September 20th, at the University of East London, NDSC Chairman Dr Tunde Adelakun was a special guest speaker at the 2025 Global Summit of the National Association of Nigerian Students in Diaspora. The summit, which attracted guests and members of the NANS-D from their various branches is an annual event that is meant to use a congregation of diaspora Nigerians and stakeholders in the future of the nation, to address topical issues that builds the belief of the Nigerian community in hope for the future.
This year’s theme, ‘Harnessing the potential of Diaspora Nigerians for national development and sustainable global impact’ attracted quite a cross-section of speakers from various walks of endeavour and Chairman ‘Tunde was on hand to deliver the sporting perspective to how best to set about harnessing the potential of what Nigeria holds outside of the country.
Representatives of the Nigerian High Commission, and a few successful businesses run by Nigerian diaspora graduates and alumni, as well as political figures were present at the occasion.
Dr ‘Tunde also used the platform to avail the audience of the NDSC plans to constantly engage with members of the diaspora community worldwide, to address the issues that bedevil Nigerian sports, and areas through which the industry can be better, yielding sporting success and a sustainable culture that can assist in resetting the mindset of the average Nigerian youth in a positive way.
One of such programmes is the NDSC ‘Heads Together’ event scheduled for later in the year, where representatives of the major stakeholders of sports as well as sports stars and parents/guardians will get together and have a large conversation on the state of sports in the country, and how, from outside, the country can get better.
‘It goes without saying that we have the talent. Everywhere we go in sport, anywhere in the world, there is always a Nigerian name and this means we have the DNA of sporting success. And if we indeed recognise that sport is a major feature in youth development, then we really need to be looking at harnessing our sporting potential to set examples for other spheres of society, going forward’, the Chairman said.
At the end of the proceedings, awards were presented to a few Nigerians who have been recognised for their contribution to a positive impact in the lives and livelihood of the Nigerian student.
Chairman ‘Tunde was also rewarded, given an award of Mentorship Excellence in honour of his ‘consistent mentorship, selfless service and profound impact on youth and student development’.
