OCTOBER VOL.4. 2020
DIASPORA NEWSLETTER
IN THIS EDITION NiDCOM Partners NUT on Capacity Building We Must Join Hands to Fight Criminals in our midst-S/Africa High Commissioner Leadership: The Key Element Food Corner Voices from NiDCOM Corpers Nigeria @60: 60 under 60Part 1
OCTOBER EDITION VOL. 4 NiDCOM PATNERS NUT ON CAPACITY BUILDING FOR TEACHERS By Rosemary Moribirin
h e N i g e r i a n s i n Diaspora Commission ( N i D C O M ) h a s Tpledged to work with the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT (Lagos State Chapter) to carry out a capacity building training for Teachers at the National level.
A statement signed by the Deputy Head of Department, Media, Public Relations and Protocol Unit, Gabriel Odu in 5th person from left: Nigerians in Diaspora Commission Boss, Abuja on the 6th October, 2020 Hon. Abike Dabiri Erewa, receiving the delegates from NUT indicated that the commission is Lagos Chapter in NIDCOM Office, Abuja. ready to work with the NUT for said there are plans to work with her virtues and contributions to effective development in the their likes and even those in the Education sector. He said “You society. Diaspora to train the teachers are a role model, just as Lagos on capacity building.She said “I State Government is doing very The statement reads; “This was will like to commend you well in the sector of education one of the highlights of the teachers and assure you that by training teachers and meeting between a delegation NiDCOM is ready to work with equipping them with facilities", of NUT (Lagos State Chapter) you, because without teachers, he said. and Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the society cannot be a good Chairman/CEO Nigerians in foundation ”. Mr Raheem stated further that Diaspora Commission in Abuja. even during the lockdown, She lamented on what Nigerian education sector wasn’t locked “Dabiri-Erewa extolled the Students abroad go through down in Lagos state. He advised virtues of Teachers in the society when they travel out for studies other states in the country to doing great, both within and and called for action to be emulate what Lagos state is outside the country.“ NIDCOM done, especially where students d o i n g a s t h i s w i l l m o v e Boss encouraged them to spend years and come back with education in Nigeria to greater continue to do more while low-standard and unaccredited heights. Mr Raheem added that assuring that “There is always a certificates. the public schools in Lagos state reward for hardwork.“ are even doing better than the Meanwhile, Mr. Adesegun private schools as they have Citing an example of a Nigerian Raheem, the spokesperson of scheduled trainings, e-lessons lecturer from Lagos state, who NUT Delegation at the meeting, to prepare students up to JAMB has spent 35 years teaching in appreciated the efforts of Hon level and other interactive South Africa. The NIDCOM Boss Abike Dabiri-Erewa by extolling lessons.
D I A S P O R A N E W S L E T T E R 02 OCTOBER EDITION VOL. 4 WE MUST JOIN HANDS TO FIGHT CRIMINALS IN OUR MIDST- S/AFRICAN HIGH COMMISSIONER By Deborah Anaelechi
strongly believe that for serious and violent I c r i m i n a l s , w e m u s t a b s o l u t e l y h o l d t h e m accountable for their crimes and send them to prison”- Kamala Harris, American Politician, Attorney and VP Aspirant for the Democratic Party.
This cannot be truer said. For a nation to fully develop, it must L-R: The South African Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Thami Mseleku be void of every kind of with Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, NiDcom at a criminalities. With the removal courtesy visit to the Commission in Abuja. of criminal elements and crimes According to him, the case of He raised the issue of fake news on our streets, avenues for trust, xenophobia and the issues as part of the factors behind security, peaceful co-existence, therein in South Africa, is a result xenophobia, as he cited and a s w e l l a s u s h e r i n g o f of the perception of the two debunked the rumour on social investments. It was this notion nations, which he spoke:"So all media that Nigerians have been that Amb. Thami Mseleku, the t h e s e r u m o u r s l a b e l l i n g asked to vacate the country. S o u t h A f r i c a n H i g h Nigerians as criminals are not However, the South African Commissioner to Nigeria, urged true just as not all South Africans Ambassador confessed that for a concerted effort between are xenophobic in nature", he Nigerians are excelling in all Nigeria and South Africa to stated. fields of human endeavours in isolate criminals creating a bad South Africa and contributing to image for the two countries. The South African Ambassador its national development.On a g r e e d t h a t t h e r e i s n o t h a t n o t e , A m b. M s e l e k u This prompted a courtesy call by j u s t i fi c a t i o n f o r c r i m i n a l informed that he is closely the South African delegate to activities, while adding that all working with the Nigerian Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, forms of nefarious activities Embassy in South Africa, using Chairman/CEO Nigerians in against the citizens and the state information monitoring and Diaspora Commission in Abuja. in general, must be dealt with Amb. Mseleku stressed on the according to the laws of the land. knowledge-sharing, to foil the need to activate the Early He called on the South African schemes of fake news writers, Warning System (EWS) under the police not to collaborate with who churn out information to Bi-National Commission signed any form of criminality. rouse frictions between the two by the two countries to stem the countries. tide of criminality. Explaining Amb. Mseleku, also, alleged that this, under the system, security some politicians were behind Welcoming the delegation in her and intelligence network, as well some of the crises in South Africa office, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa as, people-to-people contact using it for political gains against said that many Nigerians in w i l l b e g r e a t l y a c h i e v e d . Nigerians. CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 D I A S P O R A N E W S L E T T E R 03 OCTOBER EDITION VOL. 4 LEADERSHIP: THE KEY ELEMENT By Maryam Abdulazeez
