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The chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has revealed that Kemi Badenoch, the newly elected leader of the United Kingdom’s Conservative Party, has shown no interest in embracing her Nigerian heritage.
Speaking on Channels Television’s “The Morning Brief” on Wednesday, Dabiri-Erewa stated that attempts to reach out to Badenoch to identify with her Nigerian roots have been met with silence.
“We have reached out to her once or twice without any response. So, we don’t force people to accept to be Nigerian,” she said.
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Dabiri-Erewa emphasized that NIDCOM welcomes individuals who appreciate their Nigerian heritage and want to work with the commission.
“If you appreciate the Nigerianness in you and you want to work with us, we are open to everybody. But we cannot force you to appreciate the Nigerianness in you,” she added.
READ ALSO: Kemi Badenoch Makes History As First Black Woman To Lead UK Conservative Party
Badenoch, who was born in the UK to Nigerian Yoruba parents in January 1980, spent her childhood in Nigeria before returning to the UK at age 16.
Her election as Conservative Party leader on November 2 marked a historic milestone, making her the first black person to lead a major UK party.
Dabiri-Erewa drew parallels between Badenoch’s situation and that of a former Miss Universe Nigeria who faced challenges in South Africa.
“Until she got into a little problem with South Africa, she identified with Nigeria, came back, and we hosted her. As long as that blood is in you, you are a Nigerian,” she noted.
Ultimately, Dabiri-Erewa believes the decision to acknowledge her Nigerian roots lies with Badenoch.
“So, it depends on Kemi to decide whether she appreciates the Nigerianess in her. Whether she wants to work with Nigeria, but we cannot force anybody,” she said.
