Kunle Adelabu
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri – Erewa, has been honoured by Ikorodu for her achievements in her professional and other endeavours.
Hon. Abike, who represented Ikorodu Federal Constituency for three consecutive terms between 2003 and 2015, was honoured with an Achiever’s Award by the Ikorodu – Oga Development Association (IKODASS) during the Royal Banquet event organised as part of the on going 30th lkorodu-Oga Day.
The award event was held at the main auditorium of Ikorodu Town Hall on Sunday, November 15, 2021.
The former federal lawmaker was awarded for her excellence in journalism career; outstanding performance as a representative/legislator and quality discharge of her duty as an appointee of the executive arm of the federal government.
She was presented with an image of ‘Oga’ (the progenitor of Ikorodu) at an impressive evening with the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, His Royal Majesty, Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi, and other prominent dignitaries.
Profile of Hon. Abike Dabiri – Erewa
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa has several times been described as a sterling Nigerian amazon, an outstandingly brilliant broadcaster who later transmitted to an outstandingly brilliant parliamentarian. A worthy, compassionate, fair, firm, respected and courageous leader.
Fondly called ‘Mother Theresa of the tube’ because of her compassion for the less privileged, and now ‘Lady Diaspora’ for her pioneering efforts in putting Diaspora Affairs on the front burner.
A graduate of English from the University of Ife, and a Masters degree holder from the University of Lagos, she attended the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, USA. She is also an Alumnus of St. Theresa’s College, Ibadan and also attended Maryland Convert Private School.
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa spent 15 years of meritorious service at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) where she stood out for her ability to use journalism to bring succor to millions of Nigerians, especially children, women and the less privileged.
We can’t forget the story of ‘Mary, the miracle baby’, which was a story of a girl that was claimed by 3 mothers, and which Abike painstakingly investigated for 8 years to a logical conclusion.
She represented the people of Ikorodu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives from June 2003 to June 2015. While at the House of Representatives, she served as Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs (June 2003 to June 2008).
As Chairman, House Committee on Media, she worked relentlessly in giving the House a credible image through absolute openness and transparency. And as Chairman, House Committee on Diaspora Affairs (June 2008 till 2015), her major spotlight was in her advocacy and calls for justice and fairness for Nigerians abroad. From China, Pakistan, Libya, to USA, Northern Cyprus, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Brazil and many more countries, her intervention was impactful.
She championed and sponsored the Freedom of Information Bill (FOI bill) and the Violence Against persons Bill, which have both been signed into law in Nigeria.
Others Bills championed by Hon. Abike are Nigerian Infant Welfare Scheme Bill, Nigerians with Disabilities Bill, A Bill to amend the railway act to allow private sector and state participation, Nigerian Diaspora Commission Bill, and A Bill to Promote the Advancement of Nigerian Women and Girls, among many others.
She voluntarily did not seek re-election for a 4th term in the parliament. In her words, “Let’s give others a chance”.
She went on to become the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, a position she served with diligence, effectiveness and passion.
Now, Chairman/CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM). The commission is responsible for initiating policies that recognise and harness the potentials of Nigerians in Diaspora Networks and Organisations.
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa has been a voice for the voiceless and remains a symbol of hope and inspiration to many.
Her comportment, integrity, virtues and ideals are indeed qualities worthy of emulation, and her guiding philosophy at all time is that, success is not about age, it is not about character, it is not by how much you have but how many lives you are able to touch.
She is married to Mr Segun Erewa and blessed with children and grandchildren.
