Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa and Chidinma Adetshina
Unlike some federal government agancies that have become moribund, lameduck and inactive, the Nigerians In Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) under the watch of Hon. Abike Dabiri- Erewa has unarguably become one of the most efficient agencies of the federal government since it was inaugurated in May 19, 2019 and Dabiri-Erewa who was hitherto Senior Special Assistant to former President Muhammadu Buhari on Diaspora Affairs was appointed the first CEO of the Commission.
The import and significance of the unprecedented performance of the journalist turned politician is that it reinforces the belief in the inexorable logic of the fallacy of patriarchal chauvinism which tends to view men as having more innate capacity and brains to drive development and ideas.
The agency under Dabiri-Erewa has become a household name beloved by many Nigerians. It would seem in certain respects, that NiDCOM often performs some of the jobs of the Foreign Ministry for it.
The agency has made important interventions that have reduced child trafficking, abuse of Nigerian citizens in foreign countries, and has been a good and efficient interface in trying period of diplomatic unease between Nigeria and foreign countries.
Dabiri-Erewa has been asking Nigerians in Diaspora to return home and contribute their quota to take the country to greater heights.
Due to her fervour for her job, Mrs Dabiri-Erewa, has urged unity among Africans.
She averred that Nigerians in diaspora with dual citizenship should not forget their roots, keep in touch with home, and be proud of their citizenship.
In her bid to back her words with action, Dabiri-Erewa hosted Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidinma Adetshina, at NIDCOM’s Office in Lagos and ensured she gave her adequate support to overcome the ordeal she went through in South Africa.
The NiDCOM boss further played pivotal role in bringing Chidinma home to contest for Miss Universe and this is not lost on well meaning Nigerians.
It’s the opinion of NATIONAL WAVES that if all other public officials in exalted positions could emulate Dabiri-Erewa’s exemplary qualities, patriotism and dedication, it would make a whole lot of difference.
It’s not a coincidence but a commentary on the disappointing performance of patriarchal chauvinists that the people making the country proud happen to be women.
Chidinma Adetshina, in spite of her ordeal in Nelson Mandela’s country has emerged the First Runner-up in Miss Universe international contest.
The 22-year-old beauty queen who represented Nigeria at the 73rd Miss Universe pageant expressed excitement after finishing as the first runner-up at the competition’s grand finale held at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City, with Miss Denmark, Victoria Theilvig, edging out 124 contestants from around the globe to win the crown.
However, the event witnessed an intriguing face-off between Nigeria and Denmark, as the two beauty queens stood poised to claim the crown, but Miss Denmark ultimately won the highly coveted crown.
As the highest-ranked African Contestant in this year’s competition, this marks the continent’s highest placement in Miss Universe history.
It must be noted that Adetshina made history earlier this year by winning Miss Universe Nigeria after withdrawing from the Miss South Africa pageant that was marred with controversies.
She was born in Soweto to a Nigerian father of Igbo descent and a Mozambican mother who is accused of allegedly committing identity fraud in South Africa.
The Law student and model, who was raised in Cape Town, was a finalist in the 2024 Miss South Africa pageant but faced severe online harassment and bullying over her Nigerian roots.
Social media attacks targeted her Nigerian heritage despite her being born in South Africa and meeting all competition requirements.
Adetshina eventually announced her withdrawal from the competition citing safety and the well-being of herself and that of her family members.
The lesson learnt from Chidinma’s feat , especially for our young ones is that there’s nothing impossible in life as long as one set one’s mind to attain it. She showed courage, determination and guts, qualities that eventually saw her through. Her win should be seen as a testament to the resilience of the indomitable spirit of the Nigerian female.
We doff our hats for Adetshina for her perseverance, doggedness and resilience in attaining the pinnacle of her career