The call for a responsible However, Prof. Mashood Baderin leadership was made by a Professor of Law, University of t h e C h a i r m a n / C E O London, defines leadership as a Nigerians in Diaspora necessary social factor for peace Commission (NiDCOM), and order and a vital tool for Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa d e v e l o p m e n t , s a y i n g t h a t d u r i n g t h e v i r t u a l leadership is not strange to Islamic seminar organized by history and culture . the Council of Nigeria Muslim Organizations B a d e r i n e m p h a s i s e d t h a t ( U K & I R E L A N D ) o n leadership is a critical factor for O c t o b e r 3 r d , 2 0 2 0 the success and failure of any w h e r e s h e w a s t h e Nation, especially when it is Special Guest of Honour. m i s m a n a g e d a n d w r o n g l y applied.We can safely conclude While expounding on that leadership is the ability to eadership is an integral part the topic : "Concept of Leadership direct a group of people in of work and social life. It is a i n I s l a m " , s h e s t a t e d t h a t realising a common goal. This is Lprocess by which a person leadership in Islam is a Trust done by people applying their influences others to accomplish (Amana in Arabic) which every leadership attributes. Leaders an objective and directs the leader must live up to. She equally c r e a t e c o m m i t m e n t a n d organization to make it cohesive c o m m e n d e d P r e s i d e n t enthusiasm amongst followers to and coherent hence the need for Muhammadu Buhari for providing achieve goals. Leadership is good leadership as a panacea to dynamic leadership for the achieved through interaction national and organizational citizenry through his Three- Point between leader, follower and development. Agenda: Security, Corruption and environment. Economic Diversification.
FROM PAGE 3...... WE MUST JOIN HANDS TO FIGHT CRIMINALS IN OUR MIDST- S/AFRICAN HIGH COMMISSIONER South Africa are contributing to with the High Commissioner to countries are harmoniously their host country and the nip it in the bud.Dabiri-Erewa, sustaining their existing, cordial homeland towards national concurred that though the a n d e x c e l l e n t r e l a t i o n s . development. She opined that welfare of Nigerian Diasporas is Hopefully and gradually, the the lack of adequate information paramount, she warned that, South-Africans and other African on the part of some people in those few Nigerians indulged in nationals, particularly Nigerians South Africa plays a major part crimes and other vices, should be can live warmly; no war just love, towards xenophobic attacks punished in line with the law of with the word, Ubuntu, as their other nationals, stressing that the land while those excelling motto. the Commission is ready to work m u s t b e c e l e b r a t e d . B o t h
D I A S P O R A N E W S L E T T E R 04 OCTOBER EDITION VOL. 4 VOICES FROM THE NIDCOM CORPERS ALUMNI By Rosemary Moribirin
he National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is a one year program set up by the Nigerian government to involve Nigerian graduates in nation building and the T development of the country.During a courtesy visit by the passing out corps members to say ”Thank You” to the Chairman/CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission(NIDCOM) , Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa in Abuja on 12th October, 202O for the completion of their NYSC program in NIDCOM.
The corp members showed gratitude and had positive things to say to the CEO on their experience gained. In this report, Rosemary Moribirin captures the moments.
igerians in Diaspora the Minister for Health, Dr. Commission is a home Chikwe Ihekweazu as a COVID-19 Nitself were you meet Heroes by ONE in Nigeria.After senior colleagues, new friends which the heat of the pandemic that would shape you to become reduces, as an essential worker I your best. had to go back to work because my department which is the I must confess that my service media Unit is the heart of year was memorable because I NIDCOM. learnt the importance of NYSC in the development of Nigeria. As a proactive and reactive Though when we resumed in ROSEMARY MORIBIRIN Commission, we must release January we had issues with office press statement to ease tension space, we struggled to sit sometimes. and to assure Nigerians at home and Nigerians in the Diaspora of the purpose for setting up the The Chairman / CEO NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri- commission to fulfill their needs and to harness Erewa took it upon her self to make her staff the potentials of Nigerians abroad. members comfortable where we were moved to separate offices within the Federal Secretariat. The During my short stay as a corps member I was COVID-19 also took most of our months thereby among the newsletter writer which is published limiting us to work from home. During that period monthly. I want to appreciate Hon. Abike Dabiri- of working from home I felt the need to give back Erewa for her support throughout our stay in to the society by donating my March allowance to NIDCOM she is indeed an Amazon. My warm fight the pandemic. Boom, my name was gratitude also goes to the Head of Department, everywhere in the news and commendation were Media and Public Relations Unit,Abdur-Rahman thrown at me. Balogun, for his directions and corrections after Also my name was written in a list that featured writing an article. the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwolu and
D I A S P O R A N E W S L E T T E R 05 OCTOBER EDITION VOL. 4
he experiences of working as a corp orientation and also opportuned to establish member at Nigeria in Diaspora my objectives as I worked. The first objective TCommission (NIDCOM) was fascinating was to attain the knowledge on the manner in and the experience I got was enough to mould which issues in the diaspora are handled and me as I advanced into my career. Working at also knowing the right channel of approach NIDCOM enabled me to understand some because at the end of the day the aim of aspects of being successful as an aspiring conflict resolution is to attain peace and dipolmat. The first thing I realized was that understanding amongst both parties. I would communication isusually an essential aspect to like to thank the chairman/CEO Hon.Abike success. It is also important for an individual Dabiri-Erewa for giving me and my fellow make him flexible in the workplace, to have the corps members the opportunity to work in this ability of multi tasking during the working commission and also thank my HOD Mrs hours. On the other hand, I also realized that it Patricia Ene, and my colleagues for their is important maintain punctuality in guidance and support during my one year of ordersuccessful. During my course at service, it's a memory I'll cherish for the rest of EDIKAN M. UMOH NIDCOM, I was privileged to undergo my life. Thank you and God bless NIDCOM.
