Triangle International Magazine marked its tenth anniversary with a landmark diaspora lecture and dinner at the Great Hall of King’s College London, bringing together a distinguished audience of policymakers, business leaders, academics, media professionals and members of the Nigerian diaspora.
The event drew a full house, reflecting both the significance of the occasion and the growing importance of diaspora engagement in national development.
Anchored by renowned comedian and media personality Seyi Law, the evening combined celebration with serious intellectual engagement around the theme of harnessing the role of Nigerians in the diaspora for national development.
Delivering the keynote address as Guest of Honour, the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, called for a more deliberate and structured engagement with Nigerians living abroad, describing them as a critical force in the country’s development trajectory.
He highlighted Nigeria’s evolving economic direction under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that bold reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange system were necessary steps towards long term stability.
He also pointed to improvements in fiscal discipline, including reductions in external debt obligations. According to him, the ongoing shift from consumption-driven spending to production-oriented investment is creating a more enabling environment for enterprise, innovation and productivity.
He urged Nigerians in the diaspora to seize emerging opportunities by investing strategically and contributing meaningfully to national growth. In recognition of his leadership and reform-driven initiatives, he was presented with the Personality of the Year Award.
The event was attended by several high-profile personalities, including the Governor of Zamfara State, Dr Dauda Lawal, alongside other notable figures from government, academia and industry.
Their presence underscored the importance of collaboration between leaders at home and Nigerians abroad in shaping the future of the country.
The Governor of Zamfara State, Dr Dauda Lawal, in his remarks, highlighted key strides made by his administration in restoring governance and rebuilding public confidence in the state.
He noted ongoing efforts to improve security, revive critical infrastructure, strengthen the healthcare system and reposition the state’s economy through prudent financial management and targeted reforms.
He emphasised his commitment to transparency, accountability, and people centred development, stating that his administration remains focused on delivering tangible benefits to citizens despite prevailing challenges.
Governor Lawal also commended the organisers of the event for creating a global platform that promotes constructive dialogue and strengthens the connection between Nigeria and its diaspora, describing the initiative as timely and essential for national progress.
A major highlight of the evening was the address delivered by Professor Ojo Emmanuel Ademola, Chairman of the Board of Triangle International and Africa’s first Professor of Cybersecurity and Information Technology Management.
Serving as both speaker and panellist, he made a strong case for the establishment of a national database of technocrats to harness the expertise of Nigerians across the world.
He advocated for the direct inclusion of qualified diaspora professionals in governance, including appointments into the National Executive Council, noting that many countries already leverage their diaspora in leadership roles to strengthen innovation and development.
He also stressed the urgent need for investment in digital infrastructure, arguing that Nigeria cannot compete globally on analogue foundations.
Drawing from nearly three decades of experience in the United Kingdom, he described Nigerians in the diaspora as partners in progress and key drivers of knowledge transfer, innovation and institutional development.
The panel session provided further depth to the discussions, bringing together leading voices to examine practical pathways for diaspora engagement and national advancement. Contributions from Kola Adesina, Prince Bimbo Roberts Afolayan and Mr Afolayan Roberts enriched conversations around governance, investment, innovation and the policy alignment required to unlock the full potential of Nigerians abroad.
In his welcome address, the Chief Executive Officer and Publisher of Triangle International Magazine, Otunba Femi Salako, expressed deep appreciation to guests and stakeholders for their support over the past decade. He described the anniversary as both a celebration and a moment of reflection, reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to impactful storytelling and global engagement.
He emphasised the importance of building stronger connections between Nigeria and its diaspora, noting that the magazine remains dedicated to fostering conversations that inspire progress and shape the nation’s future.
Professor Ademola also paid tribute to Salako’s leadership, describing Triangle International as a beacon of responsible journalism that has spent a decade amplifying African voices, strengthening diaspora engagement and contributing meaningfully to national discourse.
The event ended with a renewed call for stronger collaboration between Nigeria and its diaspora community, with participants emphasising that sustainable national development will depend on inclusive participation, strategic partnerships and a shared commitment to progress from Nigerians both at home and abroad.
