Elevating Excellence: The Humanitarian and Progressive Case for Abike Dabiri-Erewa’s Ministerial Appointment -By John Egbeazien Oshodi

In the intricate dance of Nigerian governance, where the steps of policy and personality intertwine, Abike Dabiri-Erewa has emerged as a beacon of unwavering dedication and profound empathy. Her odyssey from the newsroom to the corridors of power, culminating in her stewardship at NiDCOM, is a saga of service that echoes the pulse of Nigeria.
Dabiri-Erewa’s tenure has been a testament to her proactive and empathetic leadership, most notably in her pivotal role in rescuing Nigerian girls from the jaws of exploitation in Ghana. This act of compassionate assertiveness is a reflection of her deep-seated psychological investment in the well-being of Nigerians, a trait that is both rare and invaluable in the realm of governance.

The psychological landscape of Nigerian politics is one where assertiveness can be both a sword and a shield. Dabiri-Erewa’s advocacy for the rights and welfare of Nigerians, both at home and abroad, has undoubtedly positioned her as a formidable force. Yet, in the same vein, her assertiveness may have raised concerns among those who perceive strength through the lens of potential severity. It is a testament to her leadership that she navigates these perceptions with grace, ensuring that her actions are driven by a deep commitment to the collective good rather than a desire for confrontation. Mr. President, as fellow Lagosians, you appreciate the delicate equilibrium between assertiveness and approachability, a balance that Dabiri-Erewa has adeptly mastered.

President Tinubu, the moment has arrived to transcend any individual or societal inclinations that may have hindered her ascent. Your profound insight into Dabiri-Erewa’s capabilities, nurtured by your shared Lagosian heritage, and the journey you both embarked on, traversing the diverse landscapes of Nigeria during the campaign, uniquely positions you to make a decision that soars above mere Nigerian sentiments. It is an occasion to exalt excellence and invest in a leader who has tirelessly demonstrated her commitment to propelling the nation forward.

Her extensive experience and proven track record are not merely indicators of her past achievements but also harbingers of her potential to serve Nigeria at an even loftier capacity. Elevating her to a ministerial position would not only be a recognition of her contributions but also an opportunity to harness her ability to spearhead meaningful change within the administration.

Furthermore, the psychological impact of appointing a woman of Dabiri-Erewa’s stature cannot be understated. In a landscape where gender diversity is still a beacon striving for the horizon, her elevation would symbolize a significant stride towards embracing the multifaceted perspectives that women bring to leadership. It would enrich the decision-making process, fostering a more inclusive and empathetic governance.

President Tinubu, the decision to appoint Abike Dabiri-Erewa to a ministerial position transcends mere recognition of her achievements. It is a psychological maneuver that surpasses Nigerian sentiments, an opportunity to elevate excellence and empower a leader who personifies the spirit of service and resilience.

In contemplating this appointment, you are not merely endorsing an individual but also making a declaration about the values Nigeria cherishes – dedication, empathy, and the strength of diversity. Dabiri-Erewa’s inclusion in your ministerial cabinet would broadcast a powerful message about the psychological metamorphosis Nigeria is undergoing, a transformation that values assertiveness, empathy, and excellence in equal measure.

As you ponder this decision, Mr. President, consider the profound psychological impact it will have on the nation. It is an opportunity to redefine leadership, to elevate those who have demonstrated a commitment to the collective good, and to inspire a generation of Nigerians who aspire to see their country flourish. Abike Dabiri-Erewa’s appointment would be a testament to your vision for Nigeria, a vision that prioritizes excellence, empathy, and the empowerment of those who have dedicated their lives to serving the nation.

The recent crises involving Nigerian students at Teesside University in the UK and the escalating tension at the Russia-Ukraine border in 2022 further illustrate Dabiri-Erewa’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of Nigerians in the diaspora. In both instances, her leadership at NiDCOM was instrumental in addressing the challenges faced by Nigerians abroad.

In the UK, when Nigerian students were threatened with deportation due to their inability to pay tuition fees on time, exacerbated by Nigeria’s currency crisis, Dabiri-Erewa and her team at NIDCOM sprang into action. Their immediate response to the crisis, including diplomatic interventions and appeals for justice and fairness, underscores her dedication to supporting the vulnerable among the Nigerian diaspora.

Likewise, in 2022, as tensions soared at the Russia-Ukraine border, Nigerian students and their families were enveloped in unease and fear. The crisis, rooted in political decisions and territorial disputes, led to a substantial buildup of Russian troops near Ukraine’s borders, prompting several countries to advise their citizens to evacuate. Amidst this tumult, Dabiri-Erewa’s leadership was instrumental in ensuring the safety and security of Nigerian students in Ukraine. Her guidance to remain calm, be security-conscious, and follow the registration process through the Nigerian Embassy in Kiev was a beacon of hope for Nigerians entangled in the web of international conflict.

