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Ohanaeze Allegation Against Dabiri-Erewa’s Neglect of Igbo: A Figment of Imagination — NIDCOM

Published

1 year ago

September 7, 2025

Joel Ajayi

The attention of the Management of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has been called to a spurious and fabricated allegation against the person of our very able and amiable Chairman/CEO, Hon. (Dr) Abike Dabiri-Erewa (OON) as well as the Commission written by one Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, who purportedly claims to be the Deputy President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, raising a false and an unpatriotic alarm on the activities of the Commission as well as its Chairman/ CEO alleging falsely and ignorantly that both the Chairman and the Commission were selective in championing the welfare of the Ndigbos in the Diaspora.

The Commission would have dismissed such a frivolous allegation (Moreso as it does not believe he represents the authentic Ohaneze ) and not waste its precious time responding but there is a necessity to clarify issues and set the records straight for posterity.

NIDCOM is an establishment set up to engage and see to the welfare of Nigerian citizens abroad irrespective of sex, age, ethnic, religion and political affiliations. The Commission under the dynamic leadership of Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa has been living to expectations since its establishment over six years ago.

Its activities, which is glaring for any discerning person with positive mindsets to see, is unprecedented and has positively brought issues relating to the diaspora to the front burner.

In a statement issued weekend in Abuja by the Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, NIDCOM Abdur-Rahman Balogun (mnipr) reveal that the Commission sees the allegations which are not categorical and not specific in nature, as mere conjecture based on a calculated machinery aimed to distract the NIDCOM boss.

Reacting to the same allegation, Chief Chibuzo Ubochi, Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Europe and Coordinating Chairman of NIDO Worldwide, and a proud titled Igbo man, stated thus: “I have had the honour of working closely with Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa over the years. Her unwavering dedication to public service commands deep respect. Within our diaspora community, she is affectionately known as Mama Diaspora, a name earned through her consistent care and advocacy for Nigerians abroad, regardless of tribe or state of origin.

I have seen the reshared post and am concerned by the attention it has attracted and the potential for division it may inadvertently be causing. Speaking from direct experience, I can affirm that Mama Diaspora has always championed unity, inclusion, and the empowerment of all Nigerians in the diaspora. Her commitment transcends ethnic and regional lines, and she continues to work tirelessly to ensure that every Nigerian abroad is treated with dignity and respect.

At NIDO Worldwide, our guiding ethos is to uphold, value, and respect one another. I therefore appeal to all Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to remain focused on the principles that unite us, rather than those that divide. We are stronger together as One People, One Diaspora Family, with One Homeland: Nigeria.

Above testimonial from an Ndigbo Chief and a Diasporan aptly summarised it all.

In all our operations, engagements and interactions with Nigerians in the diaspora, there is no such instance of segregation, selective treatment based on ethnic or religious background.

From time to time, the Commission comes to the rescue and aid of any Nigerian in distress irrespective of ethnic background and religious affiliation.

It is on record that the Commission had specifically intervened in the cases of distressed Nigerians miners in Central Africa Republic, Mali, Ghana, Libya, Morocco, Lebanon, Iraq, South Africa UK, Canada, USA, UAE, Saudi Arabia ,Bosnia Herzegovinia, Ukraine , Sudan and several other countries.

Crime has no federal character and any Nigerian who commits a crime would serve the penalty while the numerous Nigerians worldwide excelling in their fields of endeavour would always be celebrated.

In the words of Mark Twain, “ a lie can make its way around the world before the truth can even put on its shoes.”

She further added

“Let anyone make no mistakes that the nuisance of ethnic bigotry is not a dangerous albatross, and one we have been burdened with since our independence as a nation. To politicise this flammable issue today demeans our humanity as a nation, It is past time to elevate our discourse, reject balkanization, and set an example that leaves our children a unified Nigeria. We cannot remain trapped in archaic ethnic rivalries and divisions . We are not crabs in a barrel—we are proud Nigerians , at home and abroad, with a duty to join hands with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to build a united and prosperous Nigeria”.

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Eagle Times Newspaper Will Be Voice for Nigerians – Publisher Chukwunyere Vows

Published

5 hours ago

October 2, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Publisher of The Eagle Times Nigeria, Sir Ikechukwu Chukwunyere, has pledged that the newspaper will promote accountability, credible journalism and public-interest reporting in its coverage of national affairs.
Chukwunyere made the commitment on Thursday, October 1, 2026, during the official unveiling and launch of The Eagle Times Nigeria.

He said the new media organisation was established not merely to add another newspaper to Nigeria’s media landscape, but to provide a platform committed to serving the public interest.

According to him, the newspaper’s guiding philosophy, “The Voice for the People, The Watchdog for the Nation,” places a responsibility on the organisation to listen to Nigerians, tell their stories, highlight issues affecting their daily lives and scrutinise those entrusted with public responsibilities.

“To be a voice for the people means that we must listen to Nigerians, tell their stories, highlight their concerns and give visibility to issues that affect their daily lives,” he said.

The publisher added that The Eagle Times would be guided by accuracy, fairness, professionalism, credibility and responsible journalism, stressing that the newspaper would not publish stories merely because they were sensational.

“We will verify. We will investigate. We will seek the other side. We will correct our mistakes when we make them,” he said.

Chukwunyere further stated that the newspaper would endeavour to give individuals and organisations the opportunity to respond whenever allegations were made against them.
“Our commitment is not to any political party, government or individual. Our primary commitment is to journalism, to truth and to the Nigerian public,” he said.

He noted that the newspaper was launching at a time when the media industry was undergoing rapid transformation, with audiences increasingly consuming news through digital platforms, including websites, television, podcasts and social media.

He said The Eagle Times would therefore operate as a multimedia organisation, combining its newspaper with digital platforms and The Eagle Times TV to reach audiences across different channels.

According to him, the organisation also intends to create opportunities for young journalists, writers, photographers, producers, digital creators and other media professionals to develop their skills and contribute to journalism and national development.

Chukwunyere said the newspaper’s coverage would include politics, governance, business, economy, security, judiciary, education, health, technology, sports, entertainment, lifestyle and international affairs.

He, however, said the organisation intended to distinguish itself not only by the subjects it covered but by the quality and approach of its journalism.

We want to tell stories that matter, we want to investigate issues that require investigation, we want to highlight Nigerians who are making a difference, and we want to give communities that are often ignored an opportunity to be heard,” he said.

The publisher acknowledged the challenges involved in establishing a newspaper, saying the venture required investment, commitment, professional discipline and the courage to pursue an idea.

He expressed appreciation to the management, editorial, reporting, production and digital teams, as well as families, friends, partners and supporters who contributed to the establishment of the organisation.

Chukwunyere also assured readers, viewers and the newspaper’s digital audience that The Eagle Times would strive to earn their trust and remain accountable to the standards it had set for itself.

He said the newspaper’s success would not be measured only by circulation figures, website traffic or social media followers, but also by the confidence Nigerians placed in its journalism.

“Today, we spread our wings. Today, The Eagle Times takes flight,” he said, reaffirming the newspaper’s commitment to its slogan: “The Voice for the People, The Watchdog for the Nation.”

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