In a recent appearance on Channels Television, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chair of Nigeria’s Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), made it clear that Nigeria won’t be chasing after Kemi Badenoch, the newly elected leader of the UK’s Conservative Party, to flaunt her Nigerian roots. According to Dabiri-Erewa, her office had attempted to contact Badenoch a few times but got no response. Apparently, the ball is in Badenoch’s court on whether she wants to embrace her “Nigerianess.”
According to Erewa “We’ve reached out once or twice, but we won’t push her to identify with Nigeria. If she wants to recognize her Nigerian heritage, we’re open, but it’s her choice.” She even referenced past examples, like Miss Universe Nigeria, who acknowledged her roots only after a situation in South Africa forced her to reconnect with Nigeria.
Dabiri-Erewa emphasized that being Nigerian is a choice, despite having Nigerian blood, and the country isn’t about to beg anyone for validation. “If you appreciate your Nigerianess and want to work with us, we’re here. But we cannot compel you to feel Nigerian,” she added, noting that the door remains open for Badenoch if she ever decides to walk through it.
Badenoch’s recent win has been significant. She became the first Black leader of a UK-wide political party, beating Robert Jenrick to take the Conservative helm after Rishi Sunak’s resignation. Acknowledging the tough road ahead, Badenoch admitted the party has made “mistakes” and needs to “renew.” Born in London in 1980, she spent part of her childhood in Lagos, Nigeria, before returning to the UK at 16 due to Nigeria’s tough economic climate.
Despite the Nigerian connection, Badenoch’s focus appears firmly on Britain’s internal challenges, leaving her “Nigerianess” as a background detail for now. Whether she’ll feel a pull to her roots is yet to be known, not everyone likes to be associated with Nigeria.
