Book Review: Reshaping Diplomacy Through Digital Innovation – A Gen-Z Outlook By Bilkisu Ahmed Shekarau
I recently attended the public presentation of “Diplomacy and Digital Innovation – Youth Insight,” a fascinating new book co-authored by two young Nigerian youth corps members, Fatima Yusuf Usman and Umar Farouk Bala. Published by Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), publishers of PRNigeria and Economic Confidential, the book is an ambitious and refreshing attempt to interpret Nigeria’s foreign policy and digital transformation agenda through the eyes of a younger generation.
The book is framed around the idea that Nigeria’s global relevance can only be secured through a deliberate blend of proactive diplomacy and digital innovation. By examining the policies and activities of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, alongside the digital leadership of the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the authors weave together a compelling narrative. Their perspective is not the detached tone of seasoned academics but the fresh, bold, and sometimes provocative outlook of Gen-Z writers who are deeply attuned to how global change affects Nigeria’s youth.
A central focus of the book is Minister Tuggar’s diplomatic engagements and his vision for repositioning Nigeria internationally. The authors highlight how Tuggar has actively pursued partnerships with countries such as Germany and the United States, not only to advance Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives but also to expand its global outreach. They describe his efforts to brand Nigeria as a country of talent rather than one of mass migration, reframing the controversial “Japa” phenomenon.
The so-called Japa syndrome, which refers to the increasing migration of Nigerians abroad, is often painted negatively as a form of brain drain. But the book offers a fresh angle, citing Tuggar’s statement in Berlin that “Nigeria does not transport people but talent.” Nurses, doctors, engineers, and other professionals moving abroad demonstrate the strength of Nigeria’s human capital. According to the authors, such migration does not necessarily signify loss but can also reflect how Nigeria contributes skilled individuals to the global economy. This interpretation challenges prevailing pessimism and invites readers to see opportunity where others see decline.
One of the most engaging sections of the book is the chapter on Kemi Badenoch, the British Conservative politician of Nigerian heritage. The authors present her as a “prodigal daughter who lost her roots,” a figure who, rather than promoting Nigeria’s interests, has often been associated with criticisms or policies that disadvantage her ancestral homeland. They argue that her political maneuvering, particularly her stance on immigration and trade, undermines Nigeria’s aspirations. Though the tone here is sharp and perhaps controversial, it captures the unfiltered voice of a younger generation unwilling to gloss over what they see as betrayal. It may provoke debate, but it also adds to the book’s candor and authenticity.
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Beyond diplomacy, the book devotes substantial attention to the role of technology and artificial intelligence in shaping Nigeria’s future. The authors highlight the efforts of NITDA under Kashifu Inuwa to equip young Nigerians with digital skills, foster start-ups, and support the growth of ICT-driven businesses. They also explore the opportunities and risks of AI, acknowledging its transformative potential while warning against its misuse. By linking diplomacy with digital innovation, the book makes the case that Nigeria’s foreign policy cannot remain rooted in traditional statecraft alone but must adapt to a world where technology is the new driver of influence.
What stands out in this work is the authors’ ability to blend policy analysis with youthful perspective. Fatima Yusuf Usman, a graduate of Baze University with a degree in Mass Communication, brings to the book her storytelling skills and experience as a writer with PRNigeria and Tech Digest. Umar Farouk Bala, a First-Class graduate of Political Science and International Relations from Nile University, complements her voice with his sharp, analytical insights into politics and economics. Together, they represent a new generation of Nigerian intellectuals who are not content to observe from the sidelines but are ready to contribute to national discourse.
The prose is accessible, direct, and engaging. At times, it reflects the raw energy of youth rather than the polished neutrality of seasoned diplomats, but this is precisely what gives the book its charm. The authors are unapologetic in their views, whether defending Nigeria’s brain export as talent mobility or critiquing figures like Badenoch. Their willingness to speak boldly reminds the reader that the future belongs to those willing to challenge conventional wisdom.
As a reviewer, what I find most commendable is how the book manages to balance critique with optimism. It highlights Nigeria’s challenges but does not wallow in despair. Instead, it points to how diplomacy, when paired with digital innovation, can unlock opportunities for development. It also underscores the role of young people, not just as beneficiaries of policy but as shapers of Nigeria’s economic and political future.
In conclusion, Diplomacy and Digital Innovation – Youth Insight is more than just a collection of essays. It is a generational statement, a call for Nigeria to rethink its global engagement and domestic innovation strategy in tandem. For policymakers, it offers a reminder of the fresh energy and ideas coming from Nigeria’s youth. For academics, it presents a case study of how young voices can enrich national discourse. For fellow young people, it is an inspiration to speak up, write, and contribute to the country’s progress.
I congratulate the co-authors, Fatima Yusuf Usman and Umar Farouk Bala, for their courage and creativity in producing such a timely work. Their book is a testament to what young Nigerians can achieve when given the platform to express their ideas. It deserves to be widely read, debated, and referenced as Nigeria charts its path in a world where diplomacy and digital innovation are increasingly inseparable.
Bilkisu Ahmed Shekarau is a student of Mass communication Department of Nile University, Abuja. She can be contacted via; [email protected]
