Tag: Dabiri-Erewa

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has been honoured with a doctorate by Smart Island University in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The honorary doctorate was awarded in recognition of her outstanding humanitarian efforts and trailblazing contributions to diaspora development.

According to a statement by Gabriel Odu of NiDCOM’s Media, Publicity, and Protocol Unit, the official date for the conferment ceremony will be announced later in the year.

While presenting the honour, the university’s Registrar, Dr. Mohammed Dhaidan Al-Mutairi, praised Dabiri-Erewa for her dedication, resilience, and commitment to service.

The statement further added: “He said that the award was bestowed on her due to her giant strides in Humanitarian and Diaspora affairs.

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“The Registrar noted that the University has almost 90 Nigerian students, studying various courses at the University.

“Al-Mutairie said her pioneering efforts in Diaspora relations and other humanitarian gestures have been noteworthy.

“He signified the intention of the University to further deepen relationships with Nigeria, including setting up a campus in the country.

“Receiving the award of honour, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa thanked the institution for conferring on her the doctorate.

“Dabiri-Erewa also thanked the Association of Nigerians in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their efforts in mobilising Nigerians in the Kingdom in projecting the good image of the country.”

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has assured Nigerians that the ongoing reforms by the   Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration would yield positive results for all.

Dabiri-Erewa also said that the welfare of Nigerians is the president’s priority.

NIDCOM boss, according to a statement by the Director, Media, Publicity and Protocol Unit,   Abdur-Rahman Balogun, gave the assurance at the Nigerian Diaspora Direct Investment Summit (NDDIS) and two meetings with the  United Kingdom(UK) Head of West Africa Department, Kate Airey and the newly appointed UK  Trade Envoy to Nigeria, Florence Eshalomi.

At the  NDDIS  summit,  Dabiri-Erewa appealed to  Nigerians in the Diaspora to continue to project the country positively and attract investments.

She reminded them of another NDIS summit that would be held in Abuja in November.

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The statement quoted   Ailey stressing the importance of the UK Diaspora and the need to further deepen engagement between the two countries.

She also expressed her willingness to collaborate with NIDCOM  for further national development.

Kate praised Nigerians in the Diaspora for their developmental strides in the UK.

At the meeting with Dabiri-Erewa, Eshalomi, said: 

“I am looking forward to building on UK’s relationship with Nigeria, to help explore shared growth and opportunities for both countries.”

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO,  Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has hailed Commander Matuwo Olufokunbi on becoming the first Nigerian-American to qualify as a Nuclear Engineer under the US Navy Nuclear Propulsion Programme. 

Besides, Olufokunbi also becomes  the third Nigerian-American to qualify as a Nuclear Engineer after Captain Kelechi Ndukwe and Captain Frank Okata, all Nigerians-Americans.

This remarkable achievement further elevates his qualification to command a US Navy warship.

In a congratulatory message to the latest US Navy Commander, Dabiri-Erewa stated that Olufokunbi’s promotion reflects the resilience, excellence, and the indomitable spirit of Nigerians in the diaspora. 

According to her, the news comes as a source of pride and inspiration to the global Nigerian community.

The NiDCOM boss urged Nigerian youths to draw inspiration from Commander Olufokunbi and pursue excellence in their chosen fields, while wishing him a successful tenure.

Commander Matuwo Iseoluwani Olufokunbi was enlisted into the US Navy as an Electronic Technician in January 2001.

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Olufokunbi graduated from Old Dominion University in May 2008 with a degree in Electrical Engineering.  

He is also a graduate of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Programme, JPME Phase 1 Qualified, and has a Master in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University.

Commander Olufokunbi has served at sea as Electronic Technician on USS TAYLOR (FFG 50), Intelligence Officer-Electronic Warfare Officer-Combat Information Center Officer on USS SIMPSON (FFG 56), Reactor Electrical-Reactor Auxiliary-Reactor Propulsion Division Officer on USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69), Combat Systems Officer on USS CARTER HALL (LSD 50), and Main Propulsion Assistant on USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72).

He served as the Nuclear Programmes Officer at Commander, Navy Recruiting Command and as the Naval Surface Forces Expeditionary, Amphibious Warfare (AMW) and Mine Warfare (MIW) Warfighting Requirement and Assessment Lead at Commander, Naval Surface Forces, Atlantic, while ashore.

The Nigerian-American is a multi-decorated personnel with several accolades to his name within the US Navy.

…as Baàmẹ̀kọ́ celebrates Chief Bisi Akande on 86th birthday

The Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, on Thursday, January 16, received the Baàmẹ̀kọ́ of Ibadanland, Oloye Saheed Oladele, at her office in Abuja.

Dr. Dabiri-Erewa, impressed by Oloye Oladele’s performance during a recent TVC interview, decided to host him at the NiDCOM headquarters.

However, details of their meeting were not disclosed.

Oloye Saheed Oladele has been making significant political moves, including a recent visit to the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje.

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Political observers have described this visit as a boost to Oladele’s aspirations to contest for the Oyo governorship in 2027.

Meanwhile, Oloye Oladele, felicitated the elderstatesman and former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Bisi Akande, on his 86th birthday.

Oloye Oladele described Chief Bisi Akande as an epitome of integrity and selfless service from whom he had drawn impeccable inspirations. He stated further that the former governor of Osun State left an indelible mark of honour in his private and public life.

While praying for long life and renewed health for Chief Akande, Baàmẹ̀kọ́ of Ibadanland urged him to continue to render his wise counsels for the continued growth and development of the country.

