…call for greater unity, citizen engagement
The OBIdient Movement Europe, in collaboration with the Kwankwasiyya Movement Diaspora, has held a global conference aimed at strengthening collaboration, democratic participation, and citizen engagement among Nigerians in the diaspora.
The OBIdient–Kwankwasiyya Global Diaspora Conference, held at the Springdale Methodist Community Centre in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom, brought together Nigerians from Europe, Africa and North America for discussions on collaboration and Nigeria’s future.
Participants attended both physically and virtually from the United Kingdom, Germany, Greece, Spain, the United States, Nigeria and other countries.
The conference featured addresses from leaders of the two movements and other diaspora organisations, including former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who was represented by the Leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement in the Diaspora, Dr Muhammed Hamisu.
Others included the Coordinator of the OBIdient Movement, UK, Percy Nduka; Coordinator of the OBIdient Movement, Germany, Lewis Ugochuku; Coordinator of the OBIdient Movement in Greece, Anselm; Coordinator of the Kwankwasiyya Movement in the UK, Dr Mujahid Muhammed; Convener of the OK Movement Worldwide, Jackie Wayas; and Director of Diaspora, OK Movement, Kolade Kayode.
Opening the conference, OBIdient Lead for Europe, Damola Adebayo, described the gathering as an opportunity to strengthen relationships among Nigerians committed to accountable leadership, national development, and active citizen participation.
Adebayo said the conference was aimed at building bridges and encouraging dialogue among Nigerians who share a vision for a better country.
He said, “This conference is about building bridges, encouraging dialogue, and working together as Nigerians who believe in a better future for our country.
“Our goal is to unite patriotic Nigerians around the values of good governance, accountability, and national development. Today’s success is only the first step, and we look forward to even greater engagements as we continue to mobilise and prepare for the future.”
Also speaking, the Coordinator of the OBIdient Movement UK, Percy Nduka, emphasised the importance of collaboration among Nigerians irrespective of political differences.
Nduka said the conference demonstrated what could be achieved when Nigerians came together with a shared commitment to national progress.
He said, “This conference has shown what is possible when Nigerians come together with respect, purpose and a shared commitment to national progress.
“We are building relationships that transcend political differences because the future of Nigeria is bigger than any one movement. This is just the beginning.”
In his remarks, the Leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement Diaspora, Dr Muhammed Hamisu, highlighted the role Nigerians living abroad could play in contributing to national development.
He said, “Our participation today demonstrates that Nigerians in the diaspora are ready to contribute positively to the nation’s future.
“Dialogue, mutual respect and collaboration are essential if we are to build a stronger, more united Nigeria. We look forward to sustaining this partnership in the years ahead.”
Speakers at the conference also discussed the role of the diaspora in strengthening democratic values, promoting peaceful political participation and contributing ideas, expertise and resources to Nigeria’s development.
Participants exchanged views on future collaboration, civic engagement and the development of stronger networks among Nigerians living abroad.
The conference ended with a commitment by the participating organisations to strengthen cooperation, expand engagement across Europe and beyond, and promote constructive dialogue and citizen participation.
The organisers described the gathering as the beginning of a series of strategic engagements aimed at fostering unity, encouraging national dialogue and promoting greater involvement of Nigerians in the diaspora in nation-building.
They also expressed appreciation to participants who travelled to attend the conference physically and
those who joined virtually from different parts of the world.
