By Andrew Oyedola (National Coordinator, NSSPF, UK)
Just recently, I had the distinct honour of participating in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)’s Nigerian Diaspora Africa Approach roundtable. This high-level discussion, featuring a select group of distinguished diasporan leaders, was an invaluable opportunity to contribute to His Majesty’s Government’s new approach to Africa. Hosted by Ms. Kate Airey, Deputy Director of the FCDO’s West Africa Department, and opened by the Minister for Africa, Lord Collins of Highbury, the 90-minute session at the FCDO in King Charles Street, London, was a testament to the FCDO’s commitment to diverse stakeholder engagement.
The roundtable served as a crucial platform to offer perspectives on how the UK can strengthen mutually beneficial partnerships with African countries, aligning with the Government’s manifesto commitment and the ongoing five-month consultation launched by the Foreign Secretary.
My Contribution: Advocating for Nigerian Student Talent and Advancement
While the discussions spanned a wide array of critical areas – including healthcare, technology, business, investment, and media – my primary focus was on the pressing issues affecting Nigerian students in the UK: visa policies, employment opportunities, fostering innovation, and facilitating career advancement. I emphasized the immense potential of this demographic to contribute significantly to both the UK and Nigeria, stressing the importance of supporting their transition and integration into the UK professional landscape.
Key Reflections and Lessons Learned
The roundtable offered profound insights, but one overarching lesson resonated deeply with me: the imperative for unified vision and harmonized thought within the Nigerian diaspora leadership.
It became clear that for our collective voices to truly be heard and for our advocacy to yield systemic change, there needs to be a stronger emphasis on collective action and a consolidated approach. When addressing policy-makers, a fragmented dialogue, where various issues are selectively picked from different individuals, risks diluting our impact. History has shown that such tactics have often hindered progress for African nations. To ensure that our contributions are not just heard but acted upon in a comprehensive manner, it is crucial for us, as leaders, to converge our ideas and present a united front. This synergy is vital for moving beyond isolated discussions towards tangible, impactful outcomes for the Nigerian community in the UK and for strengthening the UK-Africa relationship.
Appreciation and Moving Forward
I extend my sincere appreciation to the FCDO for initiating this crucial dialogue. The energy and breadth of discussion within such a short timeframe were remarkable, and it was evident that the Minister truly valued the insights shared.
As we move forward, NSSPF remains committed to empowering Nigerian students in the UK, fostering their growth, and ensuring their talents are recognized and utilized. We believe that by working collaboratively and speaking with a unified voice, the Nigerian diaspora can play an even more pivotal role in shaping a prosperous future for both the UK and Nigeria. We look forward to continued engagement with the FCDO and other key stakeholders to actualize the shared goals of growth-focused partnerships and people-to-people connections.
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