By: Mercy Peter
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande and Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa have joined in celebrating an American-Nigerian inventor, Eniola Shokunbi.
The 12 years old Shokunbi invented air filtration system aimed at combating air pollution and improving respiratory health,
The young girl has also secured $11.5 million dollars in grants in Connecticut, United States of America.
Enola, accompanied by her Mother and two sisters, visited the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, as well as the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande.
She is in Nigeria as Guest of the Raw Materials, Research and Development Council in Abuja.
According to a statement by Mr. Gabriel Odu, Media, Publicity and Protocols Unit, NIDCOM, Dabiri-Erewa praised Eniola’s brilliance, resilience, and determination, describing her as, “a beacon of hope and a true ambassador of Nigerian excellence.”
She further emphasized the importance of nurturing young innovators and building stronger pathways for Nigerian talents to thrive globally.
Eniola expressed gratitude for the warm reception and shared her hopes of bringing her innovation home to improve air quality across Nigerian cities.
“I want to inspire other Nigerian children to dream big, solve problems, and make a difference, as a Nigerian youth you can do anything and any problem you see has a solution is just up to you to find it,” she said.
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa described Eniola as,
“a shining star, a beacon of what is possible when young Nigerians are empowered,” and encouraged others to draw inspiration from her determination and global impact.
Similarly, while visiting the Hon Minister of Youth Development Hon. Ayodele Olawande he commended her brilliance and drive, noting that,
“Eniola represents the future Nigeria must believe in. Her story is not just one of innovation but of resilience, vision, and hope. We must do more to create an environment where young Nigerians, whether at home or abroad, can thrive without limits. We are committed to amplifying such voices and nurturing talents like hers”, he stated.
Hon. Olawande reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to partnering with stakeholders like NiDCOM to bridge the gap between Nigerian youth and government, encouraging more direct support and engagement with the younger generation.
The strategic visit underscores a growing recognition of Nigerian youth in the diaspora as invaluable assets to national development, innovation, and global diplomacy.
