In a defining moment of pride and recognition, Imo-born physician currently doing exploit in Australia, Dr. Pedus Chidiebere Eweama, was among the distinguished recipients of the 2025 National Diaspora Merit Award.
The award ceremony took place on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, during the closing night of Nigeria’s Diaspora Day celebrations, a testament to the Federal Government’s commitment to celebrating Nigerians contributing meaningfully from abroad.
A native of Ikeduru Local Government, Imo State, and the Coordinator of the Ikeduru Economic Development Forum (IEDF), Eweama embodies the fusion of medical excellence, diaspora commitment, and community leadership.
With over two decades in healthcare delivery, he led transformative initiatives, including the redesign of clinical services under the Western Australia Department of Health in 2007, significantly improving access and quality of health care.
Since then, he has grounded himself as a vibrant bridge between communities — first as Chairperson of Nigeria‑based associations like the Igbo Association of Western Australia, the Nigerian Association of Western Australia, and CONAPA (Council of Nigerian Associations Presidents in Australia), then as a respected voice in health policy reforms and mobilisation for diaspora engagement.
His leadership and impact have earned him multiple honours: the Community Champion Award by the Organisation of African Communities Western Australia in 2022 and the historic Community Citizen of the Year Award from the City of Swan in 2023, making him the first African resident to receive the title.
Beyond accolades, Eweama is an academic achiever with degrees from institutions across the United States and Australia, including a Bachelor of Arts (Highest Honors), a professional Nursing degree (Cum Laude), a Master’s in Occupational Health & Safety, and an MD from Oceania University of Medicine.
During the award ceremony, Nigeria’s diaspora commissioners, dignitaries, and global diaspora stakeholders affirmed that Eweama’s recognition is not just personal, it is symbolic of what globally-focused Nigerians can achieve when passion meets professionalism. It also reinforces NiDCOM’s mission to celebrate and mobilise diaspora contributions in national development, particularly through dynamic professionals like him.
With this well deserved honour, Eweama becomes the first Nigerian based in Australia to be formally recognised by the Federal Government for his contributions to medicine and nation-building.
As Nigeria continues to explore deeper engagement with its diaspora through platforms like the National Diaspora Day, Eweama’s journey stands as a rallying call, a reminder that global Nigerians remain indispensable partners in our collective progress.
Meanwhile, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s strong commitment to the Nigerian diaspora, hailing their economic, intellectual, and social contributions as central to the nation’s development agenda.