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has resolved over 1,000 petitions in the last five years, addressing issues such as emergencies, stranded citizens, consular matters, trafficking, and deportation, according to the agency’s Chairman/CEO, Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

Dabiri-Erewa highlighted the achievements as part of the Commission’s reflection on its milestones since its establishment in May 2019. 

She also noted significant progress in increasing Diaspora investments in Nigeria, a key focus of the agency’s mandate.

In a statement issued by Mr. Gabriel Odu of NiDCOM’s Media, Public Relations, and Protocol unit, Dabiri-Erewa expressed gratitude for the agency’s contributions to Nigeria’s development and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with Nigerians abroad.

According to the statement, “The Chairman, NiDCOM informed, also that, the anniversary celebration doubled to successfully celebrate the year, which is gradually ending. 

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“She lauded the NiDCOM team, past and present, for their unwavering commitment and sacrifices.

“The NiDCOM Boss acknowledged the challenges faced but expressed hope for the future, envisioning a brighter path for the Commission and its staff.”

Also  Dr. Sule Yakubu Bassi, Secretary to the Commission underlined the staff’s pivotal role in fostering diaspora engagement, attracting investment, protecting Nigerians abroad, and promoting Nigeria’s positive image, for the Commission. 

He noted the hurdles NiDCOM experienced but expressed confidence in the Commission’s ability to deliver effective services.

Habibat Pat-Eluameh Esq, a former staff member, shared her pride in witnessing NiDCOM’s growth and showed optimism for a dedicated Commission building.

Mrs. Halima Ajagbe, Head of Administration, praised Hon. Dabiri-Erewa’s leadership and reaffirmed the Staff’s commitment to work hand in hand with top management to find more ways of value addition.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards and prizes to deserving staff, recognising their outstanding contributions to the Commission’s success story.

The Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has condemned in strong terms the treatment melted to the players of the country’s men’s national football team by the Libyan authorities.

The Super Eagles are billed to take on their Libyan counterpart in a return leg match slated for Tuesday in Benghazi, Libya.

The team which left Nigeria on Sunday, October 14, for Libya for its return match had their flight diverted to an innocuous airport far away from the venue of the match.

The players have been held down at the airport for many years without water and food.

Reacting to the situation, Dabiri-Erewa noted that traveling by road in Libya is most dangerous and not advisable because of the current situation in the country.

NiDCOM boss in a statement signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun

Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit NiDCOM, Abuja said the safety of Nigerian players is paramount to the country, and was optimistic that the Ministry of Sports and the NFF will advise appropriately.

 She also called on CAF to treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves.

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 “The team was delayed at an airport in Libya for more than 13 hours without any tangible reason”

 The Super Eagles flight was redirected airborne on Sunday and they were required to travel by road to their destination.

However, there was no provision made for them by the Libyan authorities and all efforts to make alternative provisions by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) were frustrated.

Dabiri-Erewa appealed to the Super Eagles to remain calm about why the Nigerian Football Federation will decide the next line of action.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has urged unity among Africans.

She said Nigerians in diaspora with dual citizenship should keep in touch with home, and be proud of their citizenship.

  Dabiri-Erewa spoke when she received Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidinma Adetshina, at NIDCOM’s Office in Lagos.

 The NIDCOM chief noted that Chidinma’s resilience, given circumstances surrounding her victory, is admirable and represents creative energies of Nigerians all over.

 “If you have dual citizenship, don’t take the second one for granted. Nigeria has been there in this trying moment for you but I am glad you are home”.

 Adetshina thanked the chairman, saying: “I am honoured to be sitting in front of you and thank you for this beautiful reception.”

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“I wear this crown with pride and I am committed to making Nigeria proud”.

She will represent Nigeria at Miss World 2024 in Mexico later in the year.

 Also present was Mr Guy Murray-Bruce, organisers of Miss Universe Nigeria beauty paegent, who said they were glad to have offered Chidinma the platform to contest.

At a reception, D’Banj commended Chidinma’s resilience and determination, and entertained the crowd with a performance for her. Adetshina was forced to withdraw from the pageant in South Africa due to her dual nationality though born there 23 years ago.  

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the chairman and chief executive officer of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission said the country has raked in about $100 billion from diaspora remittances in the last five years.

This is as she also revealed that the efforts towards the amendment of the constitution to allow for diaspora voting have commenced with the introduction of a bill to that effect.

Dabiri-Erewa, who spoke at the opening of the 2024 National Diaspora Day Celebrations, said the contribution of the Diaspora community to national development cannot be over-emphasized.

She said: “Let me also state that the contributions of the Diaspora community to national development cannot be over-emphasized.

“According to the World Bank statistics recently, the Nigerian Diaspora has remitted over 99 billion US dollars into the system in the last five years. This is huge and highly commendable.

In a chat with our correspondent, Dabiri-Erewa stressed that the Diaspora is one area that needs to pay more attention to.

She said: “So, this is a sector that we need to pay more attention we haven’t paid attention to it we need to do a lot more. So we have to tap into the enormous resources we have with the diaspora.

“We are still scratching the surface. And that’s what I will say.”

On the much-expected diaspora voting Bill, she said the Bill which is been sponsored by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Tajudeen Abbas has already scaled the first reading.

She said it is a huge plus for the administration.

Read Also: Dabiri-Erewa hails appointment of Nigerian Imafidon as UK varsity chancellor

She said: “It is worthy of note that the long-awaited Diaspora Voting, which has been a consistent topic of discussion among the Diaspora community, has now passed the first reading in the Parliament, which is a huge plus for this administration.

“The Bill was sponsored by no other persons than Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and Hon. Sadiq Ango Abdulahi from Kano state.”

She disclosed that no fewer than 1,000 participants are expected at the 2-day 2024 diaspora day celebrations.