y n a m e i s U C H E N N A E ST H E R matters,I started going out for dispatches to both AKALABU, I am a graduate of NAPTIP and CAC, typed a lot of letters,sorted out MInternational studies and diplomacy files etc. I really learnt a lot in the Commission and I’m proud to be an NYSC alumni in the with the short time i had left there.I really don’t Nigeria in Diaspora Commission(NIDCOM). know what the future holds for me but I am ready When I first came to the Commission in January and open to any opportunity that comes my way. I 2020, I was excited because I couldn’t wait to gain am really grateful to the Commission for the more knowledge of how things were being done experience I had working with them. The and also what was going on around the world. I Chairman of the Commission Hon. Abike Dabiri- was posted to the legal department and it was a Erewa who was able to rise above the obstacles bit challenging for me because I didn’t study law. I and challenges that the Commission had has took it up to myself to focus and learn as much as I been an inspiration to me, the head of the legal could although at the time there were department Barr. Abdullahi Bello who saw me accommodation issues and the issue of Covid-19 through my stay at the Commission was like a arose. It affected my experience at the father to me,he helped me in areas i was having commission because it took 5 months away from difficulty and it taught me a whole lot. It would be UCHENNA E. AKALABU work but I resumed in July when everything an honor to continue working with this great seemed calm. I began to learn how to reply to Commission who help a lot of Nigerians living petitions in relation to its nature, I started abroad. Again I am honored and feel lucky to be handing Corporate Affairs Commission(CAC) amongst the first set of NIDCOM Corpers Alumni.
y name is Elumoye Gbolagade that looked amazing by the way and then Adebowale and I served at ended staying where we are currently MNIDCOM Account Department which isn't bad at all before and then My service year at NIDCOM account covid 19 came also so now you see why it department was a huge experience was a rollercoaster of an experience. The because I got to meet people with second half of the year was/is amazing different personalities and perspectives. because I had gotten comfortable and At first I hid in my shell while observing used to my office people and I got to learn everyone around me and then I got and still learning a lot from them such as comfortable and started opening up and knowing what a voucher is and what it joining in conversations and contributing entails to process a voucher and many which turned out to be fun. The first half more. Big ups to NIDCOM for the of the year at NIDCOM as a corper was a opportunity to serve and learn from them ELUMOYE G. ADEBOWALE rollercoaster due to the fact that we and no regrets whatsoever.God bless almost moved to a new location Nigeria God bless NIDCOM
D I A S P O R A N E W S L E T T E R 06 OCTOBER EDITION VOL. 4
y name is Akinde Zainab,I was superiors. I learnt a great deal during my accepted as a corper to the stay in the Commission. All the staffs even MCommission in January 2020.I outside the Legal Unit are kind and was posted to the legal unit. I have never c o n s i d e r a t e . U n f o r t u n a t e l y, t h e worked in a Commission before, this was Commission does not have a stable office my first experience and it was a beautiful yet. Going from Asokoro to Federal one. My boss, Mr Bello, the head of the Secretariat was a bit stressful. legal unit made sure my stay in the Commission was a memorable one. Some of my colleagues department are Generally, all my colleagues were quite situated in Asokoro while my department good to me and we quickly became was situated in Federal Secretariat. My friends although they are permanent stay in NIDCOM was wonderful. workers in the Commission and my AKINDE ZAINAB
y name is Idris-Sanni Fareedah: explore more and was more exposed to My experience at NIDCOM was office setting but due to the pandemic, I Mw o n d e r f u l , d u e t o t h e had a short time and I was able to adjust to pandemic I wasn’t able to explore the it. My service year was memorable whole full year, the way it was meant to be. because I had new family and friends in I had a wonderful boss who love to work the Commission. I wish to have more and made sure things was done right. relationship and a working experience in NIDCOM. Being the first time of having an office experience, I wished had opportunity to IDRIS S. FAREEDAH
