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Tag: Dabiri-Erewa

  • Dabiri-Erewa hails Joshua’s victory

    Dabiri-Erewa hails Joshua’s victory

    Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/ CEO, of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has hailed Anthony Joshua, a Nigerian-born boxer for knocking out his challenger on Friday night.

    Joshua defeated Francis Ngannou on Friday night in Saudi Arabia, with a second-round knock-out.

    Dabiri-Erewa in a statement issued by the Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocol, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said that the victory has brought more glory to Nigeria and has shown what can be achieved by being resilient.

    Read Also:Dabiri-Erewa counsels US-based Nigerian boxer on patriotism 

    “We are proud of you and urge you to continue to use your professional prowess to extol the virtues of Nigerian heritage.

    Anthony Joshua secured his unflinching victory against Ngannou with a stunning second-round knockout in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

  • Dabiri-Erewa urges Diaspora to showcase Nigerian values

    Dabiri-Erewa urges Diaspora to showcase Nigerian values

    Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has urged Nigerians in Diaspora to showcase the value of the country in their respective country of residence.

    Dabiri-Erewa reiterated that a successfully developed Nigeria needs the strong and dynamic collaboration of its government, as well as Nigerians, home and in the Diaspora.

    Dabiri-Erewa stated this in Abuja at a book launch by a Nigerian-UK based author and Property magnet, Mr Yemi Edun, titled: “The Number One Mission,” Nigeria High Commission in UK.

    She said, “Nigeria is judged through the actions of Nigerians living in host countries abroad, which is why the Federal Government, through the Commission, mandates Diasporas to be good Ambassadors of the country; excel in whatever field of endeavour and always remember home, and giving back to their country, Nigeria.”

    The NIDCOM boss urged Nigerian Diasporas to promote the rich Nigerian values of hardwork, resilience and excellence that resonate within Nigerians.

    Read Also: Dabiri-Erewa hails Anthony Joshua’s victory

    She commended Mr. Edun for contributing his quota to knowledge and the history of Nigeria’s Number One Diplomacy.

    In the same vein, Sen. Seriake Dickson, representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, commended the author, stating that the book will boost the body of knowledge, and display how some prominent Nigerians made their mark for Nigeria in Diplomacy and International Relations.

    Also,  Amb. Christopher Kolade, a former Nigeria High Commissioner to the UK, stated that the UK is Nigeria’s first interaction with foreign countries, adding that Nigerians in the UK and beyond should realise that they embody the Nigerian identity, while Sen. Yusuf Baba Datti-Ahmed, businessman and politician, said the writer has created a piece that reveals Nigeria-UK relations through the Nigerian mission in the UK.

    Edun is a Nigerian who has lived in the UK for over 30 years. He is the CEO of Daniel Ford International and a property and acquisition expert.

  • Dabiri-Erewa counsels US-based Nigerian boxer on patriotism 

    Dabiri-Erewa counsels US-based Nigerian boxer on patriotism 

    Chairman/CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa , has urged A Nigerian Diaspora pugilist , Raphael Igbokwe aka Raph Trouble , to remain steadfast  on being a patriot and  role model for aspiring  youngsters.

    Dabiri-Erewa made the clarion call when Igbokwe  visited   her recently in Abuja where he expressed his excitement to be back home after 12 years in the United States, adding being a Nigerian makes him happy’.

    Igbokwe,  a Middleweight boxing Champion based in Houston Texas, USA,  is credited to have  won 18 bouts   including 11 knockouts  as well as three  3 losses .

    “This is the best time I have had in my life, I am super excited to be back home in Nigeria. I love Nigeria,” Igbokwe added.

     The boxer who was very elated described  Nigeria as his home,  adding that coming home is the best decision he has made.

    The NiDCOM Boss who was very happy to receive the boxer appreciated him for making Nigeria proud. “You make me proud to be a Nigerian”, she added.

    She  further  urged Igbokwe to continue to be a role model to Nigerians, while noting that the country is proud of him.

     “We want to work with you to harness the many talents out there and mentor these youths. There is so much we will be doing together.”

    Mrs Dabiri-Erewa encouraged him to continue to be a good ambassador of the country, narrating that the Commission has established a Diaspora Sports Mentorship Programme to facilitate Diaspora skills transfer in Sports.

    GOtv  to  beam Awoniyi’s Forest , Aribo’s Southampton  FA Cup duels

    Nigerian forward, Taiwo Awoniyi will be looking to fire his Nottingham Forest side to the quarter-finals when they take on Manchester United in the fifth round of the FA Cup tonight .

    The match will be broadcast live on GOtv.