Beyond crisis management, Dabiri-Erewa’s dedication to excellence is evident in her advocacy for diaspora skills transfer to enhance Nigeria’s healthcare sector. In a discourse with Dr. Monica Simi Alabi, a Nigerian-UK based medical specialist in Healthcare Policy and Leadership, Dabiri-Erewa underscored the significance of collaboration between Nigerians at home and abroad for the nation’s development.

She emphasized Nigeria’s wealth of top-tier medical practitioners globally and the potential benefits of partnering with professionals overseas to bolster the nation’s healthcare delivery system. Dabiri-Erewa’s commendation of Dr. Alabi’s contributions and her assurance of NiDCOM’s support for initiatives aimed at improving healthcare access within Nigeria reflect her belief in the critical role of a healthy nation in economic growth.

Dabiri-Erewa’s endeavors in channeling talent and service towards Nigeria’s development extend beyond healthcare. Her leadership at NiDCOM has been pivotal in fostering a culture of diaspora engagement that seeks to harness the skills, expertise, and resources of Nigerians abroad for the nation’s socio-economic advancement.

Her approach is grounded in the understanding that Nigeria’s development is a collaborative endeavor that requires the concerted efforts of all its citizens, both at home and in the diaspora. Dabiri-Erewa’s initiatives aim to build a bridge between Nigeria and its diaspora, leveraging the diaspora’s talent and service to address some of the nation’s most pressing challenges.

The psychological landscape of Nigerian politics is one where assertiveness can be both a sword and a shield. Dabiri-Erewa’s advocacy for the rights and welfare of Nigerians, both at home and abroad, has undoubtedly positioned her as a formidable force. Yet, in the same vein, her assertiveness may have raised concerns among those who perceive strength through the lens of potential severity. It is a testament to her leadership that she navigates these perceptions with grace, ensuring that her actions are driven by a deep commitment to the collective good rather than a desire for confrontation. Mr. President, as fellow Lagosians, you appreciate the delicate equilibrium between assertiveness and approachability, a balance that Dabiri-Erewa has adeptly mastered.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa’s appointment to a ministerial position would not only be a recognition of her past contributions but also an empowerment to effect significant improvements within the Nigerian administration. Her leadership, characterized by empathy, assertiveness, and a deep psychological investment in the welfare of Nigerians, makes her an exemplary candidate for a ministerial role. President Tinubu, in considering Dabiri-Erewa for this appointment, you would be endorsing a leader who embodies the values of service, resilience, and excellence, values that are indispensable for Nigeria’s progress and prosperity.

Moreover, Dabiri-Erewa’s potential elevation to a ministerial position would send a powerful message about the importance of gender diversity in leadership. Nigeria, like many nations, stands to gain immensely from having more women in pivotal administrative roles. The perspectives and experiences of women bring a unique and invaluable dimension to policy-making and governance, and Dabiri-Erewa’s inclusion would undoubtedly enrich the decision-making process within the administration.

President Tinubu, considering Abike Dabiri-Erewa for a ministerial position would be a strategic move that acknowledges her past efforts, leverages her expertise, and promotes gender equality in your administration. It would also be a testament to your commitment to building a more inclusive and effective government that reflects the diverse talents and voices of all Nigerians.

In conclusion, Abike Dabiri-Erewa’s appointment to a cabinet position would not only recognize her past contributions but also empower her to bring about significant improvements within the Nigerian administration. Her leadership, characterized by empathy, assertiveness, and a deep psychological investment in the welfare of Nigerians, makes her an ideal candidate for a ministerial role. President Tinubu, in considering Dabiri-Erewa for this appointment, you would be endorsing a leader who embodies the values of service, resilience, and excellence, values that are essential for Nigeria’s progress and prosperity.

John Egbeazien Oshodi

Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi, born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, is an American-based police and prison scientist, forensic psychologist, public policy psychologist, and legal psychologist. He’s a government advisor on forensic-clinical psychological services in the USA and the founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation for Psychological Health. With a significant role in introducing forensic psychology to Nigeria through N.U.C. and Nasarawa State University, he’s also a former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Psychological Association. He’s taught at esteemed institutions like Florida Memorial University, Florida International University, Nova Southeastern University, and more, and is currently an online faculty member at Weldios University, Nexus International University, and Walden University. John.Oshodi@mail.waldenu.edu