By Prosper Mene
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to take an active role in reshaping the country’s global image by promoting its achievements and countering negative narratives.
Speaking at the National Youth Empowerment Summit in Abuja on Thursday, she emphasized that collective action is key to showcasing Nigeria’s progress in innovation, culture, and community development.
Addressing a vibrant crowd of youth leaders, entrepreneurs, and diaspora representatives, Tinubu underscored the power of storytelling in nation-building. “Our image as a nation begins with us,” she said during her keynote address. “We must share the good news, our advancements in technology, the creativity of our artists, and the resilience of our communities, rather than focusing solely on challenges.” She urged Nigerians to use platforms like social media to highlight success stories, from local startups gaining international traction to cultural exports like Nollywood and Afrobeat music.
Tinubu spotlighted her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), a flagship program that has empowered over 500,000 women and youth through skills training, micro-grants, and entrepreneurship support.
She shared inspiring examples of RHI beneficiaries, such as women in Lagos who have scaled handmade craft businesses to export markets and young coders in Abuja launching globally competitive tech startups. “These are the stories we need to amplify,” she said, calling on Nigerians abroad to invest in similar initiatives to strengthen Nigeria’s economic and cultural presence.
The First Lady tied her message to President Bola Tinubu’s “Nigeria First” policy, which emphasizes economic self-reliance and global cultural diplomacy. She noted that Nigerians in the diaspora have already boosted trade ties with countries like Canada, Ethiopia, and the United States, contributing over $20 billion in remittances annually, according to recent Central Bank of Nigeria data. “When our brothers and sisters abroad succeed, they lift Nigeria’s name,” she said. “Let’s build on that by supporting projects back home.”
“The First Lady’s call is a wake-up call for us all,” said Aisha Ibrahim, a summit attendee and tech entrepreneur. “We have so much to be proud of, and it’s time we told that story.”The summit, which continues through Friday, features workshops on digital storytelling, entrepreneurship, and cultural advocacy. For more information on the Renewed Hope Initiative or to contribute to the National Library project, visit the Office of the First Lady’s website.
Tinubu’s message has sparked renewed hope, with many seeing it as a crucial step toward redefining Nigeria’s place on the world stage.
