When Prof. Femi Osofisan aptly entitled his literary masterpiece Birthdays are not for dying; what he literally meant was that Birthdays can only be celebrated by the living in celebration of the gift of life which is rare in this age and time because of the reduction in life expectancy. But for Hon. Dr Kafayat Abike Dabiri-Erewa the Managing Director Nigerians in Diaspora Commission NIDCOM sauntering into age 60 is a milestone that she won’t take for granted especially as she is still filled with life having achieved a lot politically and other life endeavours. Despite being born into the prominent family of Erogbogbo in Ikorodu Lagos State, she worked fervently to carve a niche for herself and today she is relevant in the scheme of things.
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All her life, the veteran journalist cum politician has dedicated it to the service of humanity where she has been a problem solver and has thrived with excellence in a male-dominated country representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency three times at the green chambers where she sponsored numerous bills that have transformed the country and have also facilitated projects that are of use to his people. On Tuesday, October 11, it was a double celebration for Madam Diaspora as she is fondly called by many. She was also conferred with a national award as an Officer of the Order of Niger OON by President Buhari for her contribution to nation-building and bridging the gap between Nigerians in the diaspora and home where she has created assistance to distressed Nigerians. The conferment ceremony coincidentally fell on her birthday as she was hosted by her husband’s friends and family to a private celebration soiree in Abuja. Her eldest son surprised her with his presence as she was moved to tears by the show of love not only from friends but from her close associates.