HON. (DR) ABIKE DABIRI-EREWA: AN HONOUR, WELL DESERVED
Abdur-Rahman Balogun
Allah says in the Glorious Qur’an 3: verse 26 thus:
Say, “O Allah, Owner of Sovereignty, You give sovereignty to whom You
will and You take sovereignty away from whom You will. You honor whom
You will and You humble whom You will. In Your hand is [all] good.
Indeed, You are over all things competent”.
The foregoing verse further confirms to me that it is only Allah, our
uncreated Creator that can only honour we the homo- sapiens creatures of
His. Irrespective as human beings tried, the Creator must sanction such
honours and put the thoughts and actions in human beings to implement.
So when the letter of honour came to the Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in
Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa that the
authorities of Lagos State University, (LASU), Ojo, Lagos has deemed it
fit to bestow on her the Honourary Doctorate Award during its 25th
Convocation ceremony on Thursday March 24, 2022, it was one honour too
many and an award well deserved. To all those who have been following
the selfless and proactive impactful life of Hon. Kafayat Abike
Dabiri-Erewa, one will see that it has been rewarded and appreciated
with too many awards, honours and recognition of excellence too numerous
to list. As at my last count, apart from those she rejected, I have
counted well over 300 received since she became a public officer in 2003
to date.
Permit me to list some of the major ones here for record purposes:
*SOME AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS*
1. Educate Africa Institute (EAI) Merit Award 2021 for commitment to
service delivery, outstanding contribution and service to humanity.
2. Centre for Ethics and Self Value Orientation Award as Integrity Icon
of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Gold Medalist in Public
Administration. 2021.
3. FOI Award of Excellence 2021, to mark the 10th anniversary of Freedom
of Information Act in Nigeria.
4. Ansar-ud-deen Youth Association (ADYAN) 2021 Northern States Council
Congress Merit Award.
5. Global Excellence Award by Afroglobal television, Toronto, Canada.
6. The 2021 NEWSDIRECT Award of Excellence for Exemplary leadership by
News Direct Newspaper.
7. All Africa makeup (AFRIMAC) Conference and Exhibition award 2021 in
appreciation of her outstanding contributions and immense support to the
upliftment of AFRIMAC.
8. Royal Award by the Ayangburen of Ikorodu kingdom, His Royal Majesty,
Oba (Engr.) Kabir Adewale Shotobi, for uplifting the standard of
Ikorodu, Lagos State and Nigeria as a good ambassador.
9. Award of Excellence by H.E Dr. Benson Alfred Bana, the Tanzania
Ambassador to Nigeria. 2021.
10. Citizens Advocate Ambassador Award of Excellence by the Photo
Journalist Association of Nigeria (PJAN) for outstanding performance in
promoting the interest of the Citizens first, and the country as a
whole.
11. Induction into the Center For Black and African Arts and
Civilization’s (CBAAC) Black and African Hall of Fame 2021.
12. The Guardian’s Award for the ‘Most Outstanding Female-led Federal
Commission. 2021
13. The Frontline Defender Award for Human Rights and Sustainable
Development by Drum Major of Social Justice and Awards. 2021.
14. Lifetime Achievers Award, given in lieu of Sterling Leadership 2021.
15. Women Enterprise Alliance (WenA) List of Top 5 Sky-trampling
Personalities for IWD2021.
16. ThisDay Style Magazine’s list of “50 Women We Admire: Titans of Our
Time.” (Mother’s Day Edition 2021).
17. Nigeria Women Annual 100 Leading Women 2021, in acknowledgement of a
distinguished career and contribution to the development to the society.
18. International Tourist Choice in recognition of outstanding
contribution towards National and Global development in the area of
Agriculture , tourism and its value chain.
19. Kaleidascope Global Conference Award Personality of the year 2020.
20. Outstanding Women Achievers Award (OWAA), 2010, organized by Hugo
Magazines, recognizing her as a Parliamentarian Achiever.