y name is Mabinuori Pelumi Ibukun: and being idle. During my service year at NIDCOM MI was posted to Diaspora relations I learnt a lot from the wonderful people I was department, while I was there I learnt some privileged to have met in my department, new skills such as being a good team player working with them was so easy and they made which made me useful in group task, I also me feel comfortable being working with them. improved my research skills and enhanced my vocabulary. My one year in NIDCOM was a memorable one and I’m honored to have been a member of At the earliest stages of my time serving in that great establishment. NIDCOM I wasn’t really given any task to do but with time I started getting engaged more. I see NIDCOM harnessing opportunities for Nigerians in diaspora and contributing to the Through my first few months in NIDCOM I had growth of our country both home and abroad. some challenges like lack of space in the office MABINUORI P. IBUKUN
D I A S P O R A N E W S L E T T E R 07 OCTOBER EDITION VOL. 4
y name is Laila Abdulkadir, a learned a lotBecause the past First Ladies Microbiology graduate of of Nigeria were in attendance along with MA l h i k m a h u n i v e r s i t y some other important dignitaries.I was Ilorin,kwara State.I started serving at also present at the NIDCOM Focal event as NIDCOM in January,I was posted to the one of the ushers who participated to admin department. We really didn't have make the day colorful. much to do cause of the lack of office space. Our service was cut short because of the pandemic due to that I had little But I was able to treat files.Myself and a experience.My advice for NIDCOM is to few staff along with the Chairman, Hon. create more awareness about the Abike Dabiri-Erewa attended the maryam commission and what is all about, the babangida's memorial service at benefits to Nigerians both home and LAILA ABDULKADIR Transcorp, it was a beautiful event and I abroad.
y name is Abioye Omobolanle: explore more and was more exposed to My experience at NIDCOM was office setting but due to the pandemic, I Mw o n d e r f u l , d u e t o t h e had a short time and I was able to adjust to pandemic I wasn’t able to explore the it. My service year was memorable whole full year, the way it was meant to be. because I had new family and friends in I had a wonderful boss who love to work the Commission. I wish to have more and made sure things was done right. relationship and a working experience in NIDCOM. Being the first time of having an office experience, I wished had opportunity to ABIOYE OMOBOLANLE
THE DIASPORA NEWSLETTER IS AN OFFICIAL BULLETIN PUBLISHED BY NiDCOM MEDIA AND PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT M Abdur-Rahman Balogun Gabriel Odu
A Editor-In-Chief Deputy Editor-In-Chief
E Violet Nwosu Doosughun Abughidyer Correspondent Correspondent T Deborah Anaelechi Juliannah Erin Correspondent Correspondent A
I Maryam Abdulazeez Khadija Shehu Bamalli Correspondent Graphics Design D Rosemary Moribirin Balogun Raimi Bidemi
E Correspondent Photo Journalist Omolabake Omoniyi Samson Elijah Simeon
M Correspondent Photo Journalist
D I A S P O R A N E W S L E T T E R 08 OCTOBER EDITION VOL. 4
IKOKORE FOOD CORNER By Doosughun Abughidyer
often hear my diaspora friends say they are tired of junk food. Complain no more, I come with another Idelicacy, from the wonderful people of Ijebu in Ogun state, “Ikokore”. If you find yourself in Nigeria, look for a grocery store around you to get the ingredients. It is easy and simple to prepare; trust me you will love it. Ingredients • Half Tuber Water yam Photo Credit Sisi Jemimah • 2 Cooking spoonsful of Palm Oil 5. Leave it to simmer for 10 minutes or more, stir every • 2 Cups of Chicken or Beef Stock now and then to prevent burning. • Fresh Shombo /Tatashe or 3 Tablespoon Dry grounded pepper (Atagungun) • Scotch Bonnet (Atarodo) 6. Add the shredded cooked Meats, Fish, Smoked • Smoked Fish (Eja Kika) or Shawa (Bonga fish), shredded Prawns, and other condiments. (Optional) • Pieces Dried Fish (Kpanla), shredded (Optional) 7. Add the Ogiri; leave to cook for 10 minutes. • 1 Cup, shredded cooked Meat (I am using Shaki and Ponmo) 8. After 10 minutes, remove all the meat and fish from • 2 Tablespoons Crayfish the stew, leaving just the stew in the pot. • 1 Cup, Smoked Prawns (Optional) • 1 Teaspoon, Ogiri Ijebu (Fermented Locust Beans) • 2 Knorr Chicken Cubes or your preferred bouillon cubes 9. Turn the heat down to low, now scoop the grated • Salt to taste yam into the stew, do this in both big and small lumps. The small lumps will dissolve in the stew, forming a Preparation mushy type consistency while the bigger lumps will 1. Slice your water yam into small pieces. Peel create the lumpy Ikokore consistency. Do not stir; leave each piece then grate using the smallest part of your these contents to boil for 8-10 minutes on low heat… grater. 10. Stir using a wooden spoon till the lumps disappear, 2. When you’re done grating the Water Yam, add if you find it too lumpy. Leave as it is if you don’t mind (I seasoning or salt, 1 tablespoon of crayfish and mix don’t like mine too lumpy). together. If you can tolerate very spicy food, you can add more pepper as well, then, set aside. 11. Taste for salt and seasoning, adjust if necessary.
