The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has commended Australia for five decades of celebrating the history, culture and achievements of its Indigenous peoples, describing culture as the bedrock upon which nations are built.
According to an official signed statement by the Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, NiDCOM, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa made the remarks while speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at a reception hosted by the Australian High Commission in Abuja to commemorate the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week.
She said she was honoured to join Australia in celebrating the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, noting that Nigeria shares similar values of cultural diversity and resilience.
“As Chairman of NiDCOM, I come not just as a representative of the Nigerian Government, but as a sister from another part of the world that also understands the power of resilience, culture and community,” she said.
Dabiri-Erewa said an exhibition showcased during the event resonated with her personal heritage, adding that many of the photographs reflected experiences common to Indigenous communities around the world.
She also highlighted the Aboriginal English word “Deadly,” which signifies strength, excellence and pride, describing it as an apt reflection of the significance of the 50-year milestone being celebrated.
The NiDCOM Chairman said Australia’s commitment to preserving and promoting the culture, language and leadership of its First Nations peoples offers valuable lessons in inclusive nation-building.
She stressed that Nigeria, with its more than 250 ethnic groups and rich indigenous traditions, equally possesses immense cultural diversity that should be preserved and celebrated.
“Without culture, you are empty. When you lose your culture, you lose everything,” she said.
Speaking on this year’s NAIDOC Week theme, Dabiri-Erewa said it underscores the importance of empowering the next generation, pointing to the achievements of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander professionals in various fields.
She drew parallels with young Nigerians in the diaspora who continue to distinguish themselves globally while maintaining strong ties to their cultural heritage, adding that leaders have a responsibility to create opportunities that enable them to thrive.
Also speaking at the event, the Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Leilani Bin-Juda, said the relationship between Australia and Nigeria extends beyond trade and diplomacy to encompass shared values, cultural exchange and enduring people-to-people connections.
She noted that although both countries differ in many respects, they share a deep appreciation for culture, identity and community, adding that their growing bilateral relationship is anchored on mutual respect, trade, investment and cooperation across several sectors.
The event featured a screening of Gurrumul, the acclaimed Australian documentary chronicling the life of Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu, the late Indigenous Australian singer-songwriter who became Australia’s most commercially successful First Nations artist despite being born blind.
NAIDOC Week is an annual celebration of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, with this year’s edition marking its 50th anniversary.
