Abike Dabiri-Erewa

Abike Dabiri-Erewa (born October 11, 1962, in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria) is a prominent Nigerian public servant, media personality, and politician known for her significant roles in journalism, the Nigerian House of Representatives, and diaspora affairs.Early Life and Education Abike Dabiri was born into the family of Alhaji and Alhaja Dabiri. She is a native of Ikorodu, Lagos State. She began her education at Maryland Private School, Ikeja, and went on to attend St. Theresa’s College, Ibadan. She earned a first degree in English Language from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife. She also holds a postgraduate diploma in Mass Communication and a Master's Degree in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos, Akoka. Additionally, she received an Executive Certificate in Public Leadership from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.Career Progression and Notable Works **Journalism Career:** Dabiri-Erewa started her professional career in broadcasting, spending 15 years at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). She gained significant national recognition as the presenter and editor of the weekly NTA news magazine *Newsline*. Her work on the program focused heavily on social issues, human-interest stories, and advocacy for marginalized populations, earning her acclaim and several awards. **Political Career (House of Representatives):** In 2003, she transitioned into politics and was elected to the Nigerian House of Representatives, representing the Ikorodu Federal Constituency of Lagos State. She served three consecutive terms (2003–2015). During her time in the National Assembly, she chaired the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs. She was known for her focus on media reform and diaspora issues, sponsoring several crucial bills, including the Freedom of Information Bill and a bill establishing the Nigerian Diaspora Commission.Major Achievements and Current Status **Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM):** Following her tenure in the National Assembly, Dabiri-Erewa was appointed Senior Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2016. Her dedicated advocacy culminated in a major achievement in May 2019, when the Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) was established by law. She was subsequently appointed as the first Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NIDCOM. Her current role as the head of NIDCOM focuses on coordinating all Nigerian citizens in the diaspora, ensuring their welfare, and maximizing their immense human and material resources for the socio-economic development of Nigeria. She continues to advocate for the rights and protection of Nigerians globally. **Major Achievements:** * Sponsorship of the Freedom of Information Bill (FOI Bill). * Pioneering the establishment of the Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM). * Advocacy for victims of abuse and injustice, both locally and internationally, particularly through the use of her platform and social media engagement.Abike Dabiri-Erewa is recognized as an influential figure in Nigeria's political landscape and an enduring voice for the Nigerian diaspora community worldwide.