21. Donald M. Payne (US House of Reps) Award and Certificate of special
congressional recognition for her unwavering commitment to humanity and
serving as Chairwoman for Nigeria House Representatives Committee on
Diaspora Affairs, 2010.
22. Most Productive Female Representative of the Year, 2010, by Igbogbo
Community Ikorodu.
23. Nigerian Union of Journalists Zone G, for her Excellence in service,
2010.
24. Parliamentary Award, 2010, South-west House of Representatives
member of the Decade, 2010.
25. African Parliamentary Award, Committee Chairman of the Decade, 2010.
26. Academy of Training and Employment, Newark, New Jersey Award, in
honour of her outstanding dedication, commitment and accomplishments to
the Nigerians in the Diaspora, especially in America, 2010.
27. Ikorodu Division Resource Development Group Award, in appreciation
of her laudable achievement and distinguished contribution to Ikorodu
Division in particular, and mankind in general, culminating in her
enviable admission into the Ikorodu Hall of Fame, 2010 .
28. Lagos State Indigenes Association, Abuja, Award as the best people’s
representative of the year 2010 and her contribution to the development
of state and Nigeria in general.
29. Catholic Youths Organization of Nigeria (CYON), Garki Deanery Award,
in recognition and honour of her contribution in advancing democracy in
Nigeria, 2010.
30. ROMAKEY CHILDREN DEVELOPMENT CENTRE Award, in recognition of her
selfless and immense contribution to the growth and development of the
organization, 2010.
31. Humanitas Magazine Patriotism Award as a distinguished Nigerian in
recognition and appreciation of her selfless and patriotic services to
the country and people of Nigeria, 2010.
32. NIDO Global Award, Canada, Federal Republic of Nigeria people choice
awards, 2010.
33. Certificate of Recognition from California Legislative Assembly, in
honour of her participation in the 2009 National Association of Seadogs
6th Annual Black History Celebration.
34. 1st National Waves Gold Award for Achievers, as the best House of
Reps. Member of the year, 2008.
35. Chief Obafemi Awolowo (AWOIST) leadership Award, as the Grand
Officer of the Masses (GOM), in due recognition of her roles as an
epitome their political heritage, selfless services to humanity as well
as vanguard for the emancipation of the downtrodden Nigerian populace in
her bid to orchestrate AWOISM in her political endeavours, 2008.
36. Legends’ Hall of Fame Award for inspiring qualities and outstanding
feats worthy of emulation, 2008.
37. Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Worker’s Union of Nigeria
(RATTAWU), Award, in recognition of her exemplary and visionary
leadership in her field of endeavour, 2008.
38. Association of Lagos State Indigenes, Kaduna, Award as a focused and
ingenious legislator, 2008.
39. National Association of Administrative Students of Nigeria (NAASN)
Award as a good replica of democracy, 2008.
40. Yar’adua/Jonathan Solidarity Forum (Home and Abroad) Award, un
recognition of her dedicated service to our great nation, 2008.
41. Role Model Award of The Association of Professional Women on Rural
Development (PWORD), 2008, in recognition of her unparalleled
achievements in her chosen career.
42.An Award of Excellence in Public Service from Business Day.
43. Certificate of Appreciation from the President, Board of Directors
and the Executive of The Nigerian Union, U.S.A, in recognition of her
outstanding leadership and sharing of the vision of the Nigerian
Union-U.S.A in building stability and Democracy of Nigeria through
participation in the “Nigerian Election 2007” Town Hall Forum in
Houston, Texas.
44. Commander of Great Ife (CGI), National Award, 2007.
45. Students Union Government, Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, Award of
excellence, in recognition of her 3rd Annual Ladies Week, 2007.
46. Uniife Muslim Graduates’ Association, Abuja (UNIFEMGA) award for
exemplary leadership, 2007.
47. President’s INTER-SUBEB Primary School Debate Programme Award, in
recognition of her noble contributions to the educational development in
Nigeria, 2007.
