'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER — Hon. (Dr.) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has congratulated Nigerian-British bodybuilder Samson Dauda on his historic victory at the 2024 Mr. Olympia bodybuilding championship. Dauda clinched the prestigious title in Las Vegas, taking home over $600,000, the largest prize in bodybuilding history.
The championship, held at the Resorts World Theatre in Las Vegas, saw Dauda outshine top contenders including Hadi Choopan, who placed second, and Derek Lunsford, the 2023 champion, who finished third.
In a statement issued today by NiDCOM through its Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols Unit, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa praised Dauda's dedication and perseverance, describing his triumph as a symbol of excellence and a moment of pride for Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora.
“This achievement showcases the excellence Nigerians in the diaspora continue to display across various sectors. Samson Dauda has proven that with focus and perseverance, success is inevitable," Dabiri-Erewa said in her congratulatory message.
Dauda, who was born in Lagos, Nigeria, moved to the United Kingdom as a teenager where he initially pursued rugby before transitioning to bodybuilding. His professional journey began after winning the IFBB Amateur Diamond Cup in Rome in 2017. Since then, he has shown remarkable growth in the sport, culminating in his Mr. Olympia title in 2024.
Dabiri-Erewa highlighted Dauda's inspiring journey from Lagos to the international bodybuilding stage as a testament to the limitless potential of Nigerians. She reiterated NiDCOM's commitment to celebrating the achievements of Nigerians abroad and promoting their contributions to global development.
NiDCOM has consistently supported Nigerians in the diaspora, recognizing their talents and their positive impact on various industries worldwide.