    Nuno Espirito Santo’s team will be looking to replicate their 2-1 victory over the Red Devils in the league last November when the Red Devils visit the City Ground. Awoniyi passed a late fitness to feature in the team’s defeat against Aston Villa over the weekend and will be hoping to make the starting lineup. Tune in SuperSport Premier League (ch 66) at 8:45pm to watch.

    Speaking ahead of the clash, Nuno expressed his team’s desire to delight the fans with a victory over United.

    “They’re a very good team with a very good squad. We are going to face a tough opponent on Wednesday. The win over United in December is useful for us to look at, knowing that it’s not going to be a repeat. It’s going to be a new one, new things will happen, but we want to go for the game, continue in the FA Cup and give big joy and happiness to our fantastic fans,” he said.

    Read Also: Be patient with us, Speaker Abbas appeals to Nigerians

    Also in action, newly crowned Carabao Cup winners, Liverpool will seek to continue their quest for a historic quadruple when they host Southampton at the Anfield Stadium tonight.

    The Reds have won all five of their last FA Cup clashes against The Saints at the Anfield Stadium and they will be keen to extend the streak.

    Nigerian forward, Joe Aribo could be in the lineup for Rusell Martin’s side, while the Saints will be without Ryan Fraser for this clash after he picked up an injury last weekend against Millwall. Tune in SuperSport Football (ch 61) at 9pm to watch.

    To enjoy all exciting matches from the FA Cup, customers can take advantage of the Step Up offer to boost their package for a richer viewing experience.  They can upgrade their subscription through the MyGOtv app or dial *288#. Customers can also watch the matches live on GOtv Stream.

  • Dabiri-Erewa seeks help for IDPs, others

    Dabiri-Erewa seeks help for IDPs, others

    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has urged Nigerians abroad to support Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the country.

     Mrs. Dabiri-Erewa spoke when she hosted a Nigerian-Canadian, Ms. Vivian Etuka,  an IDP with food items, clothes, toys, and books. Speaking after hosting Ms. Etuka, founder of Bethel Outreach Community Services in Abuja, she urged other Diasporans to emulate her passion and commitment toward helping the less privileged.

     Mrs. Dabiri-Erewa noted that Ms. Etuka’s gesture showed the kind, brotherly nature of Nigerians, irrespective of tribe and religion.

    Read Also: Dabiri-Erewa solicits support of Diaspora athletes in sport development

    The NiDCOM chairman recalled that she had met the foundation chairman who also runs a shelter home for homeless immigrants in Ontario, Canada, during her visit to Brampton where she met with stranded Nigerians seeking asylum in Canadian camps last year.

     Ms. Etuka thanked the NiDCOM boss for assisting in making her project a reality.

    The Durumi IDP Camp Chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Amodu, received the palliatives for the IDPs.

  • Dabiri-Erewa solicits support of Diaspora athletes in sport development

    Dabiri-Erewa solicits support of Diaspora athletes in sport development

    Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa , has solicited the support of Africans in The Diaspora in the area of youth and sport development.

    Dabiri-Erewa disclosed this when she hosted the National Basketball Association legends Lisa Leslie and  Chiney Ogwumike in Abuja. The duo are members of the United States’ President Joe Biden’s African Diaspora Council delegation to AFCON 2023 holding in Cote d’Ivoire.

    She stressed that sports development in Nigeria will go a long way if its Diaspora component is fully harnessed and developed through knowledge-sharing, expertise, skills and investment in the Sector.

    She  described the likes of Leslie and Ogwumike as strategic and important for the advancement in sports development in Nigeria since they are embedded with skills and resources to groom home-grown talents as a  way of volunteerism and giving back to Nigeria.

    The NIDCOM boss also extoled the virtues and enormous energy Lisa and Chiney have brought to bear on basketball and have equally inspired younger women:  “Thank you for making us women to believe in ourselves and to realise that you can achieve anything you want.”

    She added: “And hopefully we can do more structured programmes together. And have you trained more Chiney and more Lisa Leslie’s from the young people that are so talented out here in Nigeria and of course you know the soft power we have as Nigerians now all over the world. So we hope that we can promote our culture, our music, our art, and you know we need to take over the world and this is the time to do that.”

    Minister of Sports Development, Senator  John Enoh, excited about the event put together by NIDCOM to recognize and encourage Basketball in Nigeria through Diaspora Sports,  saw it as a step further in rebranding sports development in Nigeria.

    He  expressed optimism that the Nigerian sports industry will skyrocket into a platform that will promote networking and investment opportunities with who’s who in Nigeria and in the international sports arena especially with the Diaspora component which is a huge gold mine.

