News
Source of current events, important information, dates to remember and many more. Since its founding in 2002, here are some of the accomplishments of the Nigerian American Foundation:
NAF Celebrates Release of Chibok Girls
Monday, May 7th, 2017.
The Nigerian American Foundation rejoices with the parents of the 82 Chibok girls who have just regained freedom from Boko Haram Captivity. We congratulate the Nigerian Government, the Red Cross, the Government of Switzerland the #BRINGBACKOURGIRLS movement and all those who have contributed directly or indirectly to this encouraging development. In particular, we commend the doggedness of Congresswoman Frederica Wilson who has remained a true friend of Nigeria in her consistent advocacy for the girls’ freedom.
Second Recognition of the Nigerian Diaspora in Tallahassee FL
Wednesday, April 12th, 2017.
The second state-wide recognition of the Nigerian Diaspora in Florida is scheduled to take place at the State Capitol, Tallahassee on Wednesday, April 12, 2017. The trip also presents an opportunity for the Nigerian delegation to showcase Nigerian Culture at the Capitol. During the visit, the Nigerian delegation will have ample opportunity to meet and lobby State legislators on numerous issues, including but not limited to, getting funding for the African Museum of Arts and Culture (AMAC), the first African Museum in Florida and the Nigerian Community Center.
Nigerians in US worried about Trump presidency
Tuesday, December 12th, 2016.
A United States-based group, Nigerian American Foundation, on Saturday, expressed concerns over possible racist attacks against Nigerians living in the US.
According to the group, there is an increase in attacks against Muslims, Blacks, Jews and Hispanics, since Donald Trump emerged as US’ president-elect.
“We are concerned that some White working class citizens have been made to believe that immigrants are taking their jobs and Nigerians happen to be the most educated immigrant community in the United States.
Nigerian American Day at the Capitol!
Wednesday, March 10th, 2016.
The first ever Nigerian American Day was
celebrated February 24, 2016 at the Florida State
Capitol in Tallahassee. The event was a joint
initiative of out-going State Representative,
Daphne Campbell, Ms. Tinu Pena, who is running
for Florida House District 86 (Palm Beach) and
the Nigerian American Foundation. A powerful
delegation of 20 Nigerians in South Florida led by
the NAF Board Chair, Chief Joseph Obadeyi
and Dr. Yinka Tella, NAF President, took
Tallahassee by storm.
Recognition of the Nigerian Diaspora in Tallahassee FL
Wednesday, February 24, 2016.
The first-ever state-wide recognition of the Nigerian Diaspora in Florida is scheduled to take place at the State Capitol, Tallahassee on Wednesday, February 24, 2016. We invite Nigerians from all works of life in Florida to convene in Tallahassee for this historic event. The Nigerian American Foundation (NAF) is organizing a trip to the state Capitol from South Florida, to showcase Nigerian Culture at the Capitol. During the visit, the Nigerian delegation will have ample opportunity to meet and lobby State legislators on numerous issues, including but not limited to, getting some funding for the African Museum of Arts and Culture (AMAC), the first African Museum in Florida.
NIGERIA’S 55TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY
September 26 through Thursday, October 15, 2015.5
For Immediate Release - Inquiries? Call (305)699-4NAF
The Nigerian American Foundation of South Florida will be celebrating Nigeria’s 55th independence anniversary with the following events from Saturday, September 26 through Thursday, October 15, 2015.
NAF APPLAUDS CONDUCT OF NIGERIAN
ELECTIONSFor Immediate Release - Inquiries? Call (954)736-6676
The Nigerian American Foundation (NAF), the voice of more than 2000 Nigerians in South Florida,
has applauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting largely free, fair, and peaceful Federal elections leading to the emergence of opposition party candidate, General Muhamma du Buhari, as President-Elect. We note that this is the first time in Nigeria’s history that an incumbent or his candidate has lost presidential elections.
“We commend
outgoing President
Goodluck Jonathan for graciously conceding defeat
and
all
po
lit
ical parties and candidates for
conducting
themselves peacefully
during the process. In
particular, we commend the patriotism, courage and sagacity of
the
INEC
Chairman, Professor
Att
ahiru
Jega
,
for leading his commission effectively
and efficiently
to overcome multiple
challenges
without fear of favor,
to deliver credible elections,
”
NAF President, Dr. Yinka Tella said.
NAF also commended the President
-
Elect, General Muhammadu Buhari,
for running an issues
-
based
campaign
and remaining
focused despite losses in three previous election cycles.
“General
Buhari’s story is a classic on resilience and forging ahead in the face of adversity,
”Dr. Tella said.
“Now
he must bring the same
“can do” spirit to governance to rebuild our institutions, tackle
corruption and restore security, constitutionalism, sanity and progress.
