By Ladi Omole and NIDO New Jersey Executives
The Nigerians in Diaspora Organization Americas (NIDOA), popularly known as NIDO, was created to unify and mobilize Nigerians living across the Americas for the betterment of themselves and the homeland. However, a growing debate within the NIDO New Jersey leadership raises a fundamental question: who should NIDO truly serve—Nigeria’s dignitaries or the everyday Nigerians in the Diaspora?
Recently, I, Ladi Omole, recommended a member of our community for active participation in NIDO’s initiatives. This individual leads a dynamic, New Jersey-based forum of Nigerians, with over 350 subscribers and a high level of engagement—over 80% active participation. The forum is a living platform for discussing urgent local issues such as housing, immigration, education, and community support among Nigerians in New Jersey.
My argument was simple: the issues being addressed by this community forum align directly with NIDO’s founding purpose—to serve Nigerians in the Diaspora and strengthen connections between their local needs and national development. It presents a great opportunity to bring more Nigerians into NIDO activities, fostering broader participation and relevance at the grassroots level.
However, some fellow NIDO New Jersey executives held a different view. Their counterargument was that NIDO’s primary role is to engage with Nigerian dignitaries and promote investment and development initiatives that link back to Nigeria. In their words, NIDO is best positioned as an organization for successful Nigerians—those who have influence and means, rather than community organizers or everyday workers.
What the Bylaws Actually Say
According to the 2013 NIDO Americas Bylaws, the mission is clearly defined:
“To promote the spirit of patriotism, networking, and cooperation among Nigerians in the Diaspora… and to mobilize the vast resources of manpower and machinery toward building a greater Nigeria.”
Moreover, the organization is charged with objectives such as:
- Providing forums for discussion of business, education, and investment opportunities;
- Enhancing Nigeria’s image and supporting Diaspora Nigerians;
- Celebrating and leveraging the success and talents of Nigerians abroad;
- Encouraging collaboration around social, educational, and economic issues affecting Nigerians both locally and globally.
From this, it’s evident that NIDO’s vision is not exclusive to the elite. It explicitly seeks to involve all Nigerians—professionals, students, business owners, and grassroots community members—in building a stronger, more united Diaspora voice.
Why This Matters
If NIDO limits itself to ceremonial events and elite engagements, it risks becoming disconnected from the real concerns and aspirations of the wider Nigerian population in the Americas. Community forums like the one in question represent an untapped resource—vibrant platforms where Nigerians are already organizing themselves, solving problems, and building networks of support.
These are not mere social gatherings; they are mini-NIDOs in spirit, if not yet in name.
By integrating these voices, NIDO can expand its reach, increase relevance, and fulfill its mandate of being the bridge between the Diaspora and the homeland—not just from the top down, but also from the bottom up.
A Call for Balance
The truth is: NIDO can and should do both. There’s room to engage with dignitaries and foster investment in Nigeria, while also empowering local chapters and grassroots leaders who are actively improving lives in their communities abroad.
We must avoid creating an organization that is perceived as exclusive or distant. Instead, we should build one that is representative, inclusive, and alive to the needs of the entire Diaspora.
What Do You Think?
Should NIDO prioritize dignitary engagement, or strengthen ties with grassroots community leaders? Can it do both effectively?
We’d love to hear your thoughts. Join the conversation and help shape the future of NIDO.