    He commended the Diaspora Commission for what it does for Diaspora Engagement; while encouraging the female honourees, to do more for Sports Development.

    Chairman, House Committee on Diaspora Affairs, Hon Tochukwu Chinedu Okere  expressed solidarity  and applauded the WNBA Women Basketball Professionals especially the Nigerian-American, Chiney (Chinenye) Ogwumike, who has demonstrated unmitigated passion and love for Nigeria.

    Hon. Okere asserted that Ogwumike can be counted among the over 50% of Nigerians who have or pursued higher degrees in tertiary institutions, and built a name for themselves that have brought pride and honour to Nigeria.

    He therefore urged them to cause a turn-around in basketball development in Nigeria.

    Meanwhile, representative of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Amb. Samson Itegboje, noted that soft power through unity, diversity, hardwork and collaboration is needed to achieve an objective Diaspora Sports Development.

    Read Also: Cote d’Ivoire vs Nigeria: Peseiro gives shocking update on Yusuf

    Ambassador  Itegboje commended the WNBA Stars for following worthy values that resonates within them.

    Lisa Leslie appreciated the warmth she has received since her arrival in Nigeria adding that the same attitude is seen in Nigerian Diasporas which clearly indicates the true friendship, kind and happy nature of Nigerians, aside their diligence, industry and high moral values.

    She said basketball has impacted so much for her and had paved way to push for fairness and equality for women in the game, in terms of number, ethnicity and other factors.

    The American former WNBA player understands that the youth is the future and they are passionately driven to help the youths in sports development.

    Meanwhile,  Ogwumike  who was super excited to be back home, commended Dabiri-Erewa and NIDCOM Management and Staff, for a well thought-out honour accorded them and promised to give back to her country by accentuating  basketball development in Nigeria.

    As a recent appointee, although the youngest, among the US President’s Council, the Nigeria-American Diaspora Basketballer and Broadcaster said she is very passionate about sports development especially Basketball. She agreed that sports, like oil and gas industry, needed to be diversified which is why she is bringing in skills and  expertise in growing basketball, especially for Women in Nigeria.

    Vice President, NBA Africa and Country Head, NBA Nigeria, informed that 50 out of the 120  basketballers of African descent are Nigerians, playing for US basketball teams; which is one of the reasons the Association established its Africa branch.

    According to her, taking this step will help produce more local talents that will become the next Michael Jordan, Lisa Leslie   or Chiney Ogwumike in the American teams.

  • Dabiri-Erewa: Literature can be used to control brain drain

    Dabiri-Erewa: Literature can be used to control brain drain

    In this chat with Edozie Udeze, Abike Dabiri-Erewa of the Diaspora Commission states how literature, music and theatre can be used to disseminate information on brain drain, migration and all. She spoke in Abuja during the occasion of the premiere of a documentary film on brain drain.

    Part of what the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has been working on is how to use documentary films based on genuine information to steady and control migration and brain drain all over the world. Also, Abike Dabiri-Erewa of the Diaspora Commission believes that when properly packaged with enough instructive education in it, a documentary film on brain drain or migration can be of help to those who wish or plan to migrate to other climes. These issues and other reasons for brain drain or migration which has suddenly become an issue reared their heads recently in Abuja. It was the occasion of the premiere of a documentary film on brain drain titled brain drain (the documentary) It was shown at the United Nations House in Abuja and Abike Dabiri-Erewa who was one of the guests at the occasion spoke to The Nation on the essence of the film and what her. Commission has done ever since to help Nigerian Diaspora who needed her assistance.

    “This is a documentary on brain drain. And we all know how it is in the country today; how the brain drain situation is affecting the country”, Abike stated “This tells you also about Nigerians who have gone abroad and are doing well. So the documentary dwells on those Nigerians who have left to different parts of the world and have found their professional rhythm. But that is not all. They are passionate about their country. We are not saying they should come home. They can also invest in Nigeria from wherever they are. Wherever you are, for instance, let us have a connection. The good thing is that the love  they have for Nigeria has not faded”, she said.

    At the Diaspora Commission according to Abike it is the responsibility of the Commission to ask for a platform. “We feel we can have that platform for the necessary connection. We have been working with them; talking with them for it is our duty to do so”. There are situations where these Nigerians have begun to invest in the ICT, in food business, in health sector and so on. The idea is to have more Nigerians in the Diaspora who are willing to invest their expertise in the country. That way too, there is technology transfer from Nigerians who have migrated to other climes back to Nigeria.

