Abike Dabiri-Erewa stands as a towering figure in Nigeria’s history, renowned for her impactful career spanning journalism, politics, and diaspora affairs. From her early days as a fearless investigative journalist to her legislative years championing social justice and now as the leading voice for Nigerians in the diaspora, she has remained unwavering in her commitment to justice, transparency, and empowerment.
Her story is one of resilience, determination, and purpose, a journey shaped by strong family values, an unshakable belief in service, and a deep passion for uplifting others—particularly women, children, and the vulnerable. This essay explores her remarkable transformation from National Television to Parliament and now to Global Diaspora Advocacy, inspiring generations of women and youth to embrace leadership and drive meaningful change.
A Strong Foundation: The Roots of an Amazon
Born on 10 October 1962 in Jos Plateau State to late Alh. Sule Erogbogbo and Alhaja Alimotu Erobogbo, Abike Dabiri-Erewa’s upbringing in Ikorodu, Lagos State, was grounded in discipline, hard work, and the philosophy of giving one’s best in every endeavor. Her parents instilled in her and her siblings the virtues of diligence, integrity, and service to humanity. Recalling these early influences, she once said:
“My parents raised my siblings and me with the virtues of hard work, discipline, and putting your best into whatever you find yourselves.”
This guiding principle would define her professional journey, shaping her approach to journalism, politics, and diaspora affairs. Her strong parental and educational foundation, which began at Maryland Private School and continued at St. Teresa’s College, Ibadan, and the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), laid the groundwork for her illustrious career, proving that a strong foundation in values and character is essential for meaningful contributions to society.
Journalism: Giving a Voice to the Voiceless
Dabiri-Erewa’s first major professional breakthrough came in journalism, a field she entered by chance but mastered through dedication. Initially aiming to study Political Science, she switched to English Language due to admission requirements and later found herself in journalism during her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) posting. As she recounted:
“I never planned that, but when I got to Benin, I was posted to the news agency in Nigeria, and that was my first experience with journalism. What did I do? With my parents’ advice to put in my best wherever I find myself, I started learning about the job.”
Her 15-year tenure at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) saw her rise to prominence as the anchor of NTA Newsline, where she told compelling human-interest stories. One of her most significant investigations was the case of Mary the Miracle Baby, which she followed for eight years. She personally ensured Mary’s education up to university level. Reflecting on her deep sense of responsibility, she said:
“I took that from my mother. She always liked to touch lives and always ensured that you look back and see what you can do.”
Her work earned her the Nigerian Media Merit Award for Best Presenter of the Year and the UNICEF Child-Friendly Award, among others. Through investigative journalism, she brought attention to social injustices, particularly those affecting women and children, solidifying her reputation as the “Mother Teresa of the Tube.”
Politics: A Fearless Voice of the People in the Legislature
Abike Dabiri-Erewa’s transition into politics was a natural extension of her advocacy work. Initially hesitant, she was encouraged by the late Bishop Matthew Kukah and further inspired by a leadership training at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. Encouraged by political leaders (including the Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his wife Remi Tinubu) and her grassroots engagement in Ikorodu, she decided to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives in 2003, representing the Ikorodu Federal Constituency.
Her political journey was challenging but rewarding. She recalled:
“Politics is dirty, but if you are not dirty, you don’t have to play dirty. You can stick to your principles and still make an impact.”
Dabiri-Erewa’s three-term tenure in the House of Representatives (2003–2015) was marked by transformative legislative efforts. She served as Chairperson of the House Committee on Media & Publicity and later the House Committee on Diaspora Affairs, where she became a strong voice for Nigerians abroad. Some of the landmark bills she sponsored include:
- Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill – Promoting transparency and accountability in governance.
- Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Bill – Protecting women and children from abuse.
- Nigerians with Disabilities Bill – Advocating for the rights of disabled individuals.
- Nigerian Diaspora Commission Bill – Establishing a structured engagement platform for Nigerians abroad.
Her deep-seated advocacy for women and children was evident in her words:
“I followed the things that mattered to me—Women, Children, and persons with disability.”
