Newly Appointed Ambassador Lateef Kayode Are Visits the Nigerian Center
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact
Nigerian Center
Email: info@nigeriancenter.org
Phone: 202-330-0352
Website:www.nigeriancenter.org
Washington, D.C. May 20, 2026 - The Nigerian Center was pleased to host His Excellency Ambassador Lateef Kayode Kolawole Are, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the United States, during an official visit to the Center. The visit provided an important opportunity to strengthen collaboration between the Nigerian Embassy and the Nigerian Center while advancing shared priorities that support Nigerians and the broader diaspora community in the United States.
Discussions focused on opportunities for continued partnership in areas including diaspora engagement, consular and immigration support, education, cultural exchange, and community development. The meeting reaffirmed a shared commitment to strengthening ties between Nigeria and Nigerians living abroad while fostering meaningful collaboration that uplifts and empowers the diaspora community.
Attendees included:
Representing the Nigerian Embassy:
• H.E. Ambassador Lateef Kayode Kolawole Are, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the United States – Head of Delegation
• Mr. Sunday Okemini, Head, Consular and Immigration Section
• Mr. Chukwudi Igboeli, Head, Education
• Mr. Tim Bolu-Martins, Consular & Immigration Section
• Mr. Gidado Kabir Ahmed, Consular & Immigration Section
• Mrs. Tina Okonkwo, Ambassador’s Office
Representing the Nigerian Center:
• Gbenga Ogunjimi, Executive Director
• Nkechi Ilechie, Policy Director
• James Okonkwo, Data Integrity and Operations Lead
• Ayomide Ibrahim, Board Member
• Eze Okwodu, Board Member
• Tambra Raye Stevenson, Board Member
• Dr. Toyin Opesanmi, Former Board Chair
This visit marks a meaningful step in strengthening the Nigerian Center’s and Embassy’s shared mission to support, engage, and empower the Nigerian diaspