Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has commended the Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, for her exemplary leadership and tireless commitment to diaspora affairs, saying her efforts have greatly enhanced Nigeria’s global image.
Otu, represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, gave the commendation during a courtesy visit by a NiDCOM delegation, which include members of the National Assembly and State Diaspora Focal Point Officers, ahead of the 4th State Diaspora Focal Point Officers Summit in Calabar.
According to a statement signed by Gabriel Odu, Head of Public Relations and Protocol Unit at NiDCOM, Odey applauded Dabiri-Erewa for “consistently championing the interests of Nigerians abroad,” adding that her interventions “have brought honour and recognition to the country.”
He also expressed appreciation to NiDCOM for choosing Cross River as host of the summit, reaffirming the state government’s readiness to deepen collaboration with the diaspora community.
“Cross River remains a reliable partner in harnessing the enormous potential within our diaspora community,” he said.
The governor also commended the state diaspora commission chairman, Prince Otu Okor, for his effective coordination of the event.
In her remarks, Dabiri-Erewa thanked Otu for his hospitality and support towards the summit and the commissioning of the Cross River State Diaspora Commission (CRIDCOM) headquarters. She acknowledged the contributions of the National Assembly Committees on Diaspora Affairs, stressing that partnership between federal and state governments is key to maximising diaspora impact.
Senator Anthony Siyako Yaro, Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora, NGOs and Civil Societies, described Nigerians in the diaspora as “a strong pillar of the nation’s image, investment, and economic stability,” noting that their remittances have helped boost national reserves from $20 billion to $40 billion.
Similarly, Hon. Tochukwu Okere, Chairman of the House if Representatives Committee on Diaspora Affairs, said the summit provides “a vital framework for state-level engagement,” adding that “development thrives when states build strong synergy with their diaspora communities.”
The event also featured commendations for Okor for establishing a functional diaspora commission within four months.
The summit, scheduled from October 6 to October 8, 2025, is expected to strengthen collaboration among diaspora focal officers across the 36 states and the FCT, and to explore ways of mobilising diaspora resources in support of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and national development.
