By Simeon OSAJIE
The Special Adviser to the Governor of Sokoto State on Poverty Reduction and North‑West Legal Adviser of the City Boy Movement, Barr. Sa’adat Yunusa Mohammed, has continued her international outreach with a high‑level engagement in Luton, East England, where she met Nigerians in the diaspora for an evening of dialogue, civic insight, and political mobilisation.
The event, held at Luton Town Hall and co‑hosted by former Deputy Mayor Tunde Ajisola and community leader Duchess Bola Odunuga, brought together professionals, students, and political enthusiasts eager to understand Nigeria’s current reform trajectory and the role of diaspora communities in national development.
Speaking during the interactive session, Barr. Yunusa praised what she described as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bold and necessary reforms, noting that his administration has taken “difficult but essential steps” to reposition Nigeria for long‑term progress.
She acknowledged that Nigeria still faces significant challenges, many of which she attributed to “decades of structural neglect” but emphasised that continuity in governance and the strengthening of institutions are vital for sustaining reforms.
“Reforms take time. What matters is consistency, institution‑building, and collective participation. Nigeria is on a trajectory of progress, and every Nigerian home or abroad has a role to play,” she said.
As the North‑West Zone Legal Adviser of the City Boy Movement, Barr. Yunusa used the Luton engagement to promote the movement’s mission of youth inclusion, civic participation, and leadership development.
She explained that the City Boy Movement is designed to shift young Nigerians and women from being “mere observers of politics” to becoming active participants in governance.
“To change the narrative of governance in Nigeria, you must be involved. Young people and women must move from the sidelines into leadership spaces,” she stated.
She called on Nigerians in the diaspora to contribute their expertise, knowledge, networks, and resources, describing them as a “catalyst for Nigeria’s development.”
Her visit also aligns with broader diaspora mobilisation efforts ahead of President Tinubu’s second‑term ambition, as political advocacy groups increasingly engage Nigerians abroad to strengthen civic awareness and support.
Barr. Yunusa also gave participants insight into her work as Special Adviser on Poverty Reduction, where she leads grassroots programmes across Sokoto State. She highlighted:
Community‑based empowerment initiatives, Support for vulnerable households, Skills acquisition programmes for women and youths, Health and welfare interventions, Rural outreach and poverty‑alleviation drives
She noted that her impact has inspired many women in Sokoto to show interest in political participation, proving that visible leadership encourages inclusion.
The interactive session featured robust discussions on Security challenges and community‑level solutions, Healthcare access and the need for stronger systems, Investor protection for diaspora Nigerians, Grassroots development and local governance reforms
Participants including the Chairman APC Bedfordshire Engr. Patrick Obuseh expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage directly with a serving government official and political advocate.
Barr. Sa’adat Yunusa Mohammed’s visit to Luton reflects her expanding role as a policy advocate, a diaspora mobiliser, a grassroots development strategist, a voice for women and youth inclusion in politics
Her message in the UK reinforced the idea that Nigeria’s development requires collective responsibility, continuity in governance, and active participation from citizens everywhere.