By Nkechi Eze
A historic milestone was recorded in Cross River State on Friday, September 5, 2025, as the First Lady of the state, Her Excellency Rev. (Mrs.) Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, joined the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, to officially inaugurate the Cross River State Diaspora Commission (CRIDCOM) office in Calabar.
The event, which marked the conclusion of a two-day working visit by Dr. Dabiri-Erewa to Cross River, was described as a bold and visionary step towards engaging indigenes of the state in the diaspora for socio-economic growth and development.
In an official statement issued by Gabriel Odu of NiDCOM’s Media and Public Relations Unit, it was disclosed that Dr. Dabiri-Erewa was warmly received upon her arrival by the Chairman of CRIDCOM, Prince Otu Okor, alongside other commissioners. She immediately proceeded to the Government House, where she held a high-level meeting with the State Governor, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu.
Governor Otu, during the meeting, lauded the NiDCOM boss for her trailblazing role in reshaping global perceptions about Nigerians abroad and for spearheading policies that have fostered stronger ties between the country and its diaspora. “Prior to your leadership, there was a gap between Nigeria and other nations. Now, that narrative has transformed,” the Governor stated, adding that Dr. Dabiri-Erewa’s impressive track record inspired the swift establishment of the Cross River Diaspora Commission office.
Responding, Dr. Dabiri-Erewa described the development as historic, noting that Cross River has become the first state in Nigeria to set up a dedicated, state-level Diaspora Commission building. She commended Governor Otu’s foresight and commitment to diaspora affairs, even joking that NiDCOM’s national headquarters could as well relocate to Calabar, given the impressive standard of the new office. She further hailed the appointment of Prince Otu Okor, a pioneer staff of NiDCOM, as Chairman of CRIDCOM, observing that his background and experience ensured that “he hit the ground running.”
The following day witnessed the colourful inauguration ceremony of the CRIDCOM office, which was graced by dignitaries, including the First Lady of the state, Rev. (Mrs.) Eyoanwan Bassey Otu. The event underscored the state government’s resolve to tap into the vast potentials of its diaspora community in driving sustainable development.
