Dabiri-Erewa Urges Youths to Embrace Self-Development, Financial Literacy

Nume Ekeghe

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has called on young Nigerians to prioritise self-development, embrace financial literacy, and adopt a forward-thinking mindset to secure their economic future.

She made this call over the weekend at the Game of Money 2.0 conference and the official launch of Transform, a new book by entrepreneur and financial coach Tope Mark-Odigie, Dabiri-Erewa urged young people to continually invest in themselves and expand their thinking beyond conventional paths to success.

She said, “In life, you must think outside the box. Always think of the next thing you want to do to remain successful. Learn to train yourself, develop yourself and be the best in whatever you do, then discover who you are and what works best for you.”

Convener of the event and CEO of Reb360, Tope Mark-Odigie, said Game of Money was born out of her passion for demystifying money management and investing for everyday people. According to her, financial empowerment requires intention, not luck.

He said, “We can no longer afford to wait for opportunities—we must learn to create wealth through deliberate and informed action,” she said. “Transform, the book, encourages people to look inward, identify their strengths, and build success from a place of self-awareness.”

Also speaking at the conference, Project Lead at the Global Entrepreneurship Festival (GEF), Dr. Summy Smart Francis, highlighted the often-overlooked concept of the “gift of success.”

“Success is not always about hard work alone,” he said. “Sometimes, it comes through opportunities, mentorship, and the right relationships. Young entrepreneurs must position themselves to receive that gift by making themselves visible, adding value, and seeking mentors who can guide them.”

In her own address, Ronke Adeniyi, Director of Le Poshe School, spoke on the role of mindset in shaping professional and personal outcomes. She noted that many teachers and young professionals in Nigeria are held back not by lack of skill, but by limiting beliefs and social expectations.

“Many people are constrained by their own mindset,” she said. “But it is possible to break free from those limitations. You must know yourself, recognise your strengths, and create your own path.”

Adeniyi shared her personal journey of arriving in Lagos 15 years ago with little more than a passion for education and a willingness to learn. By leveraging her communication skills and embracing continuous self-development, she was able to build a successful career in the education sector.