Abike Dabiri-Erewa Lauds Cross River’s Role in Diaspora Affairs

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has praised Cross River State for its pioneering role in diaspora engagement.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to Governor Bassey Otu in Calabar, Dabiri-Erewa described Cross River as “impressive and historic” for being the first state in Nigeria to establish a diaspora commission building.

“When I saw your diaspora office, I even joked that NiDCOM’s corporate headquarters could be moved here,” she said, urging the state to continue active participation in national diaspora programmes such as Diaspora Day (July 25–26) and the Diaspora Merit Awards.

In his remarks, Governor Otu commended Dabiri-Erewa’s leadership for strengthening Nigeria’s ties with its citizens abroad and reducing negative stereotypes about Nigerians overseas.

“The speed with which we established the Cross River diaspora office was because of your track record. Before you came on board, there was a disconnect between Nigeria and other countries; today, the story has changed,” Otu said.

He announced that Cross River would host the National Diaspora Focal Persons Summit in October, with delegates expected from across Nigeria and international partners. Otu added that the summit would showcase the state’s strides in infrastructure, tourism, health, and agriculture, as well as its investment opportunities.

Earlier, Otu Okor, Chairman of the Cross River Diaspora Commission (CRIDCOM), disclosed that within four months of its creation, the commission had engaged with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and renewed ties with the State of Maryland, USA. He confirmed that plans were underway to formalise a partnership with the IOM to further position Cross River as a hub for diaspora collaboration.

NAN