Her legislative efforts reflected her unwavering commitment to social justice, particularly for the vulnerable. After 12 years in office, she voluntarily stepped down, saying:
“Twelve years was sufficient for me, so whatever anybody says, the truth is that I voluntarily decided that I wasn’t going to contest anymore.”
Diaspora Affairs: On a Messianic Mission for Nigerians Abroad
Her transition to executive leadership saw her appointed as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora (2016–2019) and later as the pioneer Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM). Under her leadership, the commission facilitated the safe return of over 10,000 Nigerians stranded abroad and intervened in numerous cases involving Nigerians facing injustice in countries like China, Libya, Saudi Arabia, and Russia.
One of the most heart-wrenching experiences in her role was seeing Nigerians suffering in Libyan detention centers:
“One of the most pathetic for me was entering those Libyan cells and seeing Nigerians packed like sardines.”
One of her most notable interventions was the case of Zainab Habibu Aliyu, a Nigerian student falsely accused of drug trafficking in Saudi Arabia. She worked tirelessly with government agencies to secure Zainab’s release, demonstrating her commitment to justice and provided scholarships and support for numerous Nigerian students abroad.
Recognitions and Honours
Dabiri-Erewa’s contributions have earned her over 350 awards globally, including:
- Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON)
- Bridge Builders Award, Washington
- International African Woman Award, London
- UNICEF Child-Friendly Award
- African Parliamentary Award (2010, Committee Chairman of the Decade)
- Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition, U.S. House of Representatives
- Grand Officer of the Masses (GOM) Award
- Commander of Great Ife (CGI)
- Richtopia’s Top 200 Women in the World
These accolades underscore her dedication to journalism, politics, and diaspora affairs.
Inspiration for Future Generations
As a champion for youth empowerment, Abike Dabiri-Erewa’s journey has inspired countless individuals to strive for excellence, contribute to national development, and uphold the principles of fairness and integrity. She exemplifies the power of vision, passion, and persistence to her generation and generations ahead, demonstrating all through her journey that career development is a continuous process of learning, adaptation, and excellence. Most importantly, her life’s work serves as a beacon of hope for women aspiring to break barriers in male-dominated fields.
From her experience, she has this to share with young aspiring Nigerian women:
“Don’t look down on yourself; don’t let anybody pull you down. Know your limitations, strengths, and weaknesses, and be who you are. That’s it. I am a woman. I am proud to be a woman. I’m not a man, and I don’t want to be a man, and I thank God for the privilege of being born a woman.”
She acknowledges the challenges women face in leadership, recalling a moment in Parliament when a male colleague told her:
“Abike, I like you, but I can’t call a woman my leader.”
Rather than feeling discouraged, she used such experiences to push harder for inclusion and fairness. She encourages young women to embrace leadership roles, stating:
“Don’t let anyone pull you down. Know your strengths and use them. Politics should be about real-life experiences and making an impact.”
Conclusion
Abike Dabiri-Erewa’s story is a powerful testament to the impact one woman can have on society. Her journey from journalism to politics and diaspora advocacy is an encouragement to aspiring leaders, especially women determined to make a difference. Her career, rooted in strong family values, unwavering dedication, and a passion for humanity, serves as a guiding light for future generations.
As she continues to break new ground, her legacy stands as proof that success is not about personal gain but about touching lives and driving meaningful change. To young Nigerians, she offers this advice:
“Put in your best wherever you find yourself. You never know where life will take you.”
Her story is a call to action for all—especially women—to pursue their dreams, advocate for justice, and contribute meaningfully to national development. In her own words:
“I believe in fairness. I don’t want to be you, and you don’t have to be me. But let’s be fair to one another. Don’t say I can’t do this because of my gender. Let me prove to you that I can.”
Abike Dabiri-Erewa’s legacy is measured not just by her achievements but by the countless lives she has touched. She embodies the essence of purpose-driven leadership, leaving an indelible mark on Nigeria’s socio-political landscape and beyond.
Indeed, she remains a beacon of hope, a role model, and a true Amazon of Change.