The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has congratulated two distinguished Nigerian professionals, Ugwechi Amadi and Professor Oghenetega Ighedo, for achieving major milestones on the global stage, describing their accomplishments as a testament to the excellence, resilience and intellectual capacity of Nigerians in the diaspora.
According to an official statement signed by the Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols of NiDCOM, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said the achievements of the two women have brought pride to Nigeria and reinforced the country’s reputation as a source of global talent.
Dabiri-Erewa noted that their success demonstrates the growing impact of Nigerians across diverse sectors worldwide, while inspiring younger generations to pursue excellence in leadership, academia, science and innovation.
The statement highlighted the recent appointment of Ugwechi Amadi as Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of McDonald’s, describing it as another significant milestone in her distinguished international career.
Amadi, a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and a Rhodes Scholar with a doctorate from the University of Oxford, previously held senior leadership positions at LIV Golf, Nike and the Boston Consulting Group (BCG).
The Commission also celebrated Professor Oghenetega Ighedo for making history as the first Black woman to earn a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Pure Mathematics from the University of South Africa (UNISA).
According to the statement, Professor Ighedo currently serves as an Associate Professor of Mathematical Sciences at UNISA, where she has distinguished herself through teaching, research and academic excellence while inspiring greater participation of women and girls in mathematics and other science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
Dabiri-Erewa said the achievements of both women underscore the importance of expanding opportunities for young Nigerians, particularly women and girls, to excel in leadership, science, technology, engineering and mathematics, as well as other strategic sectors critical to national and global development.
She commended Amadi and Ighedo for breaking barriers in their respective professions and serving as role models for aspiring young Nigerians.
The NiDCOM Chairman reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to recognising and promoting the achievements of Nigerians in the diaspora, noting that their accomplishments continue to strengthen Nigeria’s global image while fostering stronger connections between Nigerians abroad and the homeland.
She also wished both women continued success in their careers and expressed confidence that they would continue to make meaningful contributions to global development while inspiring future generations of Nigerians.
