In Washington DC, Rep Diaspora Committee Bags Bridge-Builder Award

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News, Uncategorized Wednesday, August 6th, 2014

By Oludare Sunday Fase, Washington DC

“I feel excited, I feel honored that we are being recognized here in Washington DC. It only tells you that we have to continue working hard because diaspora issues are now in the front burner of the issues worldwide and the gesture should not be left behind.”

This was how Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairman House of Representatives committee on Diaspora described the award her committee received on Monday in Washington, DC during the US-African leaders summit.

The African Union (AU) Diaspora Forum conferred the bridge builder award on the House of Representatives committee on Diaspora, other distinguished African organizations and individuals.

The award honors African Diaspora’s most prominent ‘Bridge Builders’ who have made contributions in the areas of development, strengthening relationships and providing opportunities for returning Africans.

Organizations honored include: Africa Society of the National Summit on Africa, African Diaspora Network/ ADN (Almaz Negash, Founder & President) Africare, Constituency for Africa/ CFA, Diaspora Africa Women’s Network/ DAWN, Rita Marley Foundation, the Nigerian House Committee on Diaspora Affairs, TransAfrica.

Speaking to Journalists after receiving the award, Hon. Dabiri-Erewa said: “It is important that we have diaspora commission in Nigeria, a one stop agency that will take care of the diaspora needs. As for us as a committee we will continue to engage diaspora and see how the country can benefit and ensure that they (Diaspora) are part of the policies of government.”