Two Nigerians evacuated from South Africa have expressed optimism about rebuilding their lives in Nigeria after enduring discrimination, financial difficulties and documentation challenges while living abroad.
The returnees shared their experiences at the 2026 National Diaspora Day Youth Empowerment Summit in Abuja, where the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, highlighted their stories as examples of resilience.
One of the returnees, Maria Adeyemi, recalled the hardships her family faced in South Africa, including immigration-related issues, financial losses and a prolonged separation from her husband. She thanked President Bola Tinubu and NiDCOM for facilitating their return to Nigeria.
Adeyemi said she intends to establish a restaurant in Nigeria, hoping to use her culinary skills to build a successful business.
Another returnee, a Chemical Engineering student, said he combined his studies with a tutoring business that served more than 30 students weekly before circumstances forced him to return home. He said he plans to complete his education and pursue opportunities in Nigeria’s power and petroleum industries.
While he said he would miss the friendships he built in South Africa, he noted that he was relieved to leave behind the discrimination and bureaucratic difficulties he experienced.
Responding to their testimonies, Dabiri-Erewa assured the returnees of NiDCOM’s continued support, saying the commission would work with relevant stakeholders to help them reintegrate and achieve their goals.
She urged young Nigerians to remain determined despite challenges, describing resilience and self-belief as key to success.
Speaking at the event, ARCO Group Plc Managing Director Alfred Okoigun encouraged young people to embrace innovation, integrity and continuous learning as tools for national development.
Experts at a panel discussion also stressed the importance of mentorship, healthy living, skills development and artificial intelligence in preparing Nigerian youths for global opportunities, urging them to remain teachable, invest in their well-being and acquire digital skills for the future.
