By Mercy Peter
The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has commended the courage, resilience and patriotism of two outstanding Nigerians, Ms. Chinyenwa Judith Amadi, a female biker, and Mr. Odera Okwvosa, a United Kingdom–based professional boxer, for projecting Nigeria’s image positively at home and abroad.
Dabiri-Erewa gave the commendation while receiving the duo at separate engagements at the Commission’s Lagos office. She described their achievements as inspiring examples of how Nigerians, both at home and in the diaspora, continue to make meaningful contributions to national development through excellence, innovation and selfless service.
The NiDCOM Chairman praised Ms. Amadi for successfully completing a historic power bike journey from Lagos to France and back to Nigeria, a feat undertaken to raise awareness and funds for cancer patients who cannot afford chemotherapy. She described the initiative as a powerful humanitarian effort that underscores the resilience and determination of Nigerian women.
According to Dabiri-Erewa, Ms. Amadi’s journey reflects the indomitable Nigerian spirit and demonstrates how purpose-driven passion can be harnessed to address critical social challenges. She reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to supporting Nigerians in the diaspora and at home who are engaged in impactful causes that promote Nigeria’s image globally.
“She has shown that with courage and determination, Nigerians can break barriers and challenge stereotypes while contributing positively to humanity,” Dabiri-Erewa said, assuring Amadi of NiDCOM’s willingness to partner with her in advancing her humanitarian objectives.
Ms. Amadi, who rode her power bike to the NiDCOM Lagos office, disclosed that her journey began on October 8, 2025, with a fundraising target of ₦100 million to support cancer patients across Nigeria. Despite sustaining a finger injury in an accident in Burkina Faso that required stitches, she remained resolute and successfully completed the arduous trip.
Describing the expedition as physically and emotionally demanding, Amadi cited discrimination against Nigerians at some West African borders, poor road infrastructure, extreme cold weather and long-distance fatigue as major challenges.
She, however, said her passion for helping cancer patients and her desire to challenge societal expectations, particularly for women from conservative backgrounds, kept her motivated.
“I come from a place where women are not expected to do much, so I decided to ride for a cause and to change that narrative,” she said.
Originally from Owerri, Imo State, Amadi is also a yoga and fitness instructor. She urged young Nigerians with lofty ambitions to take bold steps, avoid procrastination and trust the process once they begin.
Dabiri-Erewa also hosted Mr. Odera Okwvosa, a Nigerian professional boxer based in the United Kingdom, who was accompanied by his brother, Mr. Henry Okwvosa.
She commended Odera for consistently promoting a positive image of Nigeria through his sporting career, social media presence and public engagements abroad.
The NiDCOM Chairman lauded his commitment to mentoring young Nigerians and using sports as a tool for empowerment, noting that such efforts align with the Commission’s mandate of engaging the diaspora for national development.
Odera, who recently visited Nigeria during the “Detty December” festivities, said Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and the warmth of its people continue to draw him back home.
“What keeps bringing me back is the culture and the love I receive whenever I’m home,” he said, adding that he intends to play a more active role in future diaspora programmes organised by NiDCOM.
A fitness entrepreneur, media influencer, author and professional sportsman, Odera has won multiple heavyweight titles, including the British University Championship, two London titles, the East Midlands title and the UK National title.
Dabiri-Erewa reiterated NiDCOM’s readiness to collaborate with both Amadi and Odera in their respective fields, emphasizing that Nigerians who contribute positively to national development will continue to receive the Commission’s support and encouragement.
