'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – President Bola Tinubu has extended warm birthday greetings to Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), as she celebrates her 62nd birthday. In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President lauded her decades of service to the nation, noting her deep passion for building a better Nigeria.
Reflecting on Dabiri-Erewa’s distinguished career, President Tinubu highlighted her rise to national prominence as a broadcaster with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). She became a household name through her work on the popular *NTA Newsline* programme, where her flair, empathy, and credibility made her a trusted figure for millions of Nigerians. Her reporting focused on human-interest stories, and her journalism became a touchstone for excellence in media.
The President further praised her for extending her public service beyond the newsroom and into the political arena. Dabiri-Erewa’s role in the House of Representatives as Chairman of the House Committee on Diaspora Affairs and her position as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora have solidified her reputation as a staunch advocate for the Nigerian diaspora. Her current role as the pioneer Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM has seen her lead efforts to protect the rights of Nigerian migrants and promote investment opportunities between Nigeria and its diaspora communities.
"Abike Dabiri-Erewa’s commitment to excellence, her optimism, and her courage have not only inspired many Nigerians but have also made her a role model for women in politics," President Tinubu said. He praised her tireless work in ensuring that Nigerians living abroad are connected to their homeland, while also facilitating business and investment ties that contribute to national development.
Dabiri-Erewa’s contributions to Nigeria’s foreign relations have earned her widespread respect both at home and abroad. Under her leadership, NiDCOM has become a key institution in advancing the interests of the Nigerian diaspora, ensuring that their voices are heard and their contributions to the nation’s development are recognized.
President Tinubu concluded by offering prayers for her continued health and strength, expressing his hope that she would continue to serve Nigeria with the same zeal that has characterized her long and impactful career.
As Dabiri-Erewa turns 62, her legacy of public service and dedication to Nigeria’s growth remains a beacon for many, particularly women aspiring to leadership positions in both politics and governance.