The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has urged Nigerians living abroad to become ambassadors of the country’s positive image by highlighting its achievements and contributions on the global stage.
The commission disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday by its Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocol, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, following Dabiri-Erewa’s visit to the Chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council in the United Kingdom, Christopher Adegoke, and the Mayor of Islington Council, Rosaline Oguro.
Dabiri-Erewa described Adegoke’s emergence as the first person from an ethnic minority background to chair Nottinghamshire County Council since its establishment in 1889 as another milestone showcasing the excellence and leadership qualities of Nigerians in the diaspora.
She urged Nigerians abroad not to dwell only on the country’s challenges but to also promote its successes and the accomplishments of its citizens across the world.
According to her, every nation faces challenges, but Nigerians should deliberately project positive stories that reflect the country’s strengths and the impact of its citizens internationally.
Oguro, during the visit, commended the NiDCOM boss for the gesture and encouraged Nigerians in the diaspora to continue representing the country positively wherever they reside.
Dabiri-Erewa also celebrated the outstanding academic achievements of two Nigerian medical graduates, Dorcas Akanbi, who graduated from Rostov State Medical University with a cumulative grade point average of 4.90 out of 5.00, and Monilola Adeshina, who emerged as the overall best graduating student and valedictorian of the Medical Class of 2026 at the Medical University of Silesia.
She said their achievements reflected the brilliance, resilience and competitiveness of Nigerian youths, adding that such accomplishments continued to enhance the country’s reputation globally.
The NiDCOM chairman further commended the four Nigerians for making the nation proud and encouraged other citizens abroad to pursue excellence while serving as worthy representatives of Nigeria.
She also noted that the ongoing reforms and infrastructure projects being implemented by President Bola Tinubu’s administration were aimed at driving sustainable development and economic growth, while calling on Nigerians in the diaspora to support national development through investments, skills transfer, expertise and international networks.
Dabiri-Erewa reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to identifying, celebrating and engaging exceptional Nigerians abroad whose achievements continue to promote the country’s image across the world.
