and investments home.
Raji also urged young Nigerians to see themselves as active participants in the country’s development.
He said graduates should use their education to create value and contribute to the advancement of their communities.
The lawmaker’s message ultimately centred on the importance of human capital in driving sustainable national development.
He encouraged the LASU graduands to pursue innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership and service as they begin their professional journeys.
Raji also reaffirmed the need for Nigeria to develop deliberate policies for maximising the contributions of its Diaspora community.
He said combining local talent with global expertise could strengthen the country’s development prospects.
The lawmaker expressed optimism that strategic engagement with Nigerians abroad would create new opportunities for national growth.
He further encouraged stakeholders to continue investing in education and creating platforms for young people to thrive.
Raji maintained that Nigeria’s future depends largely on how effectively it develops and utilises its human resources.