3. Blend the Shombo or Tatashe and Scotch Bonnet till 12. Transfer the cooked meats and fish back into the it is smooth and set aside. If you’re using just Scotch pot, add the rest of the crayfish and combine gently. Be Bonnet, just blend it on its own. careful when doing this to avoid breaking the lumps.
4. Get a medium-size pot and place on the hob, using 13. Leave to cook for 3-5 minutes and its ready. medium heat. When it’s hot, add the palm oil, then the locust beans. Add the blended pepper, seasoning cubes 14. Serve Ikokore on its own or with Eba (Eba Tutu), the and salt. If you’re using the meat stock, do not add salt as typical Ijebu way. your stock is already seasoned. Enjoy….. QUOTABLE QUOTE “A people without knowledge of their past history. origin and culture is like a tree without roots”. -Marcus Garvey
D I A S P O R A N E W S L E T T E R 09 OCTOBER EDITION VOL. 4 COVID-19: OVER 27,000 PASSENGERS ARRIVED NIGERIA DESPITE STRICT PROCEDURES-ALIYU By Juliannah Erin
h e C O V I D - 1 9 Pandemic which came as a shock has had a Tmassive and negative impact in many countries and regions. As a result of the virus and its increasing death tolls and high i n f e c t i o n r a t e s , s e v e r a l countries had to impose quarantines, entry bans, or other restrictions for citizens and recent travellers to the most affected areas. Other countries had to impose a global restriction that applied to all foreign countries and territories, which prevented Aliyu stated this during a outside Lagos or Abuja, he t h e i r o w n c i t i z e n s f r o m townhall webinar meeting on included that "If there is no travelling overseas. the 4th of October, 2020 private laboratory in your state organised by Nigerians in o f fi n a l d e s t i n a t i o n , t h e With that being said countries D i a s p o r a C o m m i s s i o n laboratory you have chosen for that maintained healthy and (NIDCOM) and coordinated by your test during registration will strict travel procedures lifted its Chairman/CEO, Hon. Abike make arrangements to have their international travel ban Dabiri-Erewa for Nigerians y o u r s a m p l e t a k e n a t a after several months.Dr Sani coming into the country during designated laboratory. He Aliyu, the National Coordinator the COVID-19 pandemic.One of urged all passengers travelling of Presidential Task Force on the advantages of testing to Nigeria to update all required COVID-19 has disclosed that before boarding is to stop information on the Nigerian over 27,000 passengers from people with Covid-19 from International travel portal abroad came to Nigeria during moving to Nigeria as the test is before boarding. This will auto the Pandemic despite the strict expected to be done 120 hours generate a QR code which is procedures when the Lagos and maximum before boarding. required on arrival. Abuja Airports were opened. Out of the 27,000 passengers, M r A l i y u a d v i s e d t h o s e The Presidential Task Force on 18,000 of them came in through travelling out of Nigeria to COVID-19 together with NCDC M u r i t a l a M u h a m m e d enquire from the country they are working with all the states to International Airport Lagos are travelling to if COVID-19 test e n s u r e t h a t t h e r e i s a while the remaining 9,000 came is a requirement for entry. On mechanism for private testing, in through Nnamdi Azikiwe t h e t e s t i n g p r o c e s s f o r there is an accredited list of Airport, Abuja. international travellers staying private laboratories on the
D I A S P O R A N E W S L E T T E R 10 OCTOBER EDITION VOL. 4
N C D C m i c r o s i t e : C OV I D - t h e We b i n a r t h a t Pu b l i c Dabiri-Erewa appealed to all 19.ncdc.gov.ng/privatelabs. He Laboratories are not allowed to travellers to be patient with the appreciated the difficulties that conduct free testing as the PTF COVID-19 immigration people are going through and Federal government cannot policy, saying everything will be promised It will be sorted" as he a ff o r d i t a n d i t i s n o t done to ease the difficulty commended NIDCOM for living sustainable."It is not something being encountered by those u p t o e x p e c t a t i o n s i n that government can afford. We coming into the country. coordinating Diaspora concerns will run out of test kits", he said. o n t h e p r o t o c o l s p u t i n He explained that the Federal Mr. Obed Monago, Chairman place.Speaking on the high cost Government does not receive NIDO Americas, Mr Olawale of having the test, Aliyu said the any money paid to private Odutayo, Mr Tony Issima and federal government is trying to laboratories as it would have other speakers commended push the cost of PCR down for loved to subsidize, but it is not Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa for private laboratories who will in s u s t a i n a b l e b y t h e always being proactive in taking turn work within the travel g o v e r n m e n t . T h e care of the Diasporas' concerns sector line. Children below the Chairman/CEO of NIDCOM, all the time. Participants age of 10 years do not need to Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa and the described the webinar as do the test and " if they have Commission organised the 'useful, timely and informative', been subjected to payment, webinar townhall meeting while noting that this is the first then they will be refunded" and owing to complaints and time Nigerians in Diaspora any passenger made to pay frustration encountered by have influenced major policy more than once must be some Nigerians in diaspora, to decisions in the country. refunded. He told Nigerians in enlighten and disseminate Diaspora who participated at useful information. DID YOU KNOW THAT By Maryam Abdulazeez 1. Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa. 2. The Nigerian flag was designed by Taiwo Akinkunmi in 1959. 3. The first Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) is Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa. 4. The size of the Nigerian Diaspora approximately ranges from 15 million to 17 million. 5. Nigeria is the third largest British Commonwealth country by population. 6. Nigeria is the home country to the richest man in Africa, Aliko Dangote. 7. Mr Kaycee Madu is the first Nigerian Black Canadian Minister and also the Minister of Justice and Solicitor General. 8. Dr. Akinwunmi was the 8th elected President of The African Development Bank (AFDB) in May 2015 and re-elected as the 9th President in August 2020. 9. Grapes light on fire in the microwave. 10. The average mammal takes 21 seconds to empty it's bladder.