48. The Presidency and Ministry of Education Award, in recognition of
her noble contributions to the educational development in Nigeria, 2007.
49. This Day Representative of the year, 2006.
50. EKO Pioneers of Lagos Distinguished merit Award, in recognition of
her immense contribution towards the development of Lagos State, 2006.
51. Federal Ministry of information and National Orientation Award, in
recognition of her contribution to the success of The Nigeria Mothers
Summit, 2006.
52. Mothers’ United and Mobilized Award, to commemorate the inauguration
of Loyola Jesuit College, as a PTA Chapter, 2006.
53. Movement for Democracy and Visionary Leadership Award, in
recognition of her immense contribution to democratic development,
stable and peaceful united Nigeria, 2006.
54. Igbo People’s Action Congress (IPAC), Award, in recognition of her
outstanding role in the media industry, principles and qualitative
leadership roles at the National Assembly and total commitment to
democracy,2006.
55. Sardauna Magazine Excellence and Leadership Award, as the
Outstanding Female Legislator, 2006.
56. City People Award, as the Best Female Politician of the year 2006.
57. National Legislative Award 2005/2006.
58. Society for Self Employment and Self Reliance Award as the Most
Outstanding Female Honourable Member of the House of Representatives,
2005.
59. African Culture Institute and Zenith Bank JEWEL OF THE FUTURE Award,
2005.
60. Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), News Agency of Nigeria (NAN),
Chapel Award, in recognition of her distinguished performance and
contributions to the advancement of democracy, as a honourable member
of House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2004.
61. Independent Television and Radio Programme Producers Association of
Nigeria (INTARPPAN), Award, in commemoration of her investiture as
patroness of INTARPPAN, 2004.
62. Royal Achievers International Media Network Award, in recognition of
her initiative, loyalty and commitment to the overall growth and
development of her beloved country as well as for representing the hope
and aspirations of the world committee of patriotic women of integrity
in the era of global civilization,2004.
63. The Students Planning/Implementation Committee (SPIC), Lagos State
Polytechnic, School of Part- Time Studies, Ikorodu Annex Award as the
Most Vibrant Federal female Legislator (MVFFL) and in recognition of her
sublimity as a visionary leader, committed to youth empowerment and
social political development, 2004.
64. Faculty of Law, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Award of merit for her
laudable assistance towards the development of youths, 2004.
65. Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Award for commitment
to NIPR’s Campaign for National Reputation on Professional Excellence,
Human Dignity and Pride in Nigeria, 2004.
66. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Alumni Association, Lagos Branch
Award for Distinguished Alumni Outstanding Professional Attainment,
2004.
67. Students’ Union Government (SUG), House of Parliament, University of
Jos Award, as a ray of hope for this generation, 2004.
68. Society Role Model and Achievers Award, 2004.
69. Lead Bank Award, in congratulation for her position of leadership,
2003.
70. Prime International Achievers’ Award for distinguished private
individuals and Chief Executives of Corporate Organizations, in
recognition of her developmental achievement in Nigeria and West Africa,
2003.
71. UNICEF Child Friendly Award for Human Interest Reporting on the
Story of Mary, the Miracle Baby on NTA Newsline, 2003.
72. Rotary Club of Abuja District Merit Award for Community Service,
2003.
73. Prime International Gold Award for Distinguished Private Individuals
and Chief Executives of Corporate Organizations for Development and
Achievement in Nigeria and West Africa.
74. Lagos State House of Assembly Correspondents Association Outstanding
Award for consistently pursuing a noble cause and for being a Role Model
for Nigerian Women.
75. Named Millennium Model (Nov. 25, 2001). A tribute Excellence
sponsored by Platinum Bank to inspire present and future generations of
Nigerians, to their very best in this Millennium.
76. 5th Diamond Award for media excellence and TV Reporter of the year
1996.
