Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has commended Australia for sustaining five decades of celebrating its Indigenous peoples through NAIDOC Week, describing culture as the foundation upon which strong and united nations are built.
Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at a reception hosted by the Australian High Commission in Abuja to commemorate the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week, Dabiri-Erewa said Australia’s commitment to recognising the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples offers an important lesson in nation-building.
She noted that the exhibition showcased at the event resonated deeply with her, as many of the photographs reflected experiences shared by indigenous communities across the world, including Nigeria.
According to her, Australia’s recognition of its First Nations people demonstrates that preserving cultural identity strengthens national unity and development.
“The way Australia has created space to celebrate First Nations culture, language and leadership is something we admire. It teaches us that nation-building must include everyone and that the wisdom of First Peoples and ancestral communities is invaluable national capital,” she said.
Dabiri-Erewa stressed that Nigeria, with over 250 ethnic groups and rich indigenous traditions, must continue to preserve its cultural heritage, warning that losing one’s culture amounts to losing one’s identity.
She also highlighted this year’s NAIDOC Week theme, saying it reflects the growing contributions of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander professionals in sectors such as law, healthcare, technology, arts and sports. She drew parallels with young Nigerians in the diaspora who continue to excel globally while maintaining strong ties to their cultural roots.
“Our responsibility as leaders is to clear the path for them to thrive,” she added.
Earlier, the Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Leilani Bin Juda, said the relationship between Nigeria and Australia extends beyond diplomacy and trade to shared values, cultural exchange and enduring people-to-people connections.
She noted that despite their differences, both countries appreciate the importance of culture, community and identity, adding that their friendship continues to grow through cooperation in trade, investment and other key sectors.
The event also featured the screening of Gurrumul, an award-winning documentary chronicling the life of Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu, the late Indigenous Australian singer-songwriter regarded as Australia’s most commercially successful First Nations artist.
NAIDOC Week is an annual celebration of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, with this year’s edition marking its 50th anniversary.