”
yinkatella
Yinka Tella, Ed.D.
President
NAF CALLS FOR PEACEFUL ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA March 26th 2015
For Immediate Release - Inquiries? Call (954)736-6676
The Nigerian American Foundation (NAF), the voice of more than 2000 Nigerians in South Florida, has called for peaceful elections in Nigeria which holds Federal and State elections on March 28 and April 11.
NAF appeals to all political parties and candidates to conduct themselves peacefully and allow the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) room to discharge its duties efficiently and without fear of favor.
“It is important that Nigerians eschew bitterness and violence in this election. Elections are not war and political opponents are not combatants. The more Nigerians realize this, the better it will be for our polity and our wholesome development as a people,” NAF President, Dr. Yinka Tella said. “Please go out and vote your conscience, don’t sell your votes or indulge in disruptive behavior.”
NAF also warned against manipulation of the results of the election. “It is time we took our rightful place as the most populous nation in Africa and the seventh in the world blessed with enormous natural resources and incredibly talented people. Running credible elections is the minimum condition for our nation to move forward,” Dr. Tella concluded.
Yinka Tella, Ed.D.
President
Nigerian Hall Town Meeting - A museum & Cultural Center • On May 7th, 2013 the Miami-Dade
Board of County Commissioners
unanimously approved an item
presented by District 1 County
Commissioner Barbara J. Jordan to
allocate a parcel of land ($1/year
lease with options to renew for up
to 100 years) located at NW 207th
Street and NW 32nd Avenue to the
Nigerian American Foundation for
the development of a museum and
cultural center in Miami Gardens.
I was expecting nothing less than four hundred fellow Nigerians for the meeting. However, it was far less than that. The important thing was that those who attended the meeting get the true clarification of the property and what we have to do to get the ball rolling. We had seven seasoned panelists, who address the project from different point of views.
As usual, the meeting started on time. The president of Nigerian American Foundation Erhabor Ighodaro, Ph. D, introduced the MC of the event, Mr. Desmond Alufohai (Mr. International). He explained the procedures and then introduced the High priest Osemwegie Ebohon from BeninCity, Nigerian, who opened the meeting with prayer after which the MC introduced the panelists.
Seven members of the panelists were professionals in step by step approach of the coming events and what, when and how we should approach the building of the museum and art center for Nigerians and all Africans and friends. After each of the panelist spoke for seven allocated minutes, some had more information for us and passed the allotted time.
On the panel are, High Priest Osemwingie Ebohon, Founder Ebohon Cultural Center, Mr. W. Ajibola Balogun, City Manager, City of West Park, Broward County, Florida,
Mr. Ola Aluko, President & CEO, Odua Group LLC, Mr. Serge Rodriguez, Director of Operations, Haitian Heritage Museum, Mr. Hakeem Azeez, President New Nigeria Alliance, Mr. Dickson Ezeala, Principal Planner, Office of Metropolitan Planning, Miami-Dade County, Ms. Annabel Brewster, Business Owner & Community Activist and Chief Joseph Obadeyi, Chair, Board of Director, Nigerian American Foundation.
Light snacks was served during the meet and at the closing the Councilman Erhabor Ighodaro, Ph. D, thanked the panelists, all in the audience and make it clear that this project is for all Nigerians and Nigerian friends. Pictures were taken and the meeting was brought to a close. Many in attendance were delightful for the explanations and clarifications of many issues. Many in the audience took the open floor section to make their views known and suggestions were given and all were well taken.
The time is ticking and the time to act is now!
Passports & Visas• For seven consecutive years, NAF hosted the Nigerian government in Miami to provide and process passport and visa applications for Nigerians and visitors travelling to Nigeria. Our goal is to develop a multi-purpose facility that would house a museum of art/artifacts from Nigeria and the African Diaspora, dance theatre, banquet hall, wellness center, classrooms and offices for the parent entity. A coalition that includes Nigerians, friends of Nigerians and interest groups from the African Diaspora is being established to create awareness, fundraise, manage and oversee the entire project, which must be completed within 5 years otherwise the land resorts back to Miami Gardens.
Scholarships• For ten years NAF has partnered with Miami-Dade County School Board in establishing a Rites of Passage program at Carol City Elementary, Carol City Middle and Carol City Senior High School. Through this effort, more than eighteen students from Miami-Dade County Public Schools have been given scholarships and opportunities to travel to Africa on an established students exchange program.
Our Culture• NAF recently established a scholarship competition “9JA BEE” to allow our children and local students develop their vocabulary, understanding and awareness of the different Nigeria languages.
No to Violence
• NAF is a partner with Mt. Zion AME Church and City of Miami Gardens in the annual S.A.V.I.O.R. (Stand Against Violence It’s Our Responsibility) anti violence community
