Dabiri-Erewa Hails Nigerian-Americans Over Historic US Lieutenant Governor Wins
ABUJA — The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa has congratulated Nigerian-Americans KC Ohaebosim and Shirley U. Emehelu on their historic emergence as Lieutenant Governors in the United States.
In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by NiDCOM’s Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa described the achievements as a source of immense pride for Nigeria and the global Nigerian diaspora.
Ohaebosim, a Democrat from Wichita, was recently elected Lieutenant Governor of Kansas, making him the first Nigerian-American to hold the office in the United States.
Similarly, Nigerian-born lawyer Shirley U. Emehelu was appointed Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey by Governor Mikie Sherrill, becoming the first immigrant to occupy the position in the state.
Emehelu’s appointment also marked a historic milestone for New Jersey, as women now simultaneously hold the state’s two highest executive offices for the first time.
According to Dabiri-Erewa, the breakthroughs demonstrate the excellence, resilience, and leadership capacity of Nigerians abroad.
She expressed confidence that their accomplishments would inspire young Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora to pursue public service and leadership roles.
The NiDCOM boss urged the newly elevated officials to use their offices to continue representing Nigeria with integrity, excellence, and distinction while wishing them productive tenures.
Ohaebosim’s electoral victory brings the total number of Nigerian-Americans elected to various public offices in the recent US elections to 15.
Among the other notable winners celebrated by the commission are Will Jawando, elected Montgomery County Executive in Maryland; Oye Owolewa, At-Large Member of the Washington, D.C. Council; and Junior Ezeonu, Texas House Representative for District 101.
The list of successful candidates also includes Olaleye Onikuyide in Connecticut, Ukeme Jeter in Ohio, Odus Evbagharha in Texas, Justin Onwenu in Michigan, and Janelle Anyanonu in New Mexico.
In Pennsylvania and Minnesota, Carol Kazeem and Esther Agbaje successfully retained their respective State House seats, while Gabe Okoye, Phil Olaleye, Solomon Adesanya, and Segun Adeyina (District 110) all secured State House victories in Georgia.
Dabiri-Erewa commended all the elected officials for their dedication to public service and wished them impactful tenures in office.