D I A S P O R A N E W S L E T T E R 11 OCTOBER EDITION VOL. 4 ABIKE @ 58 THE OTHER SIDE OF AN AMAZON By Abdur-Rahman Balogun
w a r r i o r s , t h e 2007 to 2015 until the bill was finally A m a z o n s " . G o i n g assented to by Mr President in June through Hon. ADE, 2017. The last one here is the warrior lifetime, her birth and and magic-like style with which she family background, is directing the affairs of the newly parentage, education, established Nigerians in Diaspora choice of Journalism Commission (NIDCOM) within a and political career, year of its establishment as if it has through her family life been in existence for over a decade. a n d n o w a g l o b a l Inspite of the paucity of funds, lack phenomenon in the of office accommodation and Diaspora, it is very apt challenges occasioned by the to describe her as an COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, a Amazon indeed. list of over 46 achievements, and still counting, were recorded. Apart Three instances will from over 350 national and global s u ffi c e h e r e t h a t awards to her credit, she received qualifies this ageless many tributes and accolades on. Kafayat Oloruntoyin grandma as an Amazon of our time. recently by her admirers on her Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the While at NTA, as a Corrrespondent w o n d e r f u l a n d a m a z i n g Chairman/CEO, Nigerians specialising in investigative p e r f o r m a n c e a t t h e y o u n g in Diaspora Commission journalism, she used eight good Commission. H(NIDCOM) is a household name in years of her 15 years in NTA then to Nigeria and in the Diaspora. It is a investigate Mary, the miracle baby, Abike has been speaking up for the name that means many things to which was claimed by three voiceless, has been fighting for the many people. In the course of her different mothers and ensured the powerless and has been helping the sojourn on the surface of the earth resolution of the matter by helpless in the society. She is truly since Oct. 11, 1962, it has been a reuniting the baby with her original "mother Theresa of our time harvest of sobriquet of names and biological mother. She didnt ".Above quote wraps up the occasioned by her diligence, stop at that, she also ensured that personality called Abike whom my c o m p e t e n c e , i n t e l l i g e n c e , the girl was enlisted among the 300 C o r p s - m e m b e r c o l l e a g u e , e l o q u e n c e , s u b s t a n c e a n d children on her scholarship scheme Rosemary Moribirin, describes as: submissiveness to the will of her to university level. Mary is now a A-mazon Creator, Allah. This ambivalence graduate and has completed the B- eautiful God- given nature of Hon. Abike mandatory one year youth service I- con Dabiri-Erewa, whom i gave ADE, programme of the NYSC. K- ind made me to be at a loss on what else E-legant can one write on this amazing Similarly, out of the 12 years of three woman at 58. The question begging terms she spent in the parliament, All these accolades suit her as she for an answer is who then is an H o u s e o f R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s adds another year on the surface of Amazon and why will ADE qualify as representing Ikorodu federal the earth on October 11. Happy the Amazon of our time?An constituency from 2003 to 2015, she Birthday Madam. May Allah Amazon, according to dictionary led the sponsorship of Nigerians in (Subanahu Wah Taala) continue to meaning , "is a big, strong, warrior- the Diaspora Commission bill then, elevate you and grant you your like woman, someone who reminds with other stakeholders among heart desires. Aameen you of the mythical Greek women- other bills, for over eight years from
D I A S P O R A N E W S L E T T E R 12 OCTOBER EDITION VOL. 4
NIGERIA @ 60:60 UNDER 60 Part 1 Nigeria is a na on with a plethora of mineral resources, good fer le land and warm hospitable people. Do you know what else the country is so proud of? You guessed right if you said its Diaspora! With over 17 million ci zens off the shores of the country, Nigerians are either the best or among the best in Nvarious sectors they find themselves in the Diaspora. So, to commemorate the 60th birthday of our dear lovely na on, here's a profile of 60 excep onal Nigerian under the age of 60 (from 60 years and below), doing wonderfully abroad. ARTS, FASHION & LIFESTYLE
AGBANI DAREGO- DANJUMA, 37, SOUTH- HAN HYUN MIN, 19: Nigerian-Korean Model, SOUTH NIGERIA: Model first indigenous Actor and TV presenter. The first Korean model African to win Miss World pageant. Second of African lineage in South Korea Listed on black lady after Vanessa Williams for L'Oreal Time Magazine's “30 Most Influential Teens of brand. CEO of AD Jeans by Agbani Darego. 2017”.
