Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa
Diaspora Relations
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa has been described as a sterling Nigerian amazon, an outstandingly brilliant broadcaster who later transmitted to an outstandingly, brilliant parliamentarian.
Fondly called: “Mother of Teresa of the tube” because of her compassion for the less privileged, and now “Lady Diaspora” for pioneering efforts in putting Diaspora Affairs on the front burner.
She spent 15 years of meritorious service at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) where she stood out for her ability to use journalism to bring succour to millions of Nigerians especially children, women and the less privileged. We can’t forget the story of Mary - the miracle baby girl being claimed by 3 mothers, which she painstakingly investigated for 8 years to a logical conclusion. She thereafter ensured that Mary had an education through to the University by placing her on her scholarship scheme.
She represented the people of Ikorodu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives from June 2003 to June 2015, and served as Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs (June 2003 to June 2008). As Chairman Media, she worked at giving the House a credible image through absolute openness and transparency.
Abike Dabiri-Erewa
She also served 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. She also championed The 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 served as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora from 2016- 2019, and is now the pioneer Executive Chairman/CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission.
And when Miss Oladapo Bisola Suliat - a 19 year old student who was down with Lymphoblastic Leukaemia cried for help, and needed to get to India urgently for medical attention, Abike resolved her challenge within 24 hours.
What about her intervention in the case of Zainab Habibu Aliyu, a 22 year old girl who was imprisoned in Saudi Arabia for an offence she didn’t commit, a victim of a drug cartel. Working with other officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Justice, President Muhammadu Buhari’s prompt intervention saved Zainab from imminent execution.
She has won over 350 awards both internationally and locally. Some of these awards include Bridge Builders Award in Washington; International African Woman by Women4Africa in London; Catholic Young Men Association (CYMA) Award for Leadership; UNICEF Child Friendly Award; Certificate of Recognition from California Legislative Assembly; ThisDay 50 Women At 50 Achievers Award; Nigerian In Diaspora Organization Globe Awards; African Parliamentary Award; Committee Chairman of the Decade; Winner of the NIDO Global Award, Canada; and the Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN) People’s Choice Awards.
She is a three-time winner of Representative of the Year; Five-time winner of Female Representative of the Year; Congressman Donald M. Payne (US House of Reps) Award and Certificate of Special Congressional recognition for her unwavering commitment to humanity and serving as Chairman of Nigeria’s House Representatives Committee on Diaspora Affairs; African Parliamentary Award, 2010; South-West House of Representatives member of the Decade; African Parliamentary Award; Committee Chairman of the Decade; Chief Obafemi Awolowo (AWOIST) Leadership Award; Grand Officer of the Masses (GOM) - in due recognition of her selfless services to humanity; Commander of Great Ife (CGI); and Zenith Bank Jewel Of The Future Award. She has been named as one of the top 50 Nigerian women and top 200 women in the world by Richtopia.
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa has been a voice for the voiceless and remains a symbol of hope and inspiration to many. Her guiding philosophy is that: “success is not about age, it is not about character, it is not how much you have, but how many lives you are able to touch.”
Tickets
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