Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has stated that Nigeria will not press newly elected UK Conservative Party leader, Kemi Badenoch, to identify with her Nigerian heritage. Speaking on Channels Television’s *The Morning Brief* program, Dabiri-Erewa revealed that NiDCOM has reached out to Badenoch several times without receiving a response, emphasizing that any connection to Nigerian roots is a personal choice.
“It depends on if she identifies the Nigerianess in her,” Dabiri-Erewa said. “We have reached out to her once or twice without any response, so we don’t force people to accept to be Nigerian. If you appreciate the Nigerianess in you and want to work with us, we are open to everybody.”
She referenced previous diaspora cases, such as Miss Universe Nigeria in South Africa, who actively connected with her Nigerian heritage during a difficult time. Dabiri-Erewa highlighted that NiDCOM is available to all Nigerians in the diaspora who wish to engage with their roots but respects the personal decision to do so.
READ ALSO: Miss Universe Nigeria Chidinma Adetshina Thanks Nigerians for Support During NIDCOM Visit
Badenoch, elected as Conservative Party leader last Saturday, emerged victorious over former immigration minister Robert Jenrick, winning 57 percent of the vote. She has become the first black leader of a UK-wide political party, succeeding Rishi Sunak following his resignation after the party’s poor performance in the July general elections. Born in London, Badenoch spent part of her childhood in Lagos, Nigeria, and the United States before returning to the UK at 16 due to Nigeria’s challenging economic and political climate, which had impacted her family.
As Badenoch assumes her role in British politics, she acknowledged the tough road ahead, saying, “We have to be honest about the fact we made mistakes” and “let standards slip.” She emphasized the importance of a fresh start, stating, “It is time to get down to business, it is time to renew.”