lZZY ODIGIE, 24, SOUTH-SOUTH NIGERIA: US-based AYO ELIZABETH OLAOGUN, SOUTH WEST choreographer, dancer and owner, Trybe dancers. NIGERIA: Austrian-based Fashion designer of Worked with some top foreign and home music artistes. brand, Ayo Van Elmar. Owner of an NGO Did a cameo appearance in the fifth season of Fox US called The Sunshine Project. drama, Empire; Made OkayAfrica 100 Women list for 2019, a recognition for women, “disrupting their own culture while demanding equal access to global stage”.
BAE YOO JIN, 18: Korean Nigerian model KELVIN OKAFOR, 35, SOUTH-EAST NIGERIA Second and first female Korean model of Founder of the Kelvin Okafor Art Academy African descent in South Korea. Hyper-realist Artist, Winner of the The de Laszlo Foundation Award, 2013l
CHEF RAPH DUNTOYE, SOUTH-WEST NIGERIA NJIDEKA AKUNYILI-CROSBY, 37, SOUTH- :UK-based award-winning Chef and Restaurateur EAST NIGERIA: US-based Visual artist. of La Petit Maison in London, Dubai, Miami, Hong Recipient of the 2020 “Great Immigrants into Kong, Abu Dhabi and Istanbul. M a s t e r c l a s s the United States” Award. facilitator at the annual GTB's Eat and Drink Event in Nigeria.
EsÉ AZÉNABOR-GREMBOWSKI, 36, SOUTH- STEPHEN “PAPI” OJO, 22, SOUTH-WEST SOUTH NIGERIA: l U S - b a s e d r e n o w n e d NIGERIA: US-based dancer, co-partner of international bridal and couture designer/CEO, of A.V.O Boyz, Choreographer and dancer in the Esé Azénabor, featured in magazines like as music video, Already for Beyonce's Black is Vogue, Munaluchi bridal, Modern Luxury King album project which was released earlier Weddings, etc. in 2020.
D I A S P O R A N E W S L E T T E R 13 OCTOBER EDITION VOL. 4 BUSINESS AND LEADERSHIP:
CHARLES EJOGO, 44, SOUTH-EAST DENISE MOBOLAJI AJAYI-WILLIAMS, SOUTH-WEST NIGERIA: US.-based Nigerian, new contributor, novelist and NIGERIA: CEO, Umbrolly vending business writer Her book, Akiti The Hunter also known as “King of The in the UK. Recipient of the 2006 "Innovator Forest” became first African superhero children's book in Yoruba language. It was the 2015 “Black History Month” of the Year" award by the Department of selective novel for children in California. Founder and Trade and Industry and the 2007 BT Creative Director, WM Journal magazine; President and Executive Director, Silicon Valley-Nigerian Economic Vending "Innovation of the Year" award. Development (SV-NED), the Founder and CEO, Working Mom in 1920s. Named among the Forbes Africa's Top 30 under 30s in 2015.
KIKELOMO LAWAL, SOUTH- WEST OBI UKWUANI, SOUTH-EAST NIGERIA: NIGERIA :Nigerian Canadian based legal Chief Digital Officer, Bank of Kigali, Rwanda practitioner. Currently appointed as Vice CEO/Founder, Bruks Oil Mill, Explore Robotics President and Chief Legal Officer for the Academy (XRA) and Academy Africa Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) in 2020.
MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT ASHLEY MADEKWE, 36, SOUTH-EAST CHIWETELU “CHIWETEL” EJIOFOR, 43, SOUTH-EAST NIGERIA: Chiwetelu Ejiofor is a British-Hollywood Actor NIGERIA: British-Hollywood successful actress and Humanitarian Famous for his roles in Dirty Pretty known for her roles in TV series and films such Things, Kinky Boots, 2012, Half of a Yellow Sun and 12 as Cassandra's Dream, Trexx and Flipside, Years A Slave, plus many others. Recipient of the 2006 Secret Diary of a Call Girl, How to Lose Friends, BAFTA Orange Rising Star Award; 2012 BAFTA Award Salem, Revenge to mention but a few. winner for Best Actor and an Academy Award winner for his role in 12 Years A Slave; five Golden Globe Awards nomination CBE title receiver in 2015.
