Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), has applauded the honesty gesture of Ms. Chioma Odidika, a Nigerian resident in Columbia, South Carolina.
This was contained in a statement by the Commission’s Head of Media, Abdur-Rahman Balogun.
According to Balogun, he quoted the NIDCOM boss as saying “it is a thing of joy that another Nigerian Diaspora has made Nigerians proud with her conduct in USA, for returning $4,000 USD from possible scammers”.
“it is indeed a well deserved award and a great opportunity to celebrate you”, Dabiri-Erewa said .
“It is gratifying to note that the uncommon act of honesty of Ms Chioma Odidika has earned her Integrity Award from the Sheriff of Richland County”.
She noted that it is another victory for Nigeria, as another proud Nigerian is portraying what Nigeria is about and that is honesty.
“Thanks for being a good ambassador of your country Nigeria, you have portrayed the image of Nigerians in the diaspora as unique, honest & trustworthy immigrants”.
Chioma, who hails from Imo state, said she received an email from possible scammers. They called her and before she knew what was happening, they had sent a check of $4000 USD.
“No legacy is as rich as honesty; it remains the best policy. We must continue to exhibit such behaviour in wherever we find ourselves. We must continue to be a good Ambassador to our country,” She stressed.
“Odidika reported and surrendered the check. President Okei called both police leaders and made a strong representation and Ms Chioma was given an award of honesty by the Sheriff and offer of a job on 2nd September 2020”.
According to her, “I immediately called President Tonna Okei (Ikuku Oma), President of Organization of African Unity SC who immediately called the Sheriff of Richland County and the Police of Columbia City took me”.
It will be recalled that another Nigerian based in Qatar, Michael Jonathan Asemota in 2018 returned $441,127.99 about N150 million wrongfully posted into his account in Qatar.