77. Nigerian Media Merit Award (NMMA), as the 1995 winner of Cadbury
Nigeria Plc’s prize for TV Reporter of the year.
78. National Association of Administrative Students of Nigeria (NAASN)
Award for her enormous contribution to the Nigerian polity and strive
towards the Freedom of Information Bill (F.O.I).
79. Commendation from the Board of Supervisors, County of Alameda, State
of California.
80. PROLAYEE SPORT ACADEMY IKORODU Award of excellence for her exemplary
leadership.
81. African Leadership Prize (2)
82. Face of Russell and Creative Communicator Award, in recognition of
her contribution and achievement in the communication industry.
83. Northern Youth Coalition Movement (NYCM) award for excellent
performance.
84. Female Ministries Forum International Award of Excellence for the
Upliftment of Womanhood.
85. The Most Outstanding Female-led Head of a Government Federal Agency,
a Guardian Award as part of the Guardian’s Women’s Day Summit 2021;
86. Frontline Defender Award for Human Rights and Sustainable
Development by Drums Majors for Peace during the Stakeholders Summit of
Social Justice and Awards, 2021.
87. Integrity Icon of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Awards and gold
medalist in Public Administration by the Centre for Ethics and
Self-value Orientation.
88. Merit Award to the NiDCOM boss for her selfless efforts, doggedness,
humaneness and strategic leadership in the Diaspora by Educate Africa
Institute (EAI)
89. Certificate of Award on Innovative Diaspora Development on Diaspora
Reintegration and Partnership UN SDG#17, by Diaspora Innovation
Institute, USA (DII)
90. Global Excellence Award by Afro-Global Television, Toronto,
Canada.
In all of these awards, there is a high sense of fulfillment and elation
that comes to one, when one’s community honour a person. This is what
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa must have felt when she was given award during
the 30th Ikorodu Oga Day by the Ayangburen of Ikorodu Kingdom, His Royal
Majesty, Oba (Engr.) Kabir Adewale Shotobi, for lifting the standard of
Ikorodu, Lagos State and Nigeria, as a good Ambassador.
Of all these awards, honours and recognitions since 2003 till date, none
has change the nomenclature of her title than this latest one, hence its
uniqueness.
In the letter of nomination to her which was personally signed by the
Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Ibiyemi I. Olatunji-Bello mni
said” *the conferment of Honorary Doctorate Degree on you is in
recognition and appreciation of your immense contribution towards the
development of the Lagos State University and by extension, Lagos state
in particular.”*
Henceforth from Thursday March 24, 2022, the former Hon. Kafayat Abike
Dabiri-Erewa will now be known and addressed as Hon. (Dr) Kafayat Abike
Dabiri-Erewa. All former documents remain valid. Nigerians both home
and in the Diaspora should take note.
I hereby join numerous well wishers to felicitate with Hon. (Dr) Abike
Dabiri-Erewa on her conferment of Honorary Doctorate Degree from the
prestigious Lagos State University and pray that more laurels await her
in her future endeavours.
Like the Director General, World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi
Okonjo-Iweala said in an interview segment with Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa,
during the 2021 National Diaspora day celebration, that what was the
secret to her success; which she replied: “when you are doing something
you are passionate about, you will surely succeed”.
So being passionate to what you do, and believe in, will surely produce
something out of nothing; even in the presence of obstacles.
For the indefatigable Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa, she is a firm believer that
there are no alternative to hardwork. Despite several challenges, she
has managed to rise above it all to put the Nigeria Diaspora on the
global map. This mantra of hers, has set the pace for others to follow
through her relentless, energy and doggedness in service delivery to
Nigerians in the Diaspora.
Allah says again in Qur’an 2: verse 247 thus:
… ” Indeed, Allah has chosen him over you and has increased him
abundantly in knowledge and stature. And Allah gives His sovereignty to
whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing [in favor] and Knowing.”
Abdur-Rahman Balogun is the Head of Media, Public Relations and
Protocols of NIDCOM, Abuja.