CARMEN EJOGO, 47, SOUTH-EAST NIGERIA: CHRIS ABANI, 53, SOUTH-EAST NIGERIA: Scottish-Nigerian, Singer and Hollywood Actress American-based Writer, Essayist, Screen writer, Poet Best known for her roles in Sparkle, the Fantastic 2015 Awardee of the Edgar Award for Best Paperback Beasts film series, Selma and HBO series, True and over a dozen awards in Literature 2003 Lannan Detective and many others. Black Reel Awards and Literary Fellowship Professor of Creative Writing at the NAACP Image Award winner for Best Supporting the University of California, Riverside, from Actress and Outstanding Supporting Actress in a 2007–2012 Board of Trustees Professor of English at Motion Picture, respectively, for the movie, Selma. Northwestern University CEO of the publishing firm, Black Goat
CHIMAMANDA ADICHIE, 43, SOUTH-EAST NIGERIA: Novelist, short story writer and non- CYNTHIA ERIVO, 33, SOUTH-EAST NIGERIA: fictional writer-famous for her work, Purple British-Nigerian songwriter, actress and Hisbiscus, Half of a Yellow Sun, and so on. Multi- singer. Award winning actress and nominee award recipient and nominee such as Winner of for her role as US female Abolitionist, Harriet the 2018 PEN-Pinter Prize and many more 2008 Tubman in the biopsy, called Harriet; CEO of a MacArthur Fellow 2015 Listed among Time production company called, Edith's daughter. Magazine's “The 100 Most Influential People”
D I A S P O R A N E W S L E T T E R 14 OCTOBER EDITION VOL. 4 MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT
DAV I D OY E LO W O, 4 4 , S O U T H -W E S T RICHARD AYOADE, 43, SOUTH-WEST NIGERIA:British-American Actor known for roles in Queen of Katwe, M15, Selma, A United Kingdom, NIGERIA:UK Actor, Comedian, Writer, and lots more. 2014, NAACP Image Award for Scriptwriter, Film Director and TV Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture and Presenter.Winner of the 2014 BAFTA Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series Awards for Best Male Comedy or Dramatic Special and others. Golden Globe Performance; Winner of the 2013 New Award nomination for –Best Actor in a Motion Picture-Drama among many other nominations. Horizons Competition for Best Actor and 2016 OBE recipient. nominations.
ELNATHAN JOHN, 38, NORTHERN SADIQ “WURLD” ONIFADE, 33, SOUTH- NIGERIA: German-based lawyer, writer WEST NIGERIA: Nigerian-American singer and author Author of Born on a Tuesday, and songwriter. Nominee for Best and Be(com)ing a Nigerian. Caine Prize for Diaspora Act at the Nigerian Entertainment African Writing in 2013 and 2015 Award alongside Nigerian-American nominee; 2017 winner of the Betty Trask artistes, Rotimi and Wale. 2019 Headies Award. 2015 Civitella Ranieri Fellow. Award winner for Best Male Vocal Performance.
SOPHIE OKONEDO, 52, SOUTH-EAST NIGERIA : FEMI OKE, 54, SOUTH-WEST NIGERIA: English Actress, Singer, Narrator, Theatre and TV Actress, popular in films like Hotel Rwanda, Nigerian-British International Broadcaster. Christopher Robin,etc. 2005 winner, Black Reel Awards Former CNN Reporter of World Weather for Best Actress-Drama, 2008 winner,Hollywood Film and host of Inside Africa. Current Anchor of Festival for Ensemble Acting of the Year, 2014 Al Jazeera English's The Stream. winner,Tony Awards Best Featured Actress in a Play, 2018 winner, London Evening Standard Theatre Awards for Best Actress 2010 OBE and 2019 Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) awardee.
JOHN BOYEGA, 28, SOUTH-WEST TEJU COLE, 45, SOUTH-WEST NIGERIA: NIGERIA: British Actor and Producer Nigerian-American Author, Journalist and Best known for his roles in Half of a Yellow Photographer. Multi-award recipient of his Sun movie adaptation, the Star Wars book, Every Day Is for the Thief. Former Trilogy, Detroit and Pacific Rim: Uprising Writer in Residence at Bard College in 2017 and Writer- in-Residence, Literaturhaus among others. Recipient of the 2016 BAFTA Zurich in 2014, Gore Vidal Professor, Rising Star Award. Practice of Creative Writing, Harvard University.
LUVVIE AJAYI JONES, 35, SOUTH-WEST TOMI ADEYEMI, 27, SOUTH-WEST NIGERIA: Nigerian- NIGERIA:Nigeria-American Motivational American Novelist of Children of Blood and Bone and Children of Virtue and Vengeance, 2018 Number 1 on Speaker, Podcaster, Blogger Author of best- The New York Times Young Adult Hardcover Bestseller selling book: I'm Judging You: The Do- List and 2019 New York Times Young Adult Hardcover Better Manual. Became the first writer to Bestseller List, 2018 Anre Norton Award for Young Adult Science Fiction and Fantasy winner; Winner of speak at the National Museum of African the 2019 Waterstones Book Prize and 2019 Hugo American History and Culture in 2016. Lodestar Award for Best Young Adult Book. Mentioned Recipient for the Audie Award for Humour. in the 2019 Forbes 30 Under 30 list TIME 100 Most Influential People of 2020.
D I A S P O R A N E W S L E T T E R 15 E-mail: [email protected] Call +234 80 33 19 80 77 +234 81 74 38 39 62 for further inquiries visit our website: www.nidcom.gov.ng Twitter @nidcom_gov. Instagram @NiDCOM_GOV and Facebook: Nigerians in Diaspora Commission.