Kenneth Omeruo meets NiDCOM chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa, pledges partnership to empower Nigerian youths

Super Eagles defender Kenneth Omeruo has expressed optimism about forging new partnerships aimed at empowering Nigerian youths after meeting with the Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa (OON).

Omeruo, who currently plays for CFR Cluj in the Romanian topflight league, shared news of the meeting on his official Facebook page on Wednesday, describing it as both encouraging and promising.

“Had the great pleasure of meeting with the Chairman Nigerians in Diaspora Commission @nidcom, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa OON. Thank you for your warm welcome and I’m encouraged by the alignment of our interests. Looking forward to a great partnership to help our youths,” Omeruo wrote.

—Focus on youth development

While Omeruo did not disclose specific details of the planned partnership, the 31-year-old defender has long been an advocate for youth empowerment. Through his personal initiatives and community projects in Abia State and beyond, he has often used football as a tool to inspire and support young Nigerians.

His meeting with Dabiri-Erewa is expected to create new opportunities that could connect Nigerian youths at home and abroad with mentorship, training, and diaspora-driven initiatives.—NiDCOM’s role in diaspora engagementThe Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, established in 2019, is tasked with engaging the global Nigerian community to contribute to national development. Under Dabiri-Erewa’s leadership, the commission has facilitated diaspora investments, educational exchanges, and community support programs while also serving as a bridge between Nigerians abroad and government institutions at home.NiDCOM has also been active in youth-focused campaigns, encouraging diaspora professionals, entrepreneurs, and athletes to invest their skills and resources back into the country.—Omeruo’s international profileOmeruo has been a stalwart in Nigerian football for more than a decade. He made his senior debut for the Super Eagles in 2013 and went on to play a key role in Nigeria’s victorious Africa Cup of Nations campaign that year. He has represented the country at two FIFA World Cups and several continental tournaments, earning over 60 international caps.At the club level, Omeruo has played in England, the Netherlands, Turkey, Spain, and now Romania, gaining a wealth of experience across European football. Beyond his professional career, he remains active in philanthropy, particularly in initiatives that support education, grassroots sports, and skill development for young Nigerians.—Looking aheadWith the alignment of interests between the footballer and NiDCOM, expectations are high that the collaboration could evolve into meaningful programmes that give young Nigerians more access to opportunities in sports, education, and entrepreneurship.For Omeruo, the partnership is part of a bigger vision: ensuring that Nigerian youths are not left behind in the global search for talent, innovation, and leadership.