UK’s Kemi Badenoch snubbing us, we’ve reached our to her – NiDCOM chairman Abike

The Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has revealed that attempts to reach out to newly elected UK Conservative Party leader, Kemi Badenoch, went unanswered.

Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Dabiri-Erewa clarified that NiDCOM respects Badenoch’s choice regarding her connection to her Nigerian roots.

“We reached out to her once or twice, but there was no response,” Dabiri-Erewa stated, adding that NiDCOM doesn’t impose Nigerian identity on anyone who may choose not to embrace it.

Dabiri-Erewa highlighted that NiDCOM has successfully engaged with other prominent figures in the diaspora, citing the example of a former Miss Universe Nigeria who reconnected with her Nigerian roots after encountering challenges in South Africa. This approach reflects NiDCOM’s mission to support Nigerians abroad who wish to connect with their heritage while respecting individual choices.

“She then identified with Nigeria, came to Nigeria, and we hosted her. If the Nigerian blood is in you, you’re always a Nigerian,” she added.

Badenoch, born in London in 1980, spent part of her childhood in Lagos and later in the United States, where her mother worked as a lecturer.

Concluding her remarks, Dabiri-Erewa stressed that the choice to identify with Nigeria remains with Badenoch, affirming NiDCOM’s readiness to engage with anyone who identifies with Nigeria.

“We are open to working with anyone who sees themselves as Nigerian, but it’s not something we can force,” she concluded.