Amina Mohammed, Okonjo-Iweala, and Others Receive Diaspora Global Icon Award

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has honoured Amina Mohammed, the deputy secretary general of the United Nations, and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the director-general of the World Trade Organisation with national diaspora merit awards. 

Emeritus Professor Augustine Esogbue, Mobolaji Aluko, and Rotimi Jayesimi were among the more than 20 other Nigerians in the diaspora who won prizes. Also, Akinwumi Adesina, president of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), was also awarded. According to a statement released by the African Development Bank, Adesina was given the award because of the exemplary work he has done as a member of the Nigerian "diaspora global icon." Mr Adesina oversaw the AfDB's fastest-ever reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic and its largest-ever capital increase under his presidency.

The fields covered range from academia to government, IT, leadership training, healthcare, transportation to charity and athletics.

Meanwhile, NIDCOM CEO Abike Dabiri-Erewa remarked that Adesina's National Diaspora Merit Award was bestowed upon him because of the selfless contribution he has rendered to his country.

“This award is predicated upon the importance of recognising and celebrating Nigerians in the diaspora who have excelled in their various fields of endeavour and contributed to the development of Nigeria,” stated Ms Dabiri-Erewa. “These exceptional Nigerians have, over time, contributed to making Nigeria a better place in their own capacities.”

She went on to say, "It is therefore crucial that the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Commission, recognise their remarkable feats."