Okezie Ikpeazu, PhD
Governor of Abia
The Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu, PhD has sent a warm message of congratulations to the Director General of the Nigerians In Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri Erewa on the occasion of her 58th birthday today.
Governor Ikpeazu describes Hon. Abike as “a truly exceptional Nigerian woman who has brought a touch of excellence in all her activities and holds a sterling record of service to the Nigerian people”.
Recalling her days as a correspondent with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Governor Ikpeazu notes that the name ABIKE DABIRI then became a household name in investigative journalism and kept Nigerians glued to the NTA News then with her unique style of reportage and journalistic excellence.
“Her foray into politics and her election into the House of Representatives where she spent three consecutive terms”, Governor Ikpeazu notes, “brought out the best in her as she led from the front in the championing of issues that touched directly on the welfare of Nigerians”.
“As Chair of the House Diaspora Committee”, The Governor continued, “Hon. Erewa was resolute and relentless in the struggle for the passage of the Diaspora Bill which eventual enactment into law gave birth to the Nigerians In Diaspora Commission, and it was a fitting tribute to her efforts that she was named the pioneer Director General of the Commission by the President.
“As Director General of the Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike has galvanized Nigerians who reside outside the country into a critical mass of stakeholders that now make meaningful contributions and channel same through appropriate channels”.
The Governor stated further that it was the great work Hon Abike is doing at the Diaspora Commission that inspired his administration to create an Office in charge of Diaspora Matters headed by a Special Adviser to replicate what she does at the Federal level in our state, an effort which had been a resounding success. “Today, the Abia Diaspora Office has become a major and critical stakeholder in the affairs of our state, creating a fundamental platform for Abians who are in the Diaspora to participate in the governance of our state”.
Governor Okezie Ikpeazu also notes with appreciation the efforts of Hon Abike Dabiri Erewa in using her good offices to collaborate with the government of Abia State to push and expand the frontiers of the Made in Aba Products campaign even before global audiences.
The Governor, on behalf of the Government and People of Abia State wishes Hon. Abike Dabiri Erewa a lovely 58th birthday and prays the Almighty God to grant her many more years of service to our country.
Sir Onyebuchi Ememanka
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.
11th October, 2020.