    Read Also: Dabiri-Erewa promises support for DAWN

    Abike put it this way “What we need do is to doctor it, structure it and see how far this system, how far this development can go to help us all”. In terms of how to get authentic information to help those who are migrating not to fall into wrong hands, she said “that calls for conversation which we will start with Immigration, Labour, Interior, Foreign Affairs and some other agencies directly or indirectly connected with how to help migrants migrate without let or hindrance”.

    This multi-agency collaboration between the ministries in this regard is what is needed urgently in order to avoid a situation where a migrant travels out and becomes a refugee in a foreign land. There are situations where, based on wrong information of the availability of jobs and so on, people arrived foreign lands only to be stranded. Such cases abound everywhere in the developed world. That is what the Diaspora Commission, alongside other agencies and the International Organization for Migration promise to work on for the good of all migrants all over the world.

    The film handled some of these sensitive issues well. But it is still too early to say. More needs to be done in the area of information dissemination which will also direct people where there are jobs. Laurent de Boeck of IOM believes there are skilled and unskilled jobs here and there. All people need to do is to ask for information from the authentic agencies to get it right.

    “Yes, it is all about awareness. In this regard, Nigerian music, theatre, and all can be used to preach this gospel. Nigerian literature and arts can also be used to pass the necessary information. But in all, we must celebrate ourselves wherever we may be. We are the best people in the world. Anywhere I find myself, I am proud to be called a Nigerian. There is something very strong and special in us as Nigerians. These are what we need to work on, hold on to, and then celebrate ourselves at all times”.   

  • Dabiri-Erewa promises support for DAWN

    Dabiri-Erewa promises support for DAWN

    • Regional integration is the answer

    The Chairman of Nigeria in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa. has emphasised the role of the commission in providing adequate support to boost the economy of SouthWest states.

    She said the concept of infrastructural drive and the push for a smart city in Ondo State was a welcome idea, adding that quick attention would be given to its speedy implementation.

    Dabiri-Erewa hosted the Ondo State Commissioner, of Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations, Prince Boye Ologbese,  alongside the Director General, of Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, Dr. Seye Oyeleye and his team in Abuja.

    Dabiri-Erewa noted that  Ondo State indigenes in Diaspora have been contributing their quota to the social and economic development of the State in line with the ‘Redeemed Agenda of Akeredolu Administration’.

    Read Also: Crash: I’m in good spirits, says Minister of Power, Adelabu

    In a statement by the Ondo ministry’s media officer, Debbie Funmilayo, the NIDCOM chairman said they should be encouraged to do more with the innovations underway.

    She said regional Integration is the answer to the push for greater economic development by the geo-political zone.

    Dabiri-Erewa said NiDCOM would provide the necessary support to intensify efforts in facilitating the process to boost the economy so that the proposed projects can be actualised for the benefit of indigenes.

    She thanked Ologbese for his proactiveness towards the growth of the State and submitted that the Ministry will enjoy continued support from the Commission, leaving indelible imprints on the sand of time for generations to witness.

    Ologbese appreciated Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa for the opportunity, saying it was necessary for such a formal physical meeting with the Commission to deliberate upon feasible working documents to set in motion plans for a better economy and to ensure no stone is left unturned in actualizing the goals of the SouthWest region.

    He said: “In pursuing any given project, be it long-term or short-term, time is a crucial element as well as the involvement of key players; the economic boost plan of SouthWest region through efficient power supply and effective rail system requires much effort from various sources and we cannot expect to achieve such a dream by folding our arms”

    DAWN Commission Director, Dr. Seye Oyeleye said Ondo State,  through the Ministry of Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations, deserved support to fast-track its activities.

    He said: “Ondo State is a force in the SouthWest with readily available resources sufficient to bring about rapid change in the SouthWest region and the DAWN Commission had no other option than to throw its weight behind the State to collectively witness the transformational impacts yet to come”.

  • Death sentence on 8 Nigerians by UAE is unfortunate, says Dabiri-Erewa

    The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa has described  the death sentence passed on eight Nigerians in United Arab Emirate (UAE) as unfortunate.

    Eight Nigerians were sentenced to death on Wednesday in Sharjah, UAE for a string of robberies at money exchanges and cash machines (ATMs) across the emirate in December 2016.

    Dabiri-Erewa said this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja

    The presidential aide who expressed concern over the development,  however said the incident was not an actual description of personalities of people of Nigeria.

    ”It is an unfortunate incident, but it is not an incident that defines who we are as a people.

    ”If a few Nigerians have committed a crime for which they are being punished, thousands of Nigerians are doing great in that same country and are being appreciated and celebrated.

