Nigerians in Diaspora mark historic unification

In a momentous development, the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization Americas (NIDOA) has successfully unified under a single umbrella, marking a pivotal milestone in the organization’s history.

This breakthrough was officially achieved during NIDOA’s extraordinary Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Bloomington, Minnesota, on November 16, 2024, under the theme “NIDOA: Building A Strong & United Nigerian Diaspora Community.”

After months of negotiations and collaboration, leaders from NIDOA’s chapters across the Americas—including over 20 chapter presidents from the U.S., continental chairs from Canada and Brazil, as well as past leaders—gathered to resolve divisions that had previously plagued the organization.

For the first time in several years, opposing factions within the organization came together to engage in constructive dialogue and agree on a unified path forward.

The success of this reconciliation was largely facilitated by Dr. Diane William, an international mediation expert, who used restorative practices to address past conflicts and foster unity. This laid the foundation for a historic decision to establish a conflict resolution arm within NIDOA, ensuring that future disputes will be managed collaboratively.

The agreement was officially signed by key leaders from both factions, including Mr. Zee Nagberi, Mr. Bukola Olaoye, Dr. Toni Ogbanufe, Mr. Uche Uzoigwe, Mrs. Chinyere Ibezim-Adom, Pastor Doyin Owobamirin, and Mr. Collins Ikegwuonu. Their leadership and vision set the course for NIDOA’s unified future.

The newly unified NIDOA will now have a more powerful platform to advocate for the interests of Nigerians in the Diaspora and enhance its ability to execute impactful projects. A 2025 AGM organizing committee has been established, with Columbus, Ohio, selected as the host city for the upcoming event, where a single leadership body will be elected to guide NIDOA moving forward.

The AGM was attended by numerous distinguished political and community leaders, including Mrs. Esther Agbaje, Assistant Majority Leader and the first Nigerian-American elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives, who extended a warm welcome to the delegates and congratulated NIDOA on its successful unification efforts.

Other notable attendees included Mr. Ganiyu Dada, Dr. Ndubuisi George, Barr. Samuel Adewusi, Mr. Isaac Inyang, Dr. Kazeem Bello, Mrs. Patience Ndidi Key, Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Igwe, and Evang. Noyo Edem, all of whom lent their support to the unification process.

Looking ahead, NIDOA is poised to strengthen the bonds between Nigeria and its global Diaspora, advocating for policies that will have a positive impact on Nigerian communities worldwide. This unification marks the beginning of a new, exciting chapter for the organization.

United under a common purpose, NIDOA is now better equipped to serve the needs of Nigerians at home and abroad, with greater success on the horizon.