Diaspora hometown associations as conduit for grassroots devt in Nigeria

By Olaolu Awolola

IN the ever-evolving discourse on Nigeria’s development, one actor remains conspicuously underutilised: the hometown association in diaspora. These community-based organisations formed by Nigerians living abroad to maintain ties with their places of origin have long served as informal but powerful engines of support, solidarity, and service. Yet, despite their proven track record in mobilising resources and fostering development, they remain largely excluded from formal national development strategies. This commentary argues that hometown associations in diaspora, especially those like the Ondo State associations in the United States represent an untapped conduit for grassroots development in Nigeria. Their potential lies not only in remittances but in their organisational capacity, cultural commitment, and ability to bridge the gap between global exposure and local needs. Nigeria’s diaspora is one of the largest in Africa, with millions of citizens living in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and across Europe. In 2023 alone, remittances from Nigerians abroad totaled over $20 billion, making it one of the country’s most significant sources of foreign exchange. But remittances, while vital, are only part of the story. Hometown association soften organized by state, ethnic group, or town channel not just money but expertise, networks, and collective action.

These associations are typically formed around shared heritage and a desire to give back. They organise fundraisers, sponsor scholarships, build clinics, and even influence local politics. Yet, their contributions are often informal, unrecognized, and unsupported by government frameworks. The tradition of hometown associations is deeply embedded in the Yoruba sociopolitical culture. As early as the 1920s, groups like the Ibadan Progressive Union and the Young Ìjèṣà Improvement Society emerged to advocate for development and representation within colonial structures. These associations were not just social clubsthey were vehicles for political agency and community upliftment. In the diaspora, this tradition has evolved. Nigerians abroad have recreated these associations to maintain cultural identity and fulfill communal obligations. The Ondo State Association in Chicago, for instance, exemplifies this ethos. Founded to promote unity and development among Ondo indigenes in the U.S., the association has become a vibrant hub for cultural preservation, mutual support, and philanthropic outreach.

Ondo hometown associations in US as a case study

One notable example of hometown associations in the United States that offer compelling insights into how diaspora hometown associations function as development actors is the Ondo Unity Forum in the Americas (OUFA) founded in 2006. This non-profit organization umbrellas different hometown associations scattered in various states in the United States and Canada. They are dedicated to supporting Ondo indigenes both in the U.S. and back home in Nigeria. Through cultural events, community service, and targeted development projects, the forum fosters a sense of belonging while actively contributing to grassroots development. Their initiatives include: sponsoring educational programs for youth in Ondo town, organising health outreach campaigns, and supporting local artisans and entrepreneurs through microgrants. This association embodies the spirit of self-help and communal responsibility. It has hosted cultural festivals, provided scholarships to students in Ondo town, and partnered with local NGOs to improve healthcare access in rural Ondo communities.It is apparent to note that these associations operate with limited resources but immense passion. Their membersoften professionals in medicine, law, engineering, and academiabring not only financial support but technical expertise and global perspectives. Yet, they often face bureaucratic hurdles, lack of recognition, and minimal collaboration from local governments back home.

Despite their contributions, hometown associations in diaspora are rarely integrated into Nigeria’s formal development planning. Several factors contribute to this oversight. •Informality: Many associations operate outside formal NGO frameworks, making it difficult for governments to engage with them systematically. •Trust deficit: Years of corruption and mismanagement have made diaspora groups wary of partnering with government agencies. •Policy gaps: Nigeria lacks a coherent diaspora engagement policy that recognizes hometown associations as development stakeholders.  •Fragmentation: Associations are often localized and uncoordinated, limiting their collective bargaining power. This disconnect is unfortunate. As Dr. Ben Lampert of the Open University notes, hometown associations often outperform traditional NGOs in understanding and responding to local needs. Their grassroots orientation, cultural fluency, and personal investment make them uniquely suited to drive sustainable development.

Unlocking their potential

To harness the power of hometown associations in diaspora, Nigeria must adopt a more inclusive and strategic approach. Here are five policy recommendations: 1. Create a Diaspora Development Registry: Establish a national database of hometown associations abroad, detailing their membership, focus areas, and past projects. This would facilitate collaboration and transparency. 2. Offer matching grants: Government agencies and development banks can offer matching grants to diaspora associations that fund community projects, thereby incentivizing investment and ensuring accountability. 3. Simplify Bureaucratic processes: Streamline procedures for land acquisition, project approvals, and importation of equipment for diaspora-led initiatives. Red tape is a major deterrent. 4. Establish Diaspora liaison offices: Each state should have a diaspora liaison office tasked with coordinating with hometown associations abroad.

These offices can serve as bridges between local needs and global resources.

5. Promote Public-Private Partnerships

Encourage partnerships between hometown associations, local governments, and private sector actors to scale up impact. For example, a health clinic funded by an Ondo association could be staffed by local government nurses and supplied by private pharmaceutical firms.

Beyond Infrastructure: Social Capital and Civic Engagement

The value of hometown associations goes beyond bricks and mortar. They foster civic engagement, promote transparency, and strengthen social cohesion. By involving diaspora communities in local governance, they can help build trust and accountability.

Moreover, these associations serve as cultural ambassadors. Through festivals, language classes, and heritage programs, they preserve Nigeria’s rich traditions and pass them on to younger generations abroad. This cultural continuity is vital in an era of globalization and identity erosion.

A clarion call

Nigeria stands at a crossroads. With rising poverty, youth unemployment, and infrastructural decay, the need for grassroots development has never been more urgent. Hometown associations in diaspora offer a ready-made solutionone rooted in tradition, driven by passion, and backed by global resources.

It is time for policymakers, civil society, and the media to recognize and elevate these associations. Let us move beyond token gestures and build institutional frameworks that empower diaspora communities to become co-creators of Nigeria’s future.

The Ondo Hometown Associations in the United States have shown what is possible. Imagine what could be achieved if similar groups across the globe were mobilized, supported, and integrated into national development plans. The road to a better Nigeria may well begin in the hearts of those who never forgot where they came from.

•Awolola is a Teaching Assistant and Instructor in the Department of History, Morgan State University, USA.

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