I wish I could see behind closed doors in Nigeria as to why the Nigerian Diaspora success is not celebrated. We have done much more than just send Western Unions and Moneygrams. Year after year, generation after generation, the Nigerian Diaspora has raised the bar for black people in the U.K., but their successes are being ignored at state, national and almost all levels in Nigeria.
The loud whispers that circulate are that if your success does not include a primary financial incentive-then the Nigerian Govt does not want to know. They are not bothered. To be celebrated you will have to take your achievements to them and surrender yourself or bribe them, for them to recognise you. That is how it is. Many Nigerian Diaspora organisations we have here in the U.K. are mostly interested in serving Nigerian politicians as a means of making connections for them, and as a way of looking down on the achievements of other Nigerians. As for now, Nigerian leaders are mostly known for celebrating Nigerian musicians because they want to be seen as clued up with the cool crowd.
The move to celebrate excellent Nigerians in Diaspora on the occasion of our 62nd independence was an easy one, because Nigerians in Diaspora now understand that the era of defining success only by money has become a thing of the past.
Success is defined by impact, mentorship, community relations and many other indices that will amount to a great result. Recognition from Queen Elizabeth is highly valued, not financially related but more humanitarian. The Nigerians who have received it have displayed a very high level of humanity at the highest stage. We should be proud of them.
It is a shame that the State governors of Nigeria are still in the dark about this. Edo Connect are now working with the Nigerian Embassy London to ensure this is quickly rectified going forward. Such a move will bring untold benefits to Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.
The celebration starts on Oct 15, 2022, at Enfield Highway Community Centre, London. Five of our eminent guests are Philip Orumwense CBE, Nims Obunge MBE, Tom Ilube CBE, Joyce Obaseki MBE & BEM, Ehinor Amedu -The Queen’s award. These people deserve to be celebrated.
Please call 07943 424425 to get a ticket.
It is power to the Nigerian Diaspora as we start to celebrate Nigerian excellence in Diaspora
The Editor