Governor Otu Commends Abike Dabiri-Erewa for Elevating Nigeria’s Global Image, Hosts 4th Diaspora Summit in Calabar

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has applauded the Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, for her unwavering dedication to Diaspora affairs, describing her efforts as instrumental in enhancing Nigeria’s international reputation.

Speaking through his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, during a courtesy visit by the NiDCOM delegation ahead of the Fourth State Diaspora Focal Point Officers Summit in Calabar, Governor Otu said Dabiri-Erewa’s “doggedness and commitment” have earned Nigerians greater respect abroad.

The NiDCOM team, led by Dabiri-Erewa, included the Chairman, Senate Committee on Diaspora, Civil Societies and NGOs; Senator Anthony Siyako Yaro; the Chairman, House Committee on Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Tochukwu Okere; and several State Diaspora Focal Point Officers from across the federation.

Odey expressed appreciation to NiDCOM for choosing Cross River State as host for the summit and reaffirmed the state government’s readiness to partner with the Diaspora community to harness their potential for development. He also praised the Chairman of the Cross River State Diaspora Commission (CRIDCOM), Prince Otu Okor, for his exceptional coordination in ensuring the success of the event.

In her remarks, Dabiri-Erewa thanked the state government for its hospitality and support in hosting both the Diaspora Summit and the commissioning of the new CRIDCOM Headquarters. She lauded the efforts of the Senate and House Committees on Diaspora for their consistent legislative backing, emphasizing that collaboration between federal and state institutions remains vital to strengthening Nigeria’s engagement with its Diaspora.

Senator Yaro described the Diaspora as a “catalyst and strong pillar of Nigeria’s image, investment, and financial strength,” noting that remittances from Nigerians abroad have boosted national reserves from $20 billion to about $40 billion.

Similarly, Hon. Okere stressed that state-level synergy with the Diaspora is essential for achieving subnational development, adding that “without the states building bridges with their Diaspora communities, growth cannot be fully realized.”

The event sets the stage for strategic discussions at the summit, focusing on deepening collaboration between the Nigerian government, state commissions, and Diaspora communities worldwide.