THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has reiterated that a successful Nigeria needs the strong and dynamic collaboration of its government with its citizens at home as well as those in the diaspora.
Dabiri-Erewa stated this in Abuja on Wednesday at the launching of a book written by a UK-based author and property magnate, Yemi Edun, titled: “The Number One Mission”, which delves into the hidden stories behind the Nigerian High Commission in London, United Kingdom. The book takes readers on a journey through the Commission’s rich history, the people who have shaped it, and the relationships that have evolved over the years.
According to the NiDCOM chief, “Nigeria is judged through the actions of Nigerians living in the host countries abroad, which is why the Federal Government, through the Commission, mandates diasporans to be good ambassadors of their country”. She also urged Nigerians abroad to promote the enviable Nigerian values of hardwork, resilience and excellence.
Hon Dabiri-Erewa commended Yemi Edun for contributing his quota to knowledge by writing about the history of Nigeria’s Number One Diplomatic post.
In his address at the event, Senator Seriake Dickson, representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, commended the author, noting that the book would boost the body of knowledge about Nigerian international diplomacy.
Also, Dr Christopher Kolade, a former Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, said Nigerians in the UK and beyond should realise that they embody the Nigerian identity. According to him, they should work with dignity and excellence to create a positive perception of their homeland.
Sen. Yusuf Baba Datti-Ahmed, businessman and politician, in his goodwill remarks said that the writer had created a piece that reveals Nigeria-UK relations through the Nigerian mission in the UK.
The author, Yemi Edun, said curiosity led him to write The Number One Mission. He noted that in the course of researching for the book, he noticed many untold stories that should celebrate Nigeria. He asserted that more of such histories should be published to applaud the country.
Edun’s close friendship with Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Ishola and his expertise in property played a significant role in bringing the Commission’s stories to light. The book provides a fresh perspective on the Nigerian High Commission in London, going beyond its role in offering consular services. It sheds light on diplomacy, culture, and identity, connecting Nigerians in the UK with their homeland.
As a way of giving back to society, Edun said proceeds from the book would be channelled towards the empowerment of the indigent.
Yemi Edun, who has been living in the UK for more than 30 years, is the CEO of Daniel Ford International, a property company. Since the early 2000s, Daniel Ford has been involved in property deals worth over £650 million. Notable transactions include selling remarkable properties such as the home where Mozart composed his first symphony, the famous Lipton tea estate, and the house owned by Sir Robert Walpole, Britain’s first Prime Minister
Aside real estate, Edun is into finance, philanthropy and social impact engagement. He was listed in the 2021 Most Influential Black People in the UK.
Kola Tella & Gabriel Odu
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