- As Naija- We- Can Town Hall event commemorates Obi’s Vision for Change
From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party during the 2023 general elections in Nigeria, Mr Peter Obi has re-echoed the fact that the hope for a New Nigeria is very much possible if the right leaders are recruited at all levels of government.
Obi spoke on Sunday in West Orange, New Jersey, USA at the Naija –We – Can Town Hall Event where he used the opportunity to thank various U.S based Nigerians who supported his candidacy during the 2023 general elections.
The evening, titled “Appreciation Town Hall: A Conversation with Peter Obi,” was marked by impassioned discussions, visionary insights, and a resounding call to action by Naija -We -Can’s leadership for a brighter future for Nigeria
Obi while speaking made it clear that though the elections and campaigns are over, the discussion on nation building must continue. He offered insights into the current challenges facing Nigeria and discussed how some of the challenges can be addressed, as well as the vital role of the Diaspora community in shaping Nigeria’s future. Mr. Obi expressed his profound gratitude for the unwavering support he received during the 2023 presidential campaign and also took various live questions from the audience.
He said Nigerians can overcome current challenges, embrace opportunities, and create a nation where every citizen thrives.
He added that Dr. Nexus Sea and the #Nijawecanteam from NYC/NJ epitomized the power of community and solidarity in driving meaningful transformation.
He said: “As we embark on the journey ahead, let us carry with us the lessons learned, the bonds forged, and the unwavering resolve to build a brighter future for Nigeria. Together, we can overcome challenges, embrace opportunities, and create a nation where every citizen thrives. Thank you for your unwavering support, and let us continue to move forward with courage, compassion, and hope”.
Naija –We- Can, is a first-of-its-kind non-profit Nigeria-focused 527 U.S. political organization, founded by U.S.-based Nigerian professionals.
The event kicked off with a warm welcome from Naija We Can Board Member, Dr. Hadiza Osuji, an Adjunct Assistant Professor at a top-ranked U.S. university, and the executive director of a non-profit focused on African immigrant families and communities. Dr. Osuji set the tone for the evening, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement and collective action in shaping Nigeria’s future.
Naija –We- Can founder, Nexus Sea, a litigation and trial partner at a top-ranked New York law firm, also addressed the attendees, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their commitment to the Nigeria of their dreams. His impassioned words resonated with the audience, inspiring renewed determination and resolve to stay the course.
Dr. Emmanuel U. Emeasoba, who sits on the Naija We Can Advisory Board and is an Internal Medicine Physician and cardiology fellow, delivered a powerful message urging the Diaspora to turn their financial power into political might by supporting candidates like Mr. Peter Obi and organizations like Naija We Can.
Popular New York emcee, Olu Faloye, also known as “Humble Prince,” served as the master of ceremonies, infusing the event with energy, enthusiasm, humor, and a sense of unity.
Central to the evening’s proceedings was the presentation of Naija We Can’s prestigious “Architect of Change Award” to Mr. Peter Obi. Naija We Can Advisory Board Member, Dr. Henrietta Ukwu, a distinguished physician, infectious diseases expert, professor, and renowned author of the landmark textbook, “Global Regulatory Systems,” took the stage to present the prestigious award to Mr. Peter Obi, on behalf of Naija We Can.
Joining Dr. Ukwu on stage were other esteemed Naija We Can Board members who also graced the event: Chibuzo Everist Njeze, a highly accomplished pharmacist and entrepreneur; Emeka C. Chinwuba, Esq., a respected partner at an international law firm based in New York, specializing in project development and financing transactions; and Uche Emelumadu, Esq., the esteemed founding partner at Madu, Edozie, P.C., a prestigious boutique New York law firm established in 1993. Their presence THE organisers noted emphasized the diverse professional expertise and unwavering commitment to excellence within Naija We Can‘s leadership and the Nigerian diaspora professional community.
The Naija We Can Advisory Board also includes Osi Umenyiora, a British-Nigerian former American football player and two-time Super Bowl Champion (XLII, XLVI), and Ibrahim H. Abdulkarim, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of EasyGIS Limited and the convenor of the We2geda movement, which spearheaded various crowdfunding projects.