Fondly called “Lady Diaspora” because of her fierce and dogged fight for the rights of Nigerians living abroad, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa was formerly nicknamed “Mother Theresa of the Tube”, due to her burning compassion for the less privilege.
She has used her background in journalism to champion the cause of voiceless Nigerians, especially women and children. At different times, she used her position as a broadcaster with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) to push for the recognition and enforcement of human rights.
Her experience as a journalist and unrelenting commitment for transparency is responsible for the successful passage of the Freedom of Information Act – a Bill which she sponsored and saw passed into law when she was a Member of Parliament.
A few titbits on Abike Dabiri-Erewa
- She earned an English degree from the prestigious University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife).
- She went on to obtain a Master’s degree from the University of Lagos.
- At present, she is the Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM).
- Dabiri-Erewa was a Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora.
- For 15 years, she worked as a broadcaster with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).
- While at the NTA, she undertook a remarkable investigation into what is now known as the story of Mary, the Miracle Baby —- a girl claimed by three mothers. She did this investigation for 8years, and made sure it was concluded.
- She then forayed into politics, and represented Ikorodu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
- While she was in the House, she distinguished herself in various responsibilities assigned to her.
- Dabiri-Erewa was Chairman House Committee on Media and Public Affairs. She also served as Chairman House Committee on Diaspora Affairs. The successful passage of the Freedom of Information Bill can be credited to her, because she was the sponsor of the bill. The Violence Against Persons Bill was passed into law, due to her painstaking efforts.
- Other bills she sponsored are: the Nigerian Infant Welfare Scheme Bill, Nigerians with Disabilities Bill, a Bill to amend the Railway Act to allow for private sector and state participation, the Nigerian Diaspora Commission Bill, and a bill to Promote the Advancement of Nigerian Women and Girls.
Advancement of Nigerian Women and Girls.
