JSA-LASUAASOC CELEBRATES WITH HON. ABIKE DABIRI-EREWA @ 50

Journalism students hail Dabiri-Erewa as she clocks 50

BY IKENNA ASOMBA

As members of the House of Representatives celebrate with Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman, House Committee on Diaspora Matters, on her 50^th birthday today (11/10/12), the Journalism Students' Association of the prestigious Lagos State University-Adebola Adegunwa School of Communication (JSA-LASUAASOC), Surulere, also joined forces to celebrate the dynamic representative.

In a birthday message signed by JSA President, Com. Timothy Asomba, the department applauded the ace broadcaster for her outstanding performances in the lower chambers, especially in her efforts to see that the Freedom of Information Bill (FoIB) was passed into an act by the 6^th Assembly.

It reads: “We have followed your track records of excellence, as member of the 5^th, 6^th and 7^th assembly, especially to see the onerous but successful passage of the Freedom of Information Bill (FoIB) into an act and working tirelessly along other lawmakers to stand against the third term bid of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

“Moreso, in appreciation of your developmental grassroots projects and love towards empowering women, youths and children, JSA deems it fit to heartily celebrates with you today, Thursday, October 11, 2012, on attaining the golden age of 50. We wish you long life, prosperity and many happy returns from God Almighty.”

HER BIOGRAPHY

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa is the daughter of Alhaji and Alhaja Ashafa Erogbogbo. Her dad Alhaji Ashafa is one of the children of late Alhaji Sule Erogbogbo of Adegorunsen Compound, Ajina square, Ita -Agbodo, Ikorodu. Her parents distinguished themselves in their career and taught Abike, the significance of hard work, to believe in the power of education and instilled in her a love for the Country.

EDUCATIONAL CAREER

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa started her education in 1968 at Maryland Private School in Ikeja, from where she proceeded to Saint Theresa’s College, Oke Ado, Ibadan. Abike then, moved on to Lagos Polytechnic for her basic studies and later to Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, where she graduated with a B.A Hons in English Language. In pursuit of her quest for knowledge, she obtained a Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) in Mass Communication and also a Masters Degree in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka. This amazon of intelligence also attended the Harvard University (Kennedy School of Government) USA.

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa nee (Erogbogbo) is happily married to Segun Erewa and they are blessed with children.

NTA CAREER

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa fondly called “Mother of Theresa of the tube” prides herself in her outstanding career as a broadcaster. She spent 15 years of distinguished and meritorious service at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). While in NTA she gained a strong understanding of the industry because of her dedication, inquisitive and professionalism. She anchored the weekly NTA News line programme to the delight of millions of Nigerians, irrespective of their tribe or religion.

Hon. Dabiri warmed her way into the hearts of many with her gallantry efforts of using television as an effective tool to draw attention to the Millions of Nigerians suffering from the pains of poverty and injustice. Her commitment and passionate dedication to duty while working on several heart touching News line stories stood her out and endeared her to many. We all still remember her bravery while investigating the story of little Mary, the miracle baby for 8 years.

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY CAREER

A firm believer in the importance of service to humanity, she voluntarily retired from the services of the Nigerian Television Authority to contest as a member of the House of Representative and swept the poll with a landslide victory. Joining the House in 1999, she became first, the chairman of the House Committee on Media and Publicity.

In 2007, she was re-elected the Second time into the Green Chambers, where she became the Chairman, House Committee on Diaspora Affairs, a new Committee with the challenge of ensuring that Nigerians in Diaspora are integrated into developmental activities of their motherland. During this period, Hon. Dabiri-Erewa distinguished herself by working tirelessly and was one of the lawmakers that stood against the third term bid of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

During the last general election in 2011, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa was re-elected for a third term, even as she was active in ensuring the Freedom of Information Bill (FoIB) was passed into an Act and signed by President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday, May 29, 2011.

A widely travelled woman. She represents Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Lagos in the House of Representatives. Her doggedness in the pursuit for justice, equity and welfare for the rights of the common man no doubt made her constituency to keep her on board.

Despite the rigours of her job, Abike is always loving, humble and sensitive to the plights of people. By natural inclination, she has time for everybody she comes across, notwithstanding status. Always going beyond the call of duty to help, no matter what the odds are. To this woman, politics should be all about service, humanity and making a difference in the life of the electorate.

Going beyond the call of political duty due to her compassionate nature, made Abike to initiate the Abike Dabiri Foundation. Many children have benefited immensely from this course. Abike, by a wide consensus, has been a role model to many, particularly women. She is a hallmark of integrity in service. A woman of strength and character, hers has been a 50 years of distinguished life.