    ”Mr President, who meets Nigerians every time he goes on official trips outside the country, always appeals to Nigerians to be good ambassadors wherever they are.

    ”I must commend millions of our brothers and sisters excelling all over the world.

    “Bad news travels fast and I appeal to the media to help spread the good news about Nigerians and not concentrate only on the once in a while negative stories,” she said.

    Read also: UAE robbery: Matters arising

    All the convicted Nigerians were not identified by both the Gulf News and Khaleej Times, all UAE local newspapers, that reported the trial.

    A total of 20 suspects were initially held for attacking security guards in four violent attacks at ATMs and money exchanges across Sharjah in late 2016. Out of the suspects, nine were convicted.

    Eight of them were sentenced to death while the ninth person was sentenced to six months imprisonment.

    Some of the accused, confessed to their crimes while others denied the charges levelled against them.

    The verdict was handed down by Judge Majid Al Muhairi of Sharjah Criminal Court on Wednesday.(NAN)

  • Dabiri-Erewa assures deportees of govt’s support

    THE Federal government yesterday assured Nigerians recently deported from Ghana that they would not be made to suffer for crimes they did not commit.

    Senior Special Assistant to the President on Diaspora Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa gave the assurance while briefing State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    According to her, the Nigerian Ambassador to Ghana, Olufemi Abikoye, was on top of the situation, stressing that the matter would soon be resolved.

    She said: “He (Abikoye) met with the Comptroller General of the Immigration in Ghana and they both had a very productive discussion.

    Read also: APC to Nigerians: reject treasury looters

    “But here is the situation, if indeed you commit a crime, you have to face the penalties. But what we are saying is that a bad apple should not spoil the bunch. Let every case be treated on its merit. That’s what our ambassador is demanding and that’s what Nigeria is asking for.

    “It’s important that both nations look at this situation, not gloss over it, to ensure that our relationships continue to get better and not retrogress. So, we appeal to Nigerians that wherever you are, you are the number one ambassador of the country. “

  • Magu, Momoh, Dabiri-Erewa, others bag awards in U.S.

    Malam Ibrahim Magu, Acting Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been conferred with the Nigerian American Award as the ‘Anti-Corruption Crusader of the Year’

    Magu was conferred with the award in Tampa, Florida, by the Nigerian American Business Forum (NABF) for his efforts in stemming the corrupt business practices and fraudulent financial activities in Nigeria.

    Mr John Momoh, Chairman, Channels Media Group and Channels Television, also bagged the ‘Media Personality of the Year’ for his initiative and innovation at the television outfit.

    Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Director-General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), was conferred with the ‘Food and Drug Administrator of the Year’ for the transformation she had carried out at NAFDAC within a short period.

    Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, was also conferred with the ‘Most Diaspora Friendly Personality of the Year’.

    Other award recipients were Mr Jim Ovia, Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc., who bagged the ‘Banker Personality of the Year’, while Dr Andrew Nevin, bagged the ‘Financial Guru of the Year’.

    Read Also: Magu, detectives in Ghana to block slush funds

    Chairman of NABF, Dr Afolabi Andu, said the award was instituted to recognise the contributions of Nigerians who are doing their best to change the narratives of the country.

    Andu said the forum was primarily established to bridge the gap between Nigerian American based businesses and their home-based counterparts in the public and private sector.

    Receiving the award, Magu said taming corruption was the only way forward for Nigeria in its quest for economic development, political stability and social justice.

    Represented by Dr Aminu Gusau, Director, Policy, Planning and Statistics at EFCC, Magu appealed to Nigerian diasporas to join hands with the Buhari’s administration’s efforts at fighting corruption.

    Magu warned Nigerians abroad against helping looters to hide their loots.

    “I must make a categorical appeal to Nigerian diasporas that under no circumstance should you aid or abet foreign business partners to undermine our anti-corruption laws and processes.

    “You should not help looters to hide their money abroad or help them in illegitimate fronting arrangements.

    “It is worthy to note that Nigeria has been the leading country in the international fight for assets recovery and has been most triumphant in partial returns of the loots,” Magu said.

    Similarly, the NAFDAC boss, who was also a speaker at the NABF conference, said that 65 per cent of medical products were being imported into Nigeria.

    Adeyeye regretted that majority of sub-standard products were imported into the country, adding that there were compromises too among NAFDAC officials.

    She explained that she inherited N3.2 billion debt at the agency, which she reduced to zero within a year of her stewardship.

    She said the absence of NAFDAC at the Nigerian Ports from 2011 to 2018, was largely responsible for the unchecked importation of tramadol that was now killing many youths in the country.