Nigeria House

By Taiwo Akinlami, with photos by Irina Perry

The Nigerians in Diaspora Americas, Ohio hosted the Annual General Meeting of the association on Friday, October 24 to Sunday, October 26, 2025, with the unveiling of its plan to build a Nigeria House in Columbus, Ohio. The multipurpose building is expected to serve as a cultural and resource hub for Nigerians in Diaspora.

“The Nigeria House’s vision is to create a welcoming space that celebrates Nigerian heritage, fosters community, and provides essential resources for Nigerians in Ohio. Its mission is to serve as a cultural, informational, and recreational center for Nigerians and friends of Nigeria in Columbus and beyond,” said Deba Uwadiae, a member of NIDOA, Ohio while making the presentation on behalf of the association at the Gala Night on Saturday, October 25, 2025.

The three-day event of  Nigerians in Diaspora Organization Americas (NIDOA) Annual  General Meeting (AGM) in Columbus, Ohio was a convergence of purpose, leadership, culture, and vision, uniting Nigerian professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders from across the United States and beyond.

It marked a historic milestone in NIDOA’s journey: the consolidation of its governance structure, the inauguration of a new leadership team, and the unveiling of an ambitious agenda for diaspora engagement between 2026 and 2030.

DAY 1

The event commenced on Friday, October 24, with registration of delegates, and followed by a Business Meeting jointly hosted by the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, the African Chamber of Commerce, and the Nigerians in Diaspora Chamber of Commerce.

The meeting explored business partnerships, investment pipelines, and frameworks for strengthening intra-diaspora trade and knowledge exchange.

DAY 2

Saturday, October 25, began with the Leadership and Governance Plenary, a high-level session centered on the theme “The Diaspora’s Role in Nigeria’s Growth.”

Speakers reflected on NIDOA’s unification journey and its renewed commitment to collective impact through policy advocacy, economic empowerment, and cultural diplomacy.

Ms. Patience Keys, former NIDOA USA Chair, delivered a stirring Charge aligned with the theme, urging members to continue serving with integrity and purpose.

Prof. Femi Ajayi, Professor Emeritus of Political Science (Emory University, Atlanta and Babcock University, Nigeria), presented a keynote titled “The Place of NIDOA in the Future Development of Nigeria.”

He emphasized that Nigerians in the diaspora have a critical role in strengthening national institutions such as INEC, EFCC, the Judiciary, and the Public Service, asserting that Nigeria’s transformation depends on the integrity and efficiency of these systems.

Another keynote speaker, Mr. Gbenga Ogunjimi, founder of the Nigerian Center, Washington D.C., spoke passionately about NIDOA’s future and its impact, focusing on “Rebranding Nigeria: Promoting What Works.”

He challenged diasporans to lead a new narrative, one anchored in innovation, credibility, and collaboration.

The session continued with reports from the Treasurer, General Secretary, and District Representatives, culminating in the adoption of key resolutions.

Delegates proposed flagship projects in education, healthcare, business investment, and civic engagement, cementing NIDOA’s commitment to sustainable national development.

The day transitioned into the Swearing-in Ceremony of the new Board of Trustees Executive Council (2025–2027):

• Chair – Mr. Bukola Olaoye
• Vice Chair – Rev. Emmanuel Igwe
• Secretary – Dr. Toni Ogbanufe
• Assistant General Secretary – Lillian Alli-Balogun
• Financial Secretary – Engr. Barth Ifedora
• Community Affairs Director – Dr. Tomi Ademokun

The swearing-in marked a pivotal shift, ushering in a leadership era anchored on transparency, collaboration, and institutional growth.

Gala Night

Saturday, October 25, 2025 evening Gala Night was the high point of the weekend. The atmosphere radiated elegance, gratitude, and national pride as dignitaries, community leaders, and friends of NIDOA gathered to honor Nigerians excelling across sectors.

The event was graced by the Mayor of Upper Arlington, Ohio, Ukeme Awakessien Jeter.  who presented an official Letter of Proclamation recognizing NIDOA’s contribution to civic and cultural life in Ohio.

There were also goodwill messages and proclamations from:

• Hon. (Dr.) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, OON, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM).
• Mayor of Columbus, Andrew Ginther, represented by Mr. Abdi Soofe, who serves as the New American Program Coordinator at the City of Columbus Department of Neighborhoods, Columbus, Ohio
• Mr. Ibrahim Sow, Executive Director of the Ohio New African Immigrants Commission, who delivered a goodwill message.
• Dr. Bath Shepong, Chairman, Ohio African Chamber of Commerce, who commended NIDOA for its leadership and community impact.

A major highlight of the evening was the surprise appreciation award presented to Mr. Bukola Olaoye, newly elected Chair of the Board of Trustees, NIDOA, honoring his leadership and tireless efforts to unify the organization.

Awards and Recognitions

The award segment celebrated outstanding individuals and organizations advancing Nigerian excellence in the diaspora.

Awardees:
Annette Nneka Echikunwoke, HRM Oba Abdulrasheed Adetayo Oladele Adegwaju I, Deba Uwadiae, Felbry College, Fork in Nigeria, Dr. Tomi Ademokun, Ade Balogun, Stella Okere Amadi.

Special Recognition Recipients:

Teresa Edoja, Tunde Aiyedero, Tope Esan, Prof. Femi Ajayi, Emmanuel Olawale, Dr. Olayinka Olutoye and Ms. Patience Keys.

Association Recognition:

Eko Club of Ohio, Oganiru Ndígbo, Weavers of Nigeria, Anioma Association, Peoples Club of Nigeria, Igala Association, Ohio, Yoruba Club 21, Umuada Igbo, Nwanne Di Na Mba, and Nigerian Women Support Network.

Among those present to receive their plaques were:

1. HRM Oba Abdulrasheed Adetayo Oladele Adegwaju I, honored with a Certificate of Appreciation, whose presence underscored the enduring importance of cultural identity in leadership.

• Mr. Deba Uwadiae, publisher of New Americans Magazine and founder of the New American Communitu Information Center, received the Outstanding Achievement Award for his consistent and exceptional contribution to keeping immigrant communities informed and connected through journalism and civic engagement.

• Mrs. Gachomo Mapis Shepong, representing Fork in Nigeria, received the Outstanding Achievement Award for promoting Nigerian cuisine and hospitality across America.

• Mrs. Teresa Edoja, one of the evening’s special honorees, was celebrated for her exemplary community service, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to uplifting others.

Keynote Highlights and Strategic Proposals

At the Gala Night, Mr. Gbenga Ogunjimi delivered a brief yet powerful charge on institutional effectiveness within NIDOA. He proposed the establishment of a paid Executive Director position to ensure operational stability and long-term program execution, pledging his organization’s support for the initiative.

He also called for the creation of a “Nigerian Day” celebration across major U.S. cities, beginning with Columbus, to mirror Washington D.C.’s model and strengthen Nigerian visibility and cultural pride.

In another defining moment, Mr. Deba Uwadiae unveiled the concept of a “Nigerian House” in Columbus, a proposed $10 million multipurpose center envisioned as a hub for cultural exhibitions, business development, and social support services.
The “Nigerian House” would serve as a living showcase of Nigerian heritage, food, arts, and innovation, while providing integration resources for immigrants and fostering civic partnerships.

A spontaneous fundraising session followed, with participants pledging seed donations to advance the project. The wave of generosity and unity embodied the very spirit of NIDOA’s mission.

Cultural Exhibition and Entertainment

The gala night blended diplomacy with celebration. Attendees were thrilled by an Eyo Dance display, a graceful reenactment of Lagos’s iconic festival procession symbolizing dignity, unity, and continuity.

DAY 3

On Sunday, October 26, delegates embarked on a cultural and civic tour of Columbus, visiting the OSU Stadium, Somali Global Mall, and the Columbus Museum of Art.

The AGM concluded with the adoption of a communiqué and resolutions outlining NIDOA’s vision for the next year: a roadmap grounded in diaspora investment, policy advocacy, youth empowerment, and cultural preservation.

The 2025 AGM and Gala Night were not merely ceremonial, they symbolized a maturing diaspora movement ready to institutionalize its impact. The successful integration of NIDOA chapters, the reaffirmation of cultural identity, and the emergence of actionable initiatives such as the Nigerian House Project and Executive Director Proposal all point toward a dynamic and purposeful future.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Bukola Olaoye, the new Chair of the Board of Trustees, expressed deep gratitude and optimism:

“What binds us is bigger than geography. We are custodians of Nigeria’s name and narrative wherever we go.”

As the curtain fell on Columbus 2025, delegates departed with renewed zeal to champion Nigeria’s progress from wherever they are planted. NIDOA’s next chapter promises to translate the passion of its people into measurable national impact, through policy, investment, and heritage.

The weekend closed with the shared conviction that “The Diaspora’s Role in Nigeria’s Growth” is not just a theme but a lifelong mandate.

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