2008 International Reunion Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient Citation

MANAGEMENT/PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION CATEGORY

Honorable Abike Dabiri-Erewa, BA, PGD. MSC

The winner of the 2008 Great Ife Alumni Award for Excellence in the Management/Public Administration category is Honorable Abike Dairi-Erewa. This award is in recognition of her worthy contributions to Public Administration & Politics in Nigeria, and her outstanding services to society and humanity.

Abridged Profile

Hon. Dabiri=Erewa graduated from the Obafemi Awolowo University (formerly University of Ife) with a B.A Hons degree in English in 1983.

Her career in public service started with the News Agency of Nigeria where she served during her National Youth Service. This opened the door to a long career in broadcasting spanning 15 years during which she worked as a newscaster, presenter, producer and correspondent for several TV houses like Prime Television, Bendel Television and most significantly the Nigerian Television Authority. She famously anchored NEWSLINE the popular NTA weekly magazine program, targeted at addressing sociopolitical and economic issues, with a great deal of focus on heart-rending; human angle reports, such as child Abuse, violence against women, neglect of the disabled and less-privileged among others.
During her fifteen years of service at the NTA, she used the power of television to change lives and bring about social change. She consistently emerged as the best in her field judging by the numerous awards she received from her peers and recognized bodies in the industry.

Honorable Abike Dabiri-Erewa’s most notable contribution to public service and the Nigerian society would come when she entered the arena of politics as an elected Member of the Nigeria House of Representatives in 2003. Her vast experience in the Media industry and her transparent style of leadership led to her being made the Chairperson of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, a position she holds till date.

She has in the last five years given a good example of what public service should be demonstrating selflessness by putting other people first and high integrity. Apart from sponsoring several bills including the “Freedom of Information Bill”, she has constantly stood on the side of justice, fairness and truth. Her role in the controversial “3rd term of Presidency” battle is still fresh in many minds in the Nigerian polity and society.

Her constituency has also benefited from several projects instituted and implemented under her leadership notable among which is a water scheme for Ajaguro community, boreholes for eight communities, on-going rural electrification for seven communities, ICT centre at Oriwu College and a skills acquisition and training scholarship scheme for 40 indigent children.

Honorable Abike Dabiri-Erewa is an active member of the National chapter of the Great Ife Alumni Association in Nigeria and has contributed to several projects at our Alma Mater.

By receiving this Award for Excellence, Honorable Abike Dabiri-Erewa is automatically inducted into the Great Ife Alumni Hall of Distinction.