The Director-General of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Mr Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, has called for collaboration, sustainability and the strategic engagement of Nigerians in diaspora to address socio-economic challenges in the country.
Oyerinde said this would help in unlocking the country’s vast potential.
He stated this at a one-day capacity development workshop, organised by NECA for business editors in Lagos.
The theme of the workshop is, ” Brain Drain to Brain Gain: The Role of the Media in Shaping Nigeria’s Narrative”.
The director general outlined NECA’s initiatives to tackle unemployment, promote sustainability and foster economic growth through strategic partnerships.
“We are building partnerships with individuals and organisations that have the competence to make an impact, not only within our system but also at the national level.
“Reaching out to you is part of this drive for collaboration because, without gatekeepers, those who amplify our efforts, nothing reaches the public,”he said.
Oyerinde explained that NECA’s approach focuses on creating synergy across sectors to address Nigeria’s pressing issues.
He noted that the association would continue to build partnerships and identify crisis points, particularly unemployment, sustainability, and brain drain as major challenges facing the nation.
The NECA boss stressed the importance of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles and sustainability in Nigeria’s economic strategy.
The D-G maintained that the world is moving towards ESG and sustainability, and Nigeria must not be left behind.
According to him, NECA is having serious conversations with organisations like UNICEF and others to drive sustainability and embed ESG practices into the Nigerian economy.
Oyerinde acknowledged the contributions of the Nigerians in diaspora, particularly through remittances that boost the economy.
“On December 30th, the diaspora contributed trillions to the Nigerian economy. This massive inflow underscores the positive impact of Nigerians living abroad who continue to invest and send resources back home,” he said.
Oyerinde added that NECA’s collaborative efforts also aim to harness the potential of the diaspora to address brain drain and convert it into brain gain.
“The resources, knowledge, and expertise of the diaspora are critical to Nigeria’s development. We must find ways to encourage them to reinvest their skills and wealth in the country,” he said.
Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer of African Heritage Foundation, Amb. Adedeji Adetunji emphasised the importance of leadership, patriotism and reversing brain drain into brain gain.
Reflecting on decades of advocacy, Adetunji highlighted his efforts to engage African leaders on the continent’s development trajectory.
“The advocacy we started in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, has been ongoing since the 1980s. I have interviewed nearly all the presidents of Africa, including Baba Obasanjo. Leadership is key. Without integrity, nothing works,” he said.
Adetunji recounted significant contributions made by African initiatives, such as the success of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, as well as the Atlanta project during the 1996 Olympics, which brought global attention to Africa’s potential.
According to the facilitator, it is imperative to convert brain drain into brain gain.
“Nigeria and Africa are losing talents to the developed world, but this does not have to be permanent. We need to encourage the diaspora to reinvest their skills and knowledge back home.
“Brain drain to brain gain is the foundation for equitable leadership and progress in education, research, and business,” he said.
Adetunji stressed the role of patriotism in fostering sustainable development.
“Let us advocate patriotism in our country. It is not the government that drives the economy, but private initiatives. The private sector is the engine that fuels any nation’s growth,” he said.(NAN)
