Cross River Diaspora Office Inaugurated as Governor Otu Commends NiDCOM Chair

By Ada Nkong

The Chairman/CEO, of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has Inaugurated the pioneering Cross River State Diaspora Commission (CRIDCOM) office.

This came as she concluded a successful two-day working visit to Cross River State.

A statement by Gabriel Odu of the media, public relations and protocol office says upon her arrival, Dr. Dabiri-Erewa was received by the Chairman of CRIDCOM, Prince Otu Okor, and other commissioners and immediately held a productive meeting with the State Governor, Prince Bassey Edet Otu, at the Government House conference room.

During the meeting, Governor Otu praised Dr. Dabiri-Erewa for her trailblazing efforts in fostering stronger connections between Nigeria and its diaspora. He highlighted how her leadership has successfully helped shift negative perceptions about Nigerians abroad and credited her impressive track record for inspiring the swift establishment of the Cross River State Diaspora Commission Office.

“Prior to your leadership, there was a gap between Nigeria and other nations. Now, that narrative has transformed,” the Governor remarked.

(L), Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, NIDCOM, (middle) Rev Mrs Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, First Lady, Cross River State and (right) Prince Otu Okor, Chairman, Cross River State Diaspora Commission, at the official inauguration of Cross State Diaspora Commission Office in Calabar.

According to Odu, in response, Dr. Dabiri-Erewa commended Cross River for becoming the first state in Nigeria to establish a dedicated, state-level Diaspora Commission building, calling it a remarkable and historic achievement. She applauded Governor Otu’s visionary leadership and expressed her enthusiasm for the state’s active engagement in diaspora matters. “When I saw your diaspora office, I jokingly said NiDCOM’s headquarters could relocate here,” she added.
She commended the governor for appointing Mr Otu Okor, a pioneer staff of Nidcom ,to head Cridcom office , “ no wonder he hit the ground running “ , she said

The official inauguration of the CRIDCOM office on day two of her visit, Odu further says is seen as a pivotal milestone in the state’s strategy to engage its diaspora community for growth and development. The ceremony was attended by the First Lady of Cross River State, Rev. (Mrs.) Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, alongside other state officials and commissioners.

The establishment of the CRIDCOM office represents a significant step towards leveraging the potential of Cross Riverians in the diaspora to drive the state’s development.