Abike Dabiri
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, born in Jos, Plateau State [1] is a Nigerian politician and member of the Nigeria Federal House of Representatives representing Ikorodu Constituency in Lagos State. She was the Chairman of the House Committee on Media & Publicity. She is currently the chairman of House Committee on Diaspora Affairs.[2]
She was elected for the first time in 2003, and re-elected in 2007.[citation needed]
Personal life
Hon. Abike Kafayat Oluwatoyin Dabiri[3] was born to the family of Alhaji and Alhaja Ashafa Erogbogbo of Ikorodu. Her father, Alhaji Ashafa Erogbogbo is one of the children of late Alh. Sule Erogbogbo of Adegorunsen Compound, Ajina square, Ita – Agbodo, Ikorodu. Her paternal grandmother, Alhaja Alimotu Erobogbo is from Bello Solebo family of Ita – Elewa Square, Ikorodu.
Hon. Abike Dabiri Erewa started her educational career at Maryland Convent private school, Ikeja while she attended St. Teresa’s College, Ibadan for her secondary education where she distinguished herself. She obtained her first degree in English Language from the prestigious University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU) Ile – Ife. 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, Akoka. She also had a stint at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, USA. This devoted Muslim is happily married to Segun Erewa and they are blessed with children.
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa fondly called “Mother 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, inquisitiveness and professionalism. She anchored the weekly NTA Newsline 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 Newsline 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.
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. While in the House, Hon. Abike 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
Education
She attended Maryland Private School, Maryland, Ikeja for her primary school education. Thereafter, she attended St. Teresa's College, Oke Ado, Ibadan for her Secondary School education. For her University education, she attended University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) where she had a B.A. (Hons) in English Language, University of Lagos, and also the Harvard University (Kennedy School of Govt),USA.[citation needed]
Bills Sponsored
Known as a front-runner in the House of Representative,she has passed a number of bills which include:[3]
- The freedom of Information bill
- A bill for an act to ensure full integration of Nigerians with physical disabilities and eliminate all forms of discrimination against them.
- The Nigerian infant Health welfare bill (To ensure every child under 5 gets free qualitative medical care.)
- Nigerian Diaspora Commission bill.
- A bill for an act to repeal the Nigerian Press Council bill and replace it with the Nigerian Press and Journalism Council bill t strengthen the NPC and promote the practice of Journalism and welfare of Journalism in Nigeria.
Controversial Journalism bill
In 2009, she sponsored a bill before the Nigerian National House of Assembly that would grant the freedom to practice Journalism after a certain qualification.However, the supposed bill sparked a lot of controversies and received public criticism. It was believed by most Nigerian media practitioner to be a way of gagging the media and allowing more chance for tyranny and nepotism since most of the board appointment would be made by the President and/or Government executive members. In a Morning TV program aired on November 30, 2009,she denied aiding corruption and hindering media freedom stating that the bill would only make Journalism a more professional career in the country.[citation needed]
References
- ^ http://www.abikedabiri.com/CurriculumVitea.html
- ^ Abiodun Adelaja and Adekunle Adesuj (December 18, 2009). Daily Champion http://allafrica.com/stories/200912180375.html.
{{cite news}}: Missing or empty|title=(help) - ^ a b "biography". abikedabiri.com. Retrieved 2009-12-20.