Amina Temitope Ajayi is a US-based Nigerian businesswoman and accountant. A former president of the All Nigerian American Congress (ANAC), her advocacy on issues concerning Nigerians in Diaspora has earned her media attention as well as dubbed "Mama Diaspora".
Ajayi is the founder and CEO of the Nigerian American Agricultural Empowerment Program (NAAEP), an organisation that engages in the agricultural empowerment of local farmers, women and young adults in Nigeria. In 2010 she was known to have called on the Nigerian government to reduce the interest rates on loans to farmers in order to boost the agricultural sector. Ajayi is a goodwill ambassador of the US states of Arkansas and Maryland. She was a delegate at the 2014 Nigeria National Conference where she represented the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) in Nigeria and served in the Confab's Committee on Agriculture.
The commission will change a lot of things in Nigeria. It will even break the development jinx that has kept this country backward for many years.
Speaking after the 2014 National Conference, she explained why she believed establishing a Nigerians in Diaspora Commission would accelerate national development by harnessing the skills, investments and expertise of Nigerians living abroad.
It will change brain drain to brain gain.
Describing one of the expected benefits of the proposed Diaspora Commission, she argued that Nigeria should transform the migration of skilled citizens into an opportunity for national development.
As the Mama of the Diaspora, I heartily rejoice with our colleagues in the Diaspora.
Reacting to the passage of the bill for the establishment of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, she expressed her delight at what she regarded as a milestone for Nigerians living abroad.
Nigerian youths are innovative.
Speaking about the #EndSARS generation and homeless youths, she argued that Nigerian young people possess talent and creativity but need opportunities and support to succeed.
Anytime I sit down, I weep for my country, I weep for our future.
Reflecting on Nigeria's economic and social challenges, she expressed concern over unemployment, insecurity, and the future of young Nigerians during an interview on diaspora affairs and youth empowerment.
It should not be a political appointment.
Discussing appointments to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, she argued that its leadership should come from people with genuine experience and long-standing involvement in diaspora affairs rather than political patronage.
The grassroots are the penny. Save the penny for the rainy day.
Using a lesson from her late father, she emphasized that development should begin at the grassroots and that empowering local communities is essential to national progress.
The grassroots are the penny. Save the penny for the rainy day.
Using a lesson from her late father, she emphasized that development should begin at the grassroots and that empowering local communities is essential to national progress.
The more people you invest in the better for you.
Explaining the philosophy behind her philanthropy, she said her family taught her that investing in people creates lasting value and stronger communities.
Nigeria has intellectual properties that will transform into billions in revenue for the country.
Explaining why she launched the Silicon Valley Immersion Programme, she argued that Nigeria's greatest asset is its human capital and intellectual property, which can drive economic growth.
Entrepreneurs make a nation.
Discussing the importance of entrepreneurship, she said that entrepreneurs eventually become the backbone of the private sector and national development. 0
The only thing they need is venture capital.
Speaking about Nigerian youths, she argued that they are naturally entrepreneurial but require investment and access to funding to realise their potential.
I have always been repeatedly talking about investment in human capital and intellectual properties, because that is where the money is.
Responding to comments on Nigeria's development priorities, she emphasized that investing in people and innovation produces greater long-term economic returns than focusing solely on physical infrastructure.
We have got what it takes.
Encouraging Nigerians to believe in their capacity for innovation and economic transformation, she maintained that the country's talent base is sufficient for global competitiveness if properly supported.
