Council member of Nigeria-British Association, Oluwaseyi Adeyemo has addressed the issue of talent exodus from Nigeria to countries like the UK. He called for putting the “best team on the field” domestically to retain the country’s talent.
He argued that for Nigeria to keep its brightest minds, the country must create conditions that nurture and reward talent effectively.
“Until we start to do whatever we can to make sure that it is our best that occupies the first team, we wont end up losing our people going somewhere else to have the best for themselves. It is clear that we have better people who can do better jobs on the bench than we have on the field right now,” he said.
In a recent interview with ARISE NEWS on Monday, while discussing the significance of Kemi Badenoch’s role as Shadow Prime Minister in the United Kingdom, Adeyemo described her achievement as a source of pride for Nigerians and Africans. Badenoch’s appointment, he noted, is a symbol of progress and a model of inclusivity that both countries can learn from.
“First of all, I’m one of those who believe that whatever we are blessed with is something to celebrate,” Adeyemo stated. “For me, she is Nigerian, she’s a woman, she’s someone who has shown that this is possible… it’s a significant office. I believe it is something to celebrate.”
He expressed respect for the British government for opening up such a role to a Nigerian woman, emphasising how this act highlights a mature approach to leadership based on merit rather than origin. According to Adeyemo, the position allows Badenoch to influence decisions in ways that would resonate globally, including within Nigeria.
When asked about the narrative that Badenoch, as a black woman, is being used to navigate a challenging period in British politics, Adeyemo rejected the idea, pointing to the skills and knowledge she brings to the table.
“Political office is not something you get because you know someone; you bring knowledge, style, and strategies to the table,” he said.
He further stressed the importance of moving away from a mindset of entitlement, urging Nigerians to focus on creating value in international relationships.
“We believe that today, because of our knowledge, our engagement, and business contacts, we are able to sit on the same table with our former colonial masters.”
Adeyemo also addressed the question of equality with Britain, suggesting that progress involves focusing on contribution rather than historical grievances.
“What we really need to start to learn is when someone has an advantage, you must start to say, ‘What do I bring to the table?’… At the end of the day, these people were the ones who colonised America, Nigeria, they had an advantage because they got to the table earlier than we did.”
He argued that dwelling on history often holds Nigerians back, while forward-looking engagement and innovation would elevate Nigeria’s status.
Adeyemo sees Badenoch’s role as a potential catalyst for Nigeria’s own development, urging the country to learn from the shadow cabinet structure in the UK.
“The shadow government, for instance, is something we need to start to look at if we really want to start to get governance right in Nigeria,” he remarked.
He called for a system where leaders could be held accountable by their counterparts, promoting transparency and improvement in governance.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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