Reported by Ariajegbe Sylvia Esezobor
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Honourable Abike Dabiri-Erewa, on the occasion of her 63rd birthday, describing her as a devoted public servant and committed party faithful whose career has spanned broadcasting, lawmaking and public administration.
In a congratulatory message signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday, the President said Dabiri-Erewa had consistently placed the welfare and well-being of the underprivileged at the centre of her work over many years. "Abike has demonstrated love for the country and humanity over many years by consistently placing the welfare and well-being of the underprivileged at the centre of her work," Tinubu said. He said he had observed the passion, diligence and foresight she brings to her roles as a journalist, lawmaker and chief executive of NIDCOM, particularly her historic roles in pursuing social justice for Nigerians at home and abroad.
The President also commended her efforts in mobilising Nigerians in the diaspora to contribute to national development, especially in education, health and sports. "Her patriotic role in attracting Diaspora talents to contribute to the country's development, particularly in education, health, and sports, is commendable. She has justified the awards and recognition that have come her way," he said. He prayed for God's blessings, wisdom and good health as she continues her service to the nation. "As you mark another special day, I pray for God's blessings, wisdom and good health to carry on the good work you are championing," the President said.
Dabiri-Erewa began her career as a broadcaster with the Nigerian Television Authority before venturing into politics, where she represented Ikorodu Constituency in the House of Representatives from 2003 to 2015. During her time in the National Assembly, she chaired the House Committee on Media and Publicity and later headed the House Committee on Diaspora Affairs, roles that positioned her as a leading voice on diaspora engagement long before the formal establishment of NIDCOM. Her transition from legislator to the helm of the Diaspora Commission was therefore a natural progression, building on years of advocacy for Nigerians abroad.
The tribute comes at a significant moment in Nigeria's diaspora engagement. Under her leadership, NIDCOM has been at the centre of efforts to repatriate distressed Nigerians from South Africa following xenophobic attacks, with more than 2,000 citizens evacuated since June 2026. The commission has also championed the mobilisation of diaspora professionals and resources for national development, including initiatives in healthcare, education and technology transfer. The President's recognition of these efforts underscores the growing importance the administration attaches to the diaspora as a partner in national development.
The birthday message also reflects a broader pattern of presidential recognition for public servants who have demonstrated commitment and competence. In recent weeks, Tinubu has praised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for its conviction record and asset recoveries, commended the Nigerian Air Force for its operational successes, and acknowledged the contributions of various officials in the administration. The recognition of Dabiri-Erewa is consistent with that approach, highlighting her role as one of the longest-serving public officials in the current dispensation.
The political context of the birthday message is significant. The 2027 general elections are less than four months away, with the presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, and the governorship and state assembly elections for February 6. President Tinubu is seeking a second term on the All Progressives Congress platform, while former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress, former Anambra Governor Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde of the Allied Peoples Movement are among the major challengers. Dabiri-Erewa, who has served in various capacities across successive administrations, remains a prominent figure in the ruling party and a familiar face in the federal government's public communication architecture.
For Nigerians at home and abroad, the President's message serves as a reminder of the role the diaspora plays in national development and of the importance of leadership in the institutions that connect Nigeria to its citizens around the world. As Tinubu put it, Dabiri-Erewa has justified the awards and recognition that have come her way, and her work continues to place the welfare of the underprivileged at the centre of public service. The coming months will determine whether the momentum she has built at NIDCOM can be sustained as the country enters a new political season.
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