Ejike Okpa, a Nigerian-American based in Dallas, Texas, has expressed concern over the recent unification of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization America (NIDOA), describing it as a “misplaced priority.”
Okpa argued that NIDOA lacked the structure and capacity to make a substantial impact on Nigeria’s development.
His remarks were prompted by a report from PRNigeria detailing NIDOA’s recent success in unifying previously fragmented factions during its extraordinary Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Bloomington, Minnesota.
The meeting, themed “NIDOA: Building a Strong & United Nigerian Diaspora Community,” gathered representatives from various chapters across the Americas with the goal of resolving internal conflicts and fostering unity.
Over 20 chapter presidents from the U.S., along with continental chairs from Canada and Brazil, engaged in discussions facilitated by an international mediation expert who used restorative practices to address past divisions and reinforce solidarity.
NIDOA’s mission centers on promoting patriotism, networking, and cooperation among Nigerians in the diaspora, with a focus on contributing to Nigeria’s socio-economic development. This unification is seen as a major step toward achieving those goals.
However, Okpa, a global affairs analyst, questioned NIDOA’s ability to fulfill its mission.
He dismissed the organization as “a bunch of loosely gathered groups without structure or substance,” and described its achievements as more of an illusion than a meaningful step forward. “Tufiakwa,” he exclaimed in disapproval.
Okpa further argued that NIDOA’s activities largely lack depth, claiming that the organization’s efforts are limited to superficial initiatives aimed at impressing Nigerians back home.
He noted that most Nigerian-run organizations in the U.S. do not have operational budgets, administrative staff, or proper payrolls. Instead, they are often managed by individuals with strong emotions but little expertise in running effective non-profits.
He also criticized the misplaced perceptions held by some Nigerians who view NIDOA as a catalyst for positive change in Nigeria, pointing out that many of its leaders are out of touch with the realities of helping the country.
“These are individuals living in the U.S. who often don’t understand how to genuinely support Nigeria, other than recalling the past,” he said. “Can one offer what they do not possess?”
Okpa concluded with a striking analogy: “It’s like expecting arms and legs from a snake. Believing that is akin to expecting the sun to rise from the west.”
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