Dabiri-Erewa Inaugurates Cross River’s First Diaspora Commission Office

Dabiri-Erewa Inaugurates Cross River’s First Diaspora Commission Office
Governor Otu praises her leadership for strengthening Nigeria’s diaspora ties.
CRIDCOM aims to harness diaspora skills, resources, and investments.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has inaugurated the Cross River State Diaspora Commission (CRIDCOM), marking the first state-level diaspora office in Nigeria.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Dabiri-Erewa carried out the commissioning during a two-day working visit to the state, which ended on Friday, September 5. On arrival, she was received by the Chairman of CRIDCOM, Prince Otu Okor, alongside other officials, before proceeding to a courtesy meeting with Governor Bassey Edet Otu at the Government House, Calabar.

Governor Otu commended Dabiri-Erewa for her leadership in bridging the gap between Nigeria and its diaspora communities, stressing that her efforts have transformed the country’s global engagement. “Prior to your leadership, there was a gap between Nigeria and other nations. Now, that narrative has transformed,” the governor said. He added that her work inspired the swift establishment of the Cross River State Diaspora Commission.

In her remarks, Dabiri-Erewa hailed Cross River for setting a national precedent by opening a dedicated diaspora office. “When I saw your diaspora office, I jokingly said NiDCOM’s headquarters could relocate here,” she said, praising the governor for appointing Prince Otu Okor, a pioneer NiDCOM staff member, to head the commission.

The official commissioning of CRIDCOM, witnessed by the First Lady of Cross River State, Rev. (Mrs.) Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, and top government officials, was described by Dabiri-Erewa as a remarkable milestone. She said the office would deepen diaspora engagement and “open more doors of opportunities” for the state.

Cross River’s First Diaspora Commission Office

The establishment of CRIDCOM is expected to strategically harness the skills, resources, and investments of Cross River indigenes abroad to foster growth and development at home.

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