Abike Dabiri-Erewa’s Journey from School Athlete to Diaspora Champion
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), reflects on her athletic past and how it informs her current work connecting with Nigerian athletes abroad. During her school days at St. Teresa’s College, Ibadan, she was a sports prefect, excelling in track events like the 400m, 800m, and one mile, even representing the Western State in competitions. She acknowledges the importance of investing in youth sports for both physical and cognitive development, echoing her support for initiatives like the table tennis tournament organized by Yemi Edun, encouraging diaspora Nigerians to give back to their communities. Although she participated in a lighthearted table tennis exhibition match recently, her primary focus during her school days remained track and field. While she recalls some contemporaries like Senior Glory Ayanlaja and the late Yinka Folorunso, she never pursued a professional athletic career, noting that academics were often prioritized over sports for bright students. Although her sporting pursuits didn’t lead to a professional career, Dabiri-Erewa maintains a keen interest in sports, particularly football and basketball, drawn to any sport that elevates Nigeria’s global standing. She wholeheartedly supports Nigerian national teams, emphasizing the importance of nurturing local talent and fostering a sense of patriotism in sports.
Her passion for sports extends beyond mere fandom. As the head of NiDCOM, Dabiri-Erewa actively engages with Nigerian athletes in the diaspora, recognizing their potential to contribute to the nation’s sporting prowess. She acknowledges the challenges faced by athletes abroad, including encounters with unscrupulous agents, and stresses the need for support and guidance. She cites the example of the D’Tigress, Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, whose performance at the Olympics sparked a sense of national pride, highlighting the talent pool available amongst Nigerians abroad, like the Ogwumike sisters in the WNBA. Dabiri-Erewa is committed to facilitating connections between these athletes and Nigeria’s sporting bodies, aiming to create pathways for them to represent their homeland. Her vision involves collaborative efforts with the National Sports Commission (NSC) to address the frustrations and bureaucratic hurdles that sometimes hinder athletes’ participation.
Dabiri-Erewa emphasizes the importance of reaching out to diaspora athletes, understanding their needs, and providing them with the necessary support, including something as basic as training kits. She believes that by nurturing both homegrown and diaspora talent, Nigeria can significantly elevate its standing in the global sports arena.
Dabiri-Erewa’s work with NiDCOM involves addressing various challenges faced by Nigerians abroad. One recurring issue is athletes, especially footballers, falling prey to fraudulent agents who make empty promises, leaving them stranded in foreign countries. She recalls the case of Jerry Moses from Taraba State, emphasizing that many such cases go unreported. NiDCOM collaborates with the Ministry of Sports and the NSC to repatriate these stranded athletes and raise awareness about the risks of unscrupulous agents. Beyond repatriation, Dabiri-Erewa advocates for a more comprehensive approach to athlete welfare, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and resources to navigate the complexities of international sports.
Furthermore, Dabiri-Erewa firmly believes in equal pay for athletes, not just within the sporting arena but across all professions. She sees this as a fundamental principle of fairness and equity. This stance aligns with her broader vision of a more inclusive and equitable society, where talent and hard work are recognized and rewarded regardless of gender. Her advocacy for equal pay reflects a commitment to addressing systemic inequalities and empowering individuals to achieve their full potential.
In conclusion, Abike Dabiri-Erewa’s background in sports has shaped her understanding of its power to unite and inspire. Her current role at NiDCOM allows her to channel this understanding into tangible action, connecting with Nigerian athletes in the diaspora, addressing their challenges, and advocating for their rights. She envisions a future where Nigerian athletes, both at home and abroad, have the support and opportunities they need to excel on the world stage, bringing honour and recognition to their nation. Her dedication to their welfare and her unwavering belief in the potential of Nigerian sports underscore her commitment to building a stronger, more vibrant diaspora community.
Dabiri-Erewa’s proactive approach to engaging with Nigerian athletes abroad exemplifies her commitment to maximizing the nation’s sporting potential. Her efforts to bridge the gap between diaspora athletes and Nigerian sports authorities demonstrate a strategic vision for developing and nurturing talent. By addressing the challenges faced by these athletes, she aims to create a more conducive environment for them to contribute to the growth of Nigerian sports. Her advocacy for equal pay further underscores her dedication to fairness and equality within the sporting world.
Through NiDCOM, Dabiri-Erewa acts as a vital link between Nigerians in the diaspora and their homeland, facilitating their contributions to various sectors, including sports. Her work goes beyond simply addressing immediate concerns; it focuses on long-term strategies for empowering diaspora communities and fostering their connections with Nigeria. Her vision for Nigerian sports is one of inclusivity, where talent is recognized and nurtured regardless of geographical location. By advocating for the rights and welfare of Nigerian athletes abroad, she champions their potential to elevate the nation’s sporting prowess on the global stage.
Her holistic approach, encompassing both individual athlete support and systemic advocacy, sets the stage for a more vibrant and successful future for Nigerian sports. Dabiri-Erewa’s efforts reflect a deep understanding of the transformative power of sports, not just as a form of entertainment, but as a platform for national pride, unity, and development. Her commitment to this vision positions her as a key figure in shaping the future of Nigerian sports, both at home and in the diaspora.
Dabiri-Erewa’s work is not merely about repatriating stranded athletes; it is about creating a supportive ecosystem that empowers them to thrive. By working closely with the relevant ministries and sports commissions, she aims to establish clear guidelines and regulations that protect athletes from exploitation. Her focus on prevention, rather than just reaction, demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing the challenges faced by Nigerian athletes abroad. This commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment for athletes is crucial for nurturing the next generation of sporting talent.
Finally, Dabiri-Erewa’s advocacy for equal pay in sports is not just about financial parity; it’s about recognizing the equal value and contribution of female athletes. Her stance reflects a broader commitment to gender equality and empowerment, extending beyond the realm of sports. By championing this cause, she inspires other women and girls to pursue their sporting dreams and challenges traditional gender roles within the sporting world. Her voice adds to the growing chorus demanding equal recognition and opportunities for women in all spheres of life.
