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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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Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran

Published

17 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.

In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.

According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.

“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.

The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.

“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.

The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.

“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.

Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.

The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.

“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.

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