Nigerian diaspora body in America seals peace deal

The Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation, Americas (NIDOA), an umbrella body for groups of Nigerians in America, has agreed to unite as one fold to ensure progress.

A statement by the association’s leadership made available to Tribune Online on Friday said the peace deal was sealed in a groundbreaking move at an extraordinary Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Bloomington, Minnesota, USA on November 16, 2024.

Jointly signed by the NIDOA’s BoT members: Zee Nagberi and Bukola Olaoye, Chika Emmanuel (for NIDOA Brazil), Lillian Alli-Balogun (NIDOA Canada), Doyin Owobamirin and Collins Ikegwuonu for NIDOA in USA, the statement said all the chapters of the association now come under one umbrella following the signing of the unification agreement.

“After months of dialogue and collaboration, representatives from NIDOA’s chapters across the Americas— including over 20 USA chapter presidents, continental chairs from Canada and Brazil, and past leaders—came together to resolve long-standing divisions within the organization.

“For the first time in years, opposing factions came to the table to engage in constructive dialogue, and a unified path forward was charted,” the statement revealed.

It said an international mediation expert facilitated discussions and resolution of the years of dispute among the groups.

“The unification was formally sealed by leaders from both sides, including Mr Zee Nagberi, Mr Bukola Olaoye, Dr Toni Ogbanufe, Mr Uche Uzoigwe, Mrs Chinyere Ibezim-Adom, Pastor Doyin Owobamirin, and Mr Collins Ikegwuonu.

“These forward-thinking leaders inked the agreement that sets the course for NIDOA’s unified future,” it disclosed.
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Among notable personalities that attended the event according to the association, include the Assistant Majority Leader and first Nigerian American elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives, Mrs. Esther Agbaje.

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