NiDCOM Chair Celebrates Nigerian-American Navy Commander for Becoming First Nuclear Engineer

By David Odama

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has congratulated Nigerian-American Navy Commander Matuwo I. Olufokunbi on his historic achievement as the first Nuclear Engineer of the United States Navy.

In a statement signed by Gabriel Odu of NiDCOM’s Media, Public Relations, and Protocols Unit, the Commission noted that Commander Olufokunbi, a proud Nigerian-American, has set a remarkable record as the third Nigerian-American to command a U.S. Navy warship and the first to qualify as a Nuclear Engineer under the prestigious U.S. Navy Nuclear Propulsion Program.

Hon. Dabiri-Erewa described Commander Olufokunbi’s accomplishment as “a source of pride and inspiration not only to Nigerians in the diaspora but also to the entire nation.” She praised his resilience, pursuit of excellence, and pioneering spirit, which she said reflect the strength, ingenuity, and global competitiveness of Nigerians worldwide.

“This is a reflection of the Nigerian spirit of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Commander Olufokunbi’s outstanding success demonstrates once again that Nigerians in the diaspora are excelling in every field of human endeavor,” Dabiri-Erewa stated.

She further highlighted that excelling in one of the U.S. military’s most rigorous and elite programs underscores the discipline, quality, and capability Nigerians continue to display on the global stage.

The NiDCOM boss urged young Nigerians to draw inspiration from Commander Olufokunbi’s journey, reminding them that with determination and integrity, they can reach the peak of any career anywhere in the world.

Dabiri-Erewa also reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to celebrating, supporting, and engaging Nigerians in the diaspora, whose achievements continue to elevate the nation’s image internationally.