Abike Dabiri-Erewa

Early Life and Background

Abike Kafayat Dabiri-Erewa was born on November 11, 1962, in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria. Growing up in the vibrant and bustling environment of Lagos, she was exposed to a diverse array of cultures and social realities that would later influence her career choices. Her early life was characterized by a strong emphasis on education and public service, values instilled by her family. Ikorodu, a major town in Lagos State, provided a foundational setting for her early development, shaping her understanding of community and governance from a young age. Her foundational education laid the groundwork for her future academic and professional pursuits, nurturing an inquisitive mind and a passion for communication and advocacy.

Education

Abike Dabiri-Erewa's educational journey reflects a strong commitment to learning and professional development. She began her primary education at Maryland Private School in Maryland, Ikeja, Lagos, where she developed foundational academic skills. For her higher education, she attended the prestigious University of Ife, now known as Obafemi Awolowo University, in Ile-Ife, Osun State. She graduated in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in English Language. This rigorous academic training in language and communication provided her with excellent analytical and expressive abilities, which proved invaluable in her subsequent career in journalism and public service.

Furthering her academic pursuits, Dabiri-Erewa earned a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos. This advanced degree deepened her understanding of media, communication strategies, and their societal impact. Her commitment to continuous professional growth also led her to attend the Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government, where she obtained an Executive Certificate in National and International Security. This specialized training equipped her with a broader perspective on global affairs, policy-making, and strategic leadership, enhancing her capacity to handle complex national and international issues.

Career

Abike Dabiri-Erewa's career can be broadly divided into three significant phases: a highly successful tenure in journalism, a distinguished period in legislative politics, and her current pioneering role in diaspora engagement.

Journalism (Nigerian Television Authority - NTA): She commenced her professional career as a broadcast journalist at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Nigeria's national public broadcaster. Over a remarkable period of fifteen years, she rose to prominence as one of Nigeria's most respected and recognizable newscasters, presenters, and reporters. She became a household name through her work on popular programs such as "Newsline" and "NTA Reports." Dabiri-Erewa was particularly known for her investigative journalism, fearless reporting, and her focus on social justice issues. She extensively covered the plight of Nigerians both at home and abroad, bringing critical national and international stories to millions of viewers. Her empathetic and articulate presentation style resonated deeply with the Nigerian public, establishing her as a credible and compassionate voice in the media landscape. Her work at NTA often highlighted human rights issues, environmental concerns, and socio-economic challenges, earning her numerous accolades and shaping public discourse.

Political Career (House of Representatives): In 2003, Abike Dabiri-Erewa transitioned from journalism to active politics, driven by a desire to effect change at a policy level. She successfully contested and was elected as a Member of the House of Representatives, representing the Ikorodu Federal Constituency of Lagos State, under the platform of the then Action Congress (AC) party. She served three consecutive terms, from 2003 to 2007, 2007 to 2011, and 2011 to 2015.

During her time in the National Assembly, she held several key positions, including Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, where she served as the spokesperson for the House. Crucially, she also chaired the House Committee on Diaspora Affairs, a role that allowed her to champion the cause of Nigerians living abroad. In this capacity, she sponsored and advocated for several landmark bills. Notably, she was a fervent advocate for the Freedom of Information Bill, which, though not passed during her direct sponsorship, she significantly contributed to its eventual passage into law. More significantly, she initiated and championed the Nigerian Diaspora Commission Bill, a legislative effort aimed at establishing a dedicated agency to cater to the needs and leverage the potential of Nigerians in the diaspora. Other legislative efforts included a bill to establish a National Centre for the Elderly and a bill to amend the Electoral Act, reflecting her broad interest in good governance and social welfare.

Presidential Aide and NIDCOM: Following her legislative career, in 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed her as his Senior Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora. In this role, she continued her dedicated advocacy for Nigerians abroad, working tirelessly to address issues such as xenophobia, legal challenges, and the welfare of Nigerian citizens in various countries. Her efforts in this capacity were pivotal in laying the groundwork for the establishment of the Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM).

In 2019, with the formal establishment of NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa was appointed by President Buhari as its inaugural Chairman/Chief Executive Officer. Under her leadership, NIDCOM has focused on a multifaceted mandate: engaging the Nigerian diaspora for national development, ensuring the welfare and protection of Nigerians abroad, facilitating their contributions to Nigeria's economy, and gathering comprehensive data on the diaspora. She has overseen initiatives to encourage diaspora investment, facilitate remittances, promote cultural exchange, and provide assistance to Nigerians facing difficulties overseas. Her leadership has transformed the perception and institutional framework for diaspora engagement in Nigeria.

Major Achievements

Abike Dabiri-Erewa's career is replete with significant achievements across different sectors. As a journalist, she pioneered investigative reporting and became a trusted voice on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) for 15 years, widely respected for her dedication to social justice and human interest stories. In her legislative career, she served an unprecedented three terms in the House of Representatives, representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency, and effectively chaired the House Committees on Media and Public Affairs and Diaspora Affairs. Her most enduring legislative legacy is her relentless advocacy and sponsorship of the Nigerian Diaspora Commission Bill, which culminated in the establishment of NIDCOM. Her appointment as the first Chairman/CEO of NIDCOM is a testament to her vision and commitment, making her the principal architect of Nigeria's institutionalized diaspora engagement strategy. She has been a consistent champion for the rights and welfare of Nigerians in the diaspora, often intervening in critical situations involving Nigerian citizens globally. Furthermore, her early advocacy for the Freedom of Information Bill showcased her commitment to transparency and good governance.

Personal Life

Abike Dabiri-Erewa is married to Segun Erewa. While she maintains a public profile due to her extensive career in media and politics, she generally keeps details of her personal family life private. She is known to have children, though their specific number and identities are not widely publicized, respecting their privacy. Her personal life reflects a balance between her demanding public responsibilities and her commitment to her family.

Legacy

Abike Dabiri-Erewa's legacy is multifaceted and profound. She is widely regarded as a trailblazer for women in Nigerian journalism and politics, having achieved significant milestones in both fields. Her transition from a highly respected journalist to a three-term legislator demonstrated her capacity for impactful public service and policy advocacy. Her most significant and lasting legacy, however, is her pivotal role in the establishment and leadership of the Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM). She has effectively institutionalized the engagement of Nigeria's vast diaspora, transforming it from an informal network into a structured and strategic force for national development. Her work ensures that the welfare of Nigerians abroad is prioritized and that their immense potential in terms of human capital, remittances, and investments is harnessed for the benefit of their homeland. She has firmly cemented her place as the 'Mother of the Nigerian Diaspora,' a title reflecting her unwavering dedication to the well-being and contribution of Nigerians globally. Her career exemplifies dedication to public service, advocacy for the marginalized, and visionary leadership in national development.