C/River First Lady, NiDCOM Chairman/CEO, Inaugurate Diaspora Office
Photo Caption
Sen Prince Bassey Otu, Governor of Cross River State, presents Seal to Hon (Dr) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, (NIDCOM), during a strategic visit to Government House, Calabar
By Ignatius Ushie
The Chairman/CEO, of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has concluded a successful two-day working visit to Cross River State, which witnessed the official iauguration of the pioneering Cross River State Diaspora Commission (CRIDCOM) office.
According to a statement made available to PeakNews, uon her arrival, Dr. Dabiri-Erewa was received by the Chairman of CRIDCOM, Prince Otu Okor, and other commissioners.
She immediately held a productive meeting with the State Governor, His Excellency Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, at the Government House conference room. During the meeting, Governor Otu praised Dr. Dabiri-Erewa for her trailblazing efforts in fostering stronger connections between Nigeria and its diaspora.
He highlighted how her leadership has successfully helped shift negative perceptions about Nigerians abroad and credited her impressive track record for inspiring the swift establishment of the Cross River State Diaspora Commission Office.
According to Gov Otu.
“Prior to your leadership, there was a gap between Nigeria and other nations. Now, that narrative has transformed.”
In her response, Dr. Dabiri-Erewa commended Cross River for becoming the first state in Nigeria to establish a dedicated, state-level Diaspora Commission building, calling it a remarkable and historic achievement.
She applauded Governor Otu’s visionary leadership and expressed her enthusiasm for the state’s active engagement in diaspora matters. “When I saw your diaspora office, I jokingly said NiDCOM’s headquarters could relocate here,” she added.
She commended the governor for appointing Mr Otu Okor, a pioneer staff of Nidcom ,to head Cridcom office , “ no wonder he hit the ground running “ , she said.
The following day, the landmark event culminated in the official inauguration of the CRIDCOM office, which is seen as a pivotal milestone in the state’s strategy to engage its diaspora community for growth and development.
The ceremony was attended by the First Lady of Cross River State, Her Excellency Rev. (Mrs.) Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, alongside other state officials and commissioners.
The establishment of the CRIDCOM office represents a significant step towards leveraging the potential of Cross Riverians in the diaspora to drive the state’s development.
