Racist Attacks: Nigerian Expatriates Deported from South Africa Share Their Experiences and Look to Rebuild Their Lives Back Home

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Two Nigerians evacuated from South Africa have recounted their experiences of discrimination, documentation challenges and financial hardship, as the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission pledged support for their reintegration and aspirations back home.

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The returnees shared their stories on Saturday at the 2026 National Diaspora Day Youth Empowerment Summit in Abuja, where the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, introduced them as examples of resilience despite the challenges they faced abroad.

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One of the returnees, a Chemical Engineering student, narrated how he successfully combined his studies with operating a tutoring business that catered to more than 30 students every week before circumstances compelled him to return to Nigeria.

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He said he hoped to complete his education while pursuing opportunities in Nigeria’s power and petroleum sectors.

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Reflecting on his stay in South Africa, the student said although he missed the friendships he built there, “I do not miss the discrimination and bureaucratic challenges.”

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Another returnee, Mrs Maria Adeyemi, recounted the difficulties she and her family endured, including documentation problems, financial losses and prolonged separation from her husband.

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She expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government for facilitating their safe return through NiDCOM’s intervention.

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Adeyemi also disclosed plans to establish a restaurant in Nigeria, saying she hoped to use her culinary skills to contribute to the country’s hospitality industry.

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Responding to their testimonies, Dabiri-Erewa assured the returnees that NiDCOM would continue to engage relevant stakeholders to support their reintegration and help them realise their ambitions.

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She urged young Nigerians to remain resilient and believe in themselves, stressing that “nothing is impossible with determination and resilience.”

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According to her, the Youth Empowerment Summit, organised as part of the 2026 National Diaspora Day, was designed to inspire young Nigerians and equip them with the knowledge and leadership skills needed to become responsible citizens.

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The NiDCOM boss encouraged participants to learn from the experiences shared by resource persons and panellists, overcome challenges and remain proud of their Nigerian identity.

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She also noted that previous participants in similar empowerment programmes had returned to share success stories, demonstrating the impact of mentorship and capacity-building initiatives.

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Speaking at the event, the Group Managing Director of ARCO Group Plc, Alfred Okoigun, urged young Nigerians to embrace innovation, integrity and lifelong learning as tools for national development.

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He commended NiDCOM for creating a platform that connects young Nigerians with accomplished professionals and members of the diaspora, while applauding the Federal Government for supporting initiatives that empower youths and harness diaspora expertise for sustainable national development.

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At a panel discussion during the summit, experts from healthcare, education, technology, sports, media and philanthropy stressed the importance of mentorship, health advocacy, innovation and artificial intelligence in preparing Nigerian youths for global competitiveness and healthy living as critical pillars for empowering Nigerian youth and accelerating national development.

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The panel, moderated by youth development expert Canvas Institute, New York, USA, Bobby-Diggi Olisa, encouraged young Nigerians to seek mentors, remain teachable and use social media responsibly to build meaningful careers.

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The experts also advised participants to prioritise balanced nutrition, regular exercise, adequate sleep and mental health as critical foundations for personal and professional success.

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The panelists included Prof. Bisi Ademuyiwa, Breast Medical Oncologist at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and Founder of Rooted in Naija; Nnoruka Kenechi, Esq., Assistant Commander General of Narcotics, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA); Ms. Morenike Eniola Olasebikan, Clinical Pharmacist and Founder of Ribbon Rouge Foundation, Lagos; Ejimofor Anosike, Nigerian-American basketball star and founder of the Carriage Foundation; Dr. Faith Adole, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of U-VOL Foundation; Mr. Kierian Umeayo, Veteran Broadcaster; Christopher Okoigun, Group Head, Branding and Communications, ARCO Group; and Dr. Emiri Odogwu, Chief Executive Officer of Cecy Intelligence.

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The session brought together accomplished professionals from Nigeria and the diaspora to discuss mentorship, health advocacy, innovation, leadership and youth empowerment.

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Speaking on mentorship, the panelists stressed that Nigerians in the diaspora have a vital role to play in supporting young people through mentorship, sponsorship and professional networking. They encouraged participants to seek mentors, remain teachable, and use social media responsibly to build meaningful careers and become responsible leaders.

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The panel also highlighted the importance of physical and mental well-being, urging young Nigerians to prioritise balanced nutrition, regular exercise, adequate sleep and mental health support as essential foundations for personal and professional success.

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Speaking on the future of work, Dr Faith Adole urged young Nigerians to embrace artificial intelligence as a tool for improving productivity rather than viewing it as a threat.

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She encouraged youths to acquire AI skills and use the technology to strengthen their existing competencies in an increasingly digital global economy.

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The panellists further called for greater investment in education, volunteerism and skills acquisition, stressing that empowering young people through knowledge, mentorship and innovation remained the surest path to national development.

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