Washington, DC — It was a full house inspired by the Biden Administration as the Nigerian-American Diaspora gathered to celebrate its community members serving in the U.S. government. Themed, “The Pride of Our Ancestry; The Strength of Our Diaspora,” the event was conceived by Rimsom Associates and hosted by the Nigerian Physicians Advocacy Group (NPAG) and Constituency for Africa (CFA).
Honorees were among the finest of Nigerian Diaspora including: Ms. Enoh T. Ebong, Director, U.S. Trade and Development Agency; Mr. Chike Aguh, Chief Innovation Officer, U.S. Department of Labor; Mr. Ike Umunnah, Senior Advisor, Global Markets, U.S. Department of Commerce; Ms. Funmi Olorunnipa Badejo, Special Assistant to the President and Associate Counsel, Office of the White House Counsel; Dr. Kechi Achebe, Director, Office of Global Health & HIV, Peace Corps; Ms. Osaremen Okolo, Policy Advisor for Public Health and Equity, White House Office of Covid Response; amongst others.
A Special Diaspora Leadership Award was presented to Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first African and first woman to hold the position of Director-General at the World Trade Organization. U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health was recognized and awarded with honor as a Distinguished Leader who continues to elevate the voices of the African Diaspora Community. Senator Van Hollen in his response stated that “America’s great diversity is essential to our strength. It is essential that we all continue working together to nurture the tradition of diversity, inclusion and community of all kinds in public service.”
Special Guests for the evening were Ms. Reta Jo Lewis, the first black President and Chair of the Export-Import Bank of the U.S.; and Honorable Abike Dabiri-Arewa; Chair, Nigeria Diaspora Commission.
The host representatives, Dr. Iyore James, President NPAG; Mr. Melvin Foote, President, Constituency for Africa and Ufo Eric-Atuanya Esq., CEO, Rimsom Associates did a great job in organizing this very first of it’s kind event.
The event did not only highlight the achievements and contributions of Nigerian-Americans but also emphasized the importance and significance of civic participation, advocacy and inclusion while etching foundations for future generations.