Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, recently embarked on a gratitude tour across the UK and the US, aimed at strengthening connections with the Nigerian diaspora and celebrating their solidarity for change.
Reflecting on this remarkable journey from Abuja to the UK and America for the third time in 2024, the overarching theme of gratitude was evident throughout the engagement.
This was made known via a joint statement signed by Foundation for Restoring Civic Values, Equality, and Education (FREE), represented by Dr. Moses Paul, Mrs. Ndidi Mbagwu, and Dr. David Ogula.
The statament highlighted the power of a united Nigerian diaspora working toward a “New Nigeria” filled with opportunity and justice for all.
The tour commenced with an lecture at Liverpool John Moores University on October 23, 2024, where Mr. Obi presented a paper titled “Harnessing the Commonwealth Advantage for Trade and Investment.”
Held at the Redmonds Building, the event garnered an impressive turnout, including distinguished guests such as Mr. Mark Blundell, Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside; Richard Kemp, Lord Mayor of Liverpool; Tim Nicholl, Vice-Chancellor of LJMU Business School; Garth Dallas, Chair of the Liverpool Commonwealth Association; and Cllr Vanessa Boateng JP. Their presence underscored a shared vision for unity and progress.
In Houston, Texas, Mr. Obi engaged with the Nigerian community at ICCH on Creekbend Drive, where he expressed gratitude for their commitment to Nigeria’s development.
Organizers Dr. Fredrick Osadebe and Dr. BB Akazie highlighted Mr. Obi’s determination to support Nigerian citizens globally, reinforcing the values of compassion, character, and competence that bind the diaspora together.
The Los Angeles stop on October 25, 2024, at the Main Banquet Hall of the Holiday Inn in Torrance, CA, provided a platform for meaningful dialogue with members of the Obidient family and passionate advocates for a New Nigeria.
Community leaders, including Dr. Acho Emeruwa and Chief Chike Nweke, emphasized the importance of unity and dialogue in the quest for progress.
The following day in Atlanta, Georgia, Mr. Obi met with the Obidient family, Senator Donzella James of District 35 with Hon. Gabe Okoye, former diplomat, Tomi-Omo Oba, and 10 other U.S. House of Representatives members at the Signia Hilton Hotel, engaging in discussions focused on resilient, transformative leadership for Nigeria.
Notable attendees included Atty Onyirimba, Pastor Joseph Tyla Dough, Atty Taofiq Adeboye, George Hawthorne, and Dr. Dan Onyeagba, who collectively resonated with the spirit of resilience and optimism for a transformed Nigeria.
A special thanks was extended to the various community leaders and organizers across the cities visited, whose commitment and support were instrumental in the success of the tour.