Tag: Nigerians in America

Enterpreneurship

StorsPay, a Nigerian Decentralized Retail Investing Platform, Raises $320,000 and Gets Accepted into Techstars NYC Accelerator

By KODZILLA | Bit KE

StorsPay, a fintech startup by Nigerian, Sam Alonge, has secured a funding round of US$320,000 and selected to participate in the Techstars NYC accelerator. The accelerator supported by the JP Morgan Accelerator.

The fintech has developed a decentralized platform for retail lending infrastructure which aims to connect small businesses worldwide with retail investors seeking alternative asset investment opportunities.

Continue reading “StorsPay, a Nigerian Decentralized Retail Investing Platform, Raises $320,000 and Gets Accepted into Techstars NYC Accelerator” →
Arts

Nigerian Artist, Oluseyi Soyege, Wins Another Top U.S. Laurel

By The Independent

Nigerian artist, Oluseyi Soyege, has won another top laurel at the San Antonio Art League & Museum’s 93rd Annual Juried Art exhibition held in Texas, United States of America. 

Soyege’s fabric collage artwork titled “A Peek Into the Future” won one of the six awards given to artists selected out of the 552 works submitted by over 200 artists from San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, San Marcos, Corpus Christi and other cities in Texas. 

Continue reading “Nigerian Artist, Oluseyi Soyege, Wins Another Top U.S. Laurel” →
Enterpreneurship

ONE OF BIRMINGHAM’S BRIGHTEST ENTREPRENEURS, SHEGUN OTULANA, SOLD HIS COMPANY FOR $1.2 BILLION

By Darryl Robertson | Black Enterprise

One of Birmingham, Alabama’s most skillful entrepreneurs, Shegun Otulana, sold his company Therapy Brands for a hefty sum, $1.2 billion.

According to Otulana, over the next decade, he plans to create 40 new startups in Birmingham–with an aggregate value in the billions of dollars.”

Continue reading “ONE OF BIRMINGHAM’S BRIGHTEST ENTREPRENEURS, SHEGUN OTULANA, SOLD HIS COMPANY FOR $1.2 BILLION” →
Uncategorized

Nigerian-born Amanda Azubuike now Brigadier General in US Army

By Wale Odunsi | Daily Post

A senior officer in the United States Army, Amanda Azubuike, has been promoted to Brigadier General rank.

Amanda, whose father and mother hail from Nigeria and Zimbabwe, serves at a military base in Fort Knox, Kentucky.

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Immigration

Why Nigeria is the only African country excluded from 2023 DV-Visa Lottery

By Biodun Busari | Vanguard

The United States has excluded Nigeria from its 2023 Diversity Immigrant Visa programme which is also known as the green card lottery.

Nigeria’s exclusion from the programme makes it eight years in a row that the US ignored the most populous African country in the world among immigrants entering via DVL.

Continue reading “Why Nigeria is the only African country excluded from 2023 DV-Visa Lottery” →
Giving Back

Dr. Phillip Ozuah| New York based Nigerian doctor donates 1M Dollars to University of Ibadan

By Ebimo Amungo

A Nigerian-born physician who is based in New York has donated one million dollars to his alma mata, the University of Ibadan in South West Nigeria. Dr. Philip Ozuah made the donation to the school during a fundraiser organised by the university.

Continue reading “Dr. Phillip Ozuah| New York based Nigerian doctor donates 1M Dollars to University of Ibadan” →
Uncategorized

United States Enters into Agreement with Nigeria to Repatriate Over $23 Million in Assets Stolen by Former Nigerian Dictator

From USJF

The United States, through the Department of Justice and FBI, forfeited approximately $23 million traceable to the corruption and money laundering of former Nigerian dictator Sani Abacha and his co-conspirators. This money will be returned to the Nigerian people through an agreement between the Governments of the United States and the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Nigeria) signed today in Abuja, Nigeria, by U.S. Ambassador Mary Beth Leonard. This repatriation will bring the total amount forfeited and returned by the Department of Justice in this case to approximately $334.7 million. 

Continue reading “United States Enters into Agreement with Nigeria to Repatriate Over $23 Million in Assets Stolen by Former Nigerian Dictator” →
Uncategorized

WITH BIGGER THAN AFRICA, TOYIN ADEKEYE UNIFIES PEOPLE OF AFRICAN DESCENTS

By SHAIBU HUSSEINI | The Guardian Newspaper

Although he has been touring festivals worldwide screening his first feature documentary, Bigger Than Africa, Toyin Ibrahim Adekeye’s dream was to have the cultural documentary stream on a global platform so that more people will get to see the film outside festivalgoers.

That dream came through for the filmmaker and President of Motherland Productions in Los Angeles on May 13, 2022, when the documentary film about the journey of enslaved Africans through the lens of the Yoruba culture of West Africa debuted on the global streaming platform Netflix.

Continue reading “WITH BIGGER THAN AFRICA, TOYIN ADEKEYE UNIFIES PEOPLE OF AFRICAN DESCENTS” →
Uncategorized

Boubini Miyensinte Jones-Wonni | 22 year Old NIgerian is best graduating Medical Student in Howard University, gains scholarship to Harvard Medical School

By Ebimo Amungo

Boubini Miyensinte Jones-Wonni, a 22 year old Nigerian has not only become the youngest and best graduting student of Howard University she has also won a scholarship to Havard for her residency program in internal medicine

Jones-Wonni was born in Ido-ani, a town in Ondo state , Nigeria, on the 23rd of October 1999 to the family of Dr and Mrs Jones-Wonni. She hails from Arogbo Ese- Odo local government area of Ondo State.

Continue reading “Boubini Miyensinte Jones-Wonni | 22 year Old NIgerian is best graduating Medical Student in Howard University, gains scholarship to Harvard Medical School” →
Fashion

Common mistakes Nigerians make in America – Model Joseph Water

By Vanguard Newspaper

From his wealth of knowledge and experience, Nigerian-American model Babalola Otitoju Joseph better known as Joseph Water has offered nuggets of advice to young Nigerians hoping to migrate to America and follow in his footsteps.

The 28-year-old seasoned model advised: “Firstly, they need a great dose of self-belief and tenacity to follow their dreams. They need to also understand the nuances of modelling; it is way more than having a pretty face and being photogenic.

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Communities

Kenneth Anga elected Chairman of Ijaw National Congress in North America.

By Ebimo Amungo

Mr Kenneth Ibiene Anga, a longtime resident of Houston, Texas, has been elected Chairman of the Ijaw National Congress in North America. The Ijaw National Congress is the premier socio-cultural organization of the Ijaw Ethnic Nationality in Nigeria. Mr Anga was elected by delegates from across America in an election that was held over zoom on Saturday 7th May 2022.

Mr. Anga would lead a new Executive Committee that is tasked with the responsibilities of directing the affairs of the organization in America and Canada for the next four years.

Continue reading “Kenneth Anga elected Chairman of Ijaw National Congress in North America.” →
Uncategorized

Nigeria remains home despite my long sojourn abroad –Itoro Bassey

By The Sun Newspaper

For writer Itoro Bassey, in spite of her many years sojourn in America, Nigeria remains the best place to be notwithstanding its numerous challenges.

Speaking at the inauguration of her book titled, “Faith” in Abuja recently, Bassey said: “Though, Nigeria is presently going through some economic and security challenges, I chose to come home to deal with the challenges and see how I can contribute my quota towards making the country great.” 

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Uncategorized

Drunk driver kills Nigerian 2 months after arrival in America

By Ebimo Amungo

Tributes from family and friends have been pouring in for a Nigerian, Patrick Ohanta, 45, who was hit and killed by a car driven by a drunk driver while standing by the side of a kerb in Pineville, Louisiana.

According to friends who knew him, Patrick Ohanta had arrive America only two months ago. He was an alumnus of the University of Ibadan and a keen footballer.

Continue reading “Drunk driver kills Nigerian 2 months after arrival in America” →
Uncategorized

Floyd Mayweather set to visit Nigeria ahead of Dubai fight

By By Gowon Akpodonor

Former undisputed world super welterweight boxing champion, Floyd Mayweather, would visit Nigeria on Friday as part of his efforts at promoting the sport in Africa, the organisers of the trip have announced.

Mayweather, who will make his first ever visit to Africa when he arrives in Abuja ahead of his ring return at the Skies of Dubai on May 14.

Continue reading “Floyd Mayweather set to visit Nigeria ahead of Dubai fight” →
Uncategorized

Kenneth Anga and Sterling Ellis set to contest Chairmanship of Ijaw National Congress in North America

By Ebimo Amungo

Preparations are being concluded for the election of a new Executive Team to run the affairs the Ijaw National Congress in North America. The elections are due to hold on Saturday 7th May 2022.

The Ijaw National Congress is the premiere socio-cultural organization of the Ijaw Ethnic Nationality in South-South region Nigeria.

Continue reading “Kenneth Anga and Sterling Ellis set to contest Chairmanship of Ijaw National Congress in North America” →
Uncategorized

Dr. Joyce Tolofari | Trained as an actress in Nigeria, now a trainer of nurses in America

By Ebimo Amungo

Dr. Joyce Tolofari can pass for an a-listed actress in Hollywood or even Nollywood, but she is not an actress, even though she trained to be one. Rather, she is a professor of nursing at the Austin Community College and an adjunct professor of nursing at the University of Texas in Arlington, Texas.

But despite these lofty achievements as a nurse and professor in America, Dr. Tolofari has fond memories of her time as a performer in Nigeria where she studied theater arts under the famed dramatist and academician, Ola Rotimi.

Continue reading “Dr. Joyce Tolofari | Trained as an actress in Nigeria, now a trainer of nurses in America” →
Sports

Houston Texans add John Metchie, NFL star with Nigerian heritage, to 2022 team roaster

By Vanguard

American National Football League Football frontrunner, the Houston Texans has continued assembling their impressive draft haul on Friday night, trading up to the No. 44 pick with the Cleveland Browns, and selecting Alabama wide receiver John Metchie III.

With the addition of Metchie, son of a Nigerian businessman who is currently the President General of Umueri community in Anambra state, the Texans now add a talented No. 2 wideout to pair with the recently extended Brandin Cooks and give second-year quarterback Davis Mills a legitimate deep threat in the passing game.

Continue reading “Houston Texans add John Metchie, NFL star with Nigerian heritage, to 2022 team roaster” →
Uncategorized

Black doctors say they face discrimination based on race

By Kate Brumback | The Associated Press

Dr. Dare Adewumi was thrilled when he was hired to lead the neurosurgery practice at an Atlanta-area hospital near where he grew up. But he says he quickly faced racial discrimination that ultimately led to his firing and has prevented him from getting permanent work elsewhere.

His lawyers and other advocates say he’s not alone, that Black doctors across the country commonly experience discrimination, ranging from microaggressions to career-threatening disciplinary actions.

Continue reading “Black doctors say they face discrimination based on race” →
African Food

Sam Osemene’s place is not just an African market, it is a meeting place for African immigrants in Austin, Texas.

By Ebimo Amungo

Sam Osemene and his team must be doing something right. A steady stream of Uber Eats and Door Dash delivery drivers strolled into his restaurant to pick up orders for clients just as plates of an assortment of African dishes were being served to dine-in clients.

Seated on different tables were a potpourri of African immigrants that included Congolese, Cameroonians, Ghanaians, Nigerians and Liberians eating and chatting over beer about their work and life in Austin, Texas.

Continue reading “Sam Osemene’s place is not just an African market, it is a meeting place for African immigrants in Austin, Texas.” →
Uncategorized

Nigerian-Americans Serving in the Biden Administration recognised for their excellence

By Ebimo Amungo

The professionals among the Nigerian community in America recently organised an event where a number Nigerian-Americans in the Biden Administration were recognized for their excellence.

News of the event was brought to light in a tweet by Dr. Ngozi Okonji-Iweala, the Director-General of World Trade Organisation.

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African Food

At The Green Place in Brooklyn, Fufu is the favorite food of Americans

By Ebimo Amungo

Jollof rice may be the rage but at The Green Place, fufu is the food that is ordered the most by Americans.


Joy Green, owner of this Nigerian restaurant on Rockaway Avenue in Brooklyn, New York, gave this insight with a laud guffaw.


“They also order a lot of okra soup” she added laughing.

Continue reading “At The Green Place in Brooklyn, Fufu is the favorite food of Americans” →
Sports

New York Giants sign Nigerian offensive tackle Roy Mbaeteka from NFL international pathway program

By PAT LEONARD | NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Maybe one day, Roy Mbaeteka can be the Giants’ Jordan Mailata.

The Giants signed Mbaeteka, a 6-9, 320-pound Nigerian offensive tackle, out of the NFL’s international pathway program on Friday, the team announced.

He has no high school or college football experience. The team says former star Giants pass rusher Osi Umenyiora has mentored Mbaeteka, 22, and first saw him at a camp in Nigeria in May 2021.

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African Food

Spice Kitchen wants to change the world with its stellar Nigerian food


By Tim Carman | The Washington Post

Thin strips of beef, dusted with a formidable West African spice blend, are scattered atop a waxy sheet of “The American Times,” a faux newspaper whose motto is “All the News That Changes the World.” The slogan, an obvious riff on the Gray Lady’s 19th-century retort to yellow journalism, seems custom-made for Olumide Shokunbi and Spice Kitchen.


Shokunbi earned his stripes in the restaurant business at Chipotle Mexican Grill, rising to the level of general manager at a store in his native Bowie, Md. The chain left its mark on him, not so much with its approach to customization but with its big-tent philosophy.

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Sports

Onwuzurike named Athlete of the week in US

By Monica Iheakam | The Sun

Nigeria’s Udodi Onwuzurike has earned his first Track Athlete of the week award after his phenomenal performance at the Stanford Invitational last weekend at Cobb Track and Angell Field in USA.

The World U20 champion,last weekend, broke Stanford Univeeity’s  freshman records in both the 100 and 200 meters races  in his collegiate debut running 10.14 in the 100m prelims and topping it  that with a 10.07 in the final, which is No. 2 in America this year.

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Conferences

Conference on Current Business Issues in African countries ends at Wagner College, New York.

By Ebimo Amungo

A conference on Current Business Issues in African countries has ended in New York. Hosted by Nicolais School of Business at Wagner College, the conference examined the impact of Covid 19 on Supply Chains, Climate Change, Sustainable Development, and Entrepreneurship in Africa.

Participants, at the conference, which ran between the 7th and 8th of April, 2022, were drawn from all over Africa, America and the New York Metropolitan area. The conference was held in a hybrid format with both on-campus and online participation.

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Uncategorized

Tope Awotona | Nigeria-Born Techpreneur Who Is One Of America’s Wealthiest Immigrants

By Amy Feldman | Forbes

Tope Awotona, the 40-year-old founder and chief executive of Calendly, leans back in his chair and lets loose a loud guffaw.

“You call it on message, I call it the truth,” he says, slapping his hands on the table. The truth, as Awotona has it, is that everyone needs Calendly, his scheduling software, to lead better, more productive, happier work lives.

Nine years ago, Awotona started Calendly, pouring his life savings of $200,000 into it and later quitting his job selling software for EMC. Today, the company has 10 million users and counts Lyft, Ancestry.com, Indiana University and La-Z-Boy among its customers.

Continue reading “Tope Awotona | Nigeria-Born Techpreneur Who Is One Of America’s Wealthiest Immigrants” →
Awards

Nigerian Professor wins Distinguished Scholar Award in U.S.

By Premium Times

A Nigerian professor, Chris Ogbondah, has won the Distinguished Scholar Award for the 2021-2022 academic year at the University of Northern Iowa in the United States of America. The award is given annually to the lecturer in the university who is most accomplished in scholarly and creative activity.

A letter dated March 11, 2022, which was signed by Gabriela Olivares, Associate Dean, Graduate College of the university, and addressed to Professor Ogbondah said: “The Graduate College is pleased to inform you that the faculty committee for the 2021-2022 Distinguished Scholar Award has selected you as the recipient from a group of excellent nominees.

Continue reading “Nigerian Professor wins Distinguished Scholar Award in U.S.” →
Awards

Nigerian-American Professor Tolu Oyesanya Wins Prestigious American Award in Nursing

by Victor Duru | Legit

History has been made in the US as a Nigerian-American professor emerged the recipient of the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM) Deborah L. Wilkerson Early Career Award for 2022.

Professor Tolulope Oyesanya was named the recipient of the prestigious award in a tweet by Duke University School of Nursing.

Continue reading “Nigerian-American Professor Tolu Oyesanya Wins Prestigious American Award in Nursing” →
Uncategorized

Bola Ibidapo | Daughter of Nigerian Immigrants Helping Under-Represented Students See the World

By Rashaad Jorden | Skift

Studying abroad doesn’t have to be a pipe dream for young Hispanic and African Americans. Bola Ibidapo’s Too Fly Foundation is on a mission to help young people overcome the barriers they face in their communities that prevent them from traveling the globe.

When Bola Ibidapo learned her friend Brandon Miller was raising money to help young students obtain passports, she immediately told Miller she was eager to provide assistance.

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Health

Making healthcare more accessible for Cleveland’s Congolese community

Story and Photos by Michael Indriolo | The Land

Snow fell outside last Saturday, but the mood was warmer inside the Amour du Christ Church on Clark Avenue where a few of Cleveland’s Congolese refugees braved the cold for a health clinic put on by IKON Health Foundation and The Refugee Response’s Community Advisory Board. 

This health clinic, like its predecessor at Cleveland’s Somali Community Center in February, was designed to make basic health services more accessible for local refugee populations who face language, cultural and logistical barriers to getting healthcare they need.

Continue reading “Making healthcare more accessible for Cleveland’s Congolese community” →