By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has congratulated KC Ohaebosim and Shirley U. Emehelu on their historic emergence as Lieutenant Governors of Kansas and New Jersey in the United States.
The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described their achievements as significant milestones for Nigeria and the Nigerian diaspora, noting that their emergence reflects the growing influence and leadership capacity of Nigerians abroad.
According to an official statement signed by the Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit of NiDCOM, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Ohaebosim, a Democrat from Wichita, was elected Lieutenant Governor of Kansas, becoming the first Nigerian-American to occupy the position in the United States.
Similarly, Emehelu, a Nigerian-born lawyer, was appointed Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey by Governor Mikie Sherrill, making her the first immigrant to hold the office in the state.
Her appointment also marks a historic development in New Jersey, as the state’s two highest executive offices are now occupied by women for the first time.
Dabiri-Erewa said the achievements were not merely personal victories but a source of pride for Nigeria and its citizens in the diaspora.
She noted that their success demonstrated the excellence, resilience and leadership potential of Nigerians living abroad, adding that their emergence would inspire young Nigerians at home and overseas to pursue public service and leadership positions with confidence.
The NiDCOM boss urged the newly elected and appointed officials to use their positions to continue representing Nigeria with integrity, excellence and distinction, while wishing them productive tenures.
Ohaebosim’s emergence has also brought to 15 the number of Nigerians elected to public offices in the United States.
Among other notable Nigerian-American political office holders are Will Jawando, Montgomery County Executive in Maryland; Oye Owolewa, At-Large Member of the DC Council; and Junior Ezeonu, Texas House Representative for District 101.
Others include Olaleye Onikuyide of Connecticut, Ukeme Jeter of Ohio, Odus Evbagharha of Texas and Carol Kazeem, who retained her seat in the Pennsylvania House.
In Georgia, Gabe Okoye, Phil Olaleye and Solomon Adesanya also won their respective State House elections, while Segun Adeyina secured victory in District 110.
Esther Agbaje was re-elected to the Minnesota House, while Justin Onwenu won in Michigan and Janelle Anyanonu in New Mexico.
Dabiri-Erewa commended all the Nigerian-American candidates for their commitment to public service and wished them successful and impactful tenures.
