By Nkechi Eze
Honourable Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has lauded the resilience, patriotism and commitment to nation-building demonstrated by a Nigerian female biker, Ms. Chinyenwa Judith Amadi, and a United Kingdom–based professional boxer, Mr. Odera Okwvosa, describing their efforts as powerful examples of how Nigerians at home and in the diaspora can positively project the country’s image.
Dabiri-Erewa gave the commendation while receiving the duo at different times, noting that their individual journeys, though in different fields, were united by a shared passion for service, excellence and the promotion of Nigeria’s values on the global stage. According to an official statement signed by the Director of Media and Public Relations of NiDCOM, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the NiDCOM boss expressed pride in their achievements and assured them of the Commission’s readiness to collaborate with and support Nigerians whose work contributes meaningfully to national development.
The NiDCOM Chairman extolled Ms. Amadi for her historic long-distance power bike ride from Lagos to France and back to Nigeria, undertaken to raise awareness and funds for cancer patients who are unable to afford chemotherapy. She described the feat as a remarkable demonstration of courage, compassion and determination, noting that it had drawn international attention to both the cancer burden in Nigeria and the strength of Nigerian women.
Amadi, who rode her power bike to the NiDCOM Lagos office, began the journey on October 8, 2025, with the goal of raising ₦100 million to support cancer patients across the country. Despite sustaining an injury to her finger during an accident in Burkina Faso, which required stitches, she pressed on and successfully completed the demanding journey.
Speaking on her experience, Amadi said the trip was physically and emotionally exhausting, highlighting discrimination against Nigerians at some West African borders, poor road infrastructure, extreme cold weather and long-distance fatigue as some of the major obstacles she encountered. She explained that her motivation was deeply rooted in her desire to support cancer patients and to challenge long-standing societal expectations, particularly those placed on women from conservative backgrounds.
“I come from a place where women are not expected to do much, so I decided to ride for a cause and to change that narrative,” she said.
Originally from Owerri in Imo State, Amadi is also a yoga and fitness instructor. She used the opportunity to encourage young people with ambitious dreams to take bold steps, urging them not to delay their aspirations but to start and trust that clarity and opportunities would follow.
Dabiri-Erewa reaffirmed NiDCOM’s commitment to supporting initiatives like Amadi’s, stressing that the Commission would continue to partner with Nigerians whose personal sacrifices and professional callings uplift vulnerable groups and enhance the country’s reputation globally.
In the same vein, the NiDCOM Chairman also hosted Mr. Odera Okwvosa, a Nigerian professional boxer based in the United Kingdom, who was accompanied by his brother, Mr. Henry Okwvosa. Dabiri-Erewa praised Odera for consistently projecting a positive image of Nigeria through his sporting career, social media presence and public engagements abroad, describing him as a worthy ambassador of Nigerian resilience and talent.
Odera, who was recently in Nigeria during the “Detty December” festivities, said the country’s vibrant culture and the warmth of its people were the main reasons he continually returned home.
“What keeps bringing me back is the culture and the love I receive whenever I’m home,” he said, adding that he plans to participate more actively in future diaspora programmes organised by NiDCOM.
A fitness entrepreneur, media influencer, author and professional sportsman, Odera has won multiple heavyweight titles, including the British University Championship, two London titles, the East Midlands title and the UK National title. Dabiri-Erewa assured him of NiDCOM’s willingness to collaborate with him in mentorship and youth-focused initiatives that harness sports and fitness as tools for empowerment and positive national branding.
She reiterated that NiDCOM remains committed to engaging Nigerians in the diaspora and at home, fostering partnerships that showcase the country’s talent, compassion and capacity for global impact.
