Nigerian Center Announces National Policy Advisory Council
New national advisory body will strengthen policy advocacy, research, civic engagement, and representation for Nigerian American and Black immigrant communities.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON, D.C. — October 7, 2026 — The Nigerian Center today announced the 13 inaugural members of its Policy Advisory Council, a nonpartisan national body established to strengthen the voice and representation of Nigerian Americans, Black immigrants, and the broader African diaspora in public policy.
The inaugural Council brings together leaders with experience spanning government affairs, immigration, international policy, technology, economic opportunity, education, health, community advocacy, and U.S.–Africa relations. Members represent six states and jurisdictions across the United States.
Inaugural Policy Advisory Council Members
Vanita M. Banks — Illinois
Dr. Edidiong Chrys Obot — Texas
Adewale Oduye — California
Daniel Oyolu — Texas
Dr. Chinasa T. Okolo — Washington, D.C.
Kemi Adetola — Maryland
Adedayo S. Adeniyi — Maryland
Ndijeka U. Harry — Maryland
Dr. Uchenna Ihuoma Ogbonna — Maryland
Janice Adeloye-Folarin — Maryland
Mariam Abaya Maigadi — Washington, D.C.
Chidera Olaedo Ofoha — California
Timi Olagunju — Massachusetts
The Policy Advisory Council was established in response to two significant policy gaps: the limited representation and prioritization of Black and African immigrant communities in federal, state, and local policymaking, and the increasingly uncertain state of U.S.–Africa relations, where meaningful African diaspora participation in shaping policies affecting both communities remains limited.
The Council will build a national network of leaders who can bring community expertise, lived experience, and subject-matter knowledge into the policymaking process while providing strategic guidance and informed policy recommendations.
“Black and African immigrant communities remain underrepresented in policymaking, while the African diaspora is too often absent from the conversations shaping U.S.–Africa relations. This Council brings together the expertise and lived experience needed to help close those gaps and ensure our communities have a stronger voice in the policies that affect them.”
— Gbenga Ogunjimi, Founder and Executive Director, Nigerian Center
The Council will support the Nigerian Center’s work across key policy priorities, including immigration justice, diaspora affairs, civic engagement and democratic participation, economic opportunity and entrepreneurship, education and workforce development, health equity and public health, U.S.–Nigeria relations, and international development and global partnerships.
The announcement comes during the inaugural celebration of Nigerian Heritage Month, an advocacy effort championed by the Nigerian Center through the introduction of House Resolution 1546, creating an opportunity not only to recognize the cultural, civic, and economic contributions of Nigerians and Nigerian Americans, but also to strengthen their participation and leadership in public policy.
Council members will serve as ambassadors for the Nigerian Center’s policy priorities and participate in Council meetings, working groups, strategic policy discussions, research, legislative engagement, and other initiatives designed to advance evidence-based solutions.
For more information, please contact Nkechi Ilechie at (202) 330-0352 or nkechi@nigeriancenter.org.
About the Nigerian Center
The Nigerian Center is a Washington, DC–based national civic institution advancing social justice, culture, and opportunity for Nigerian and broader African diaspora communities in the United States. Through legal services, financial empowerment programs, cultural initiatives, and public policy engagement, the Center works to strengthen communities and elevate the role of the diaspora in shaping U.S.–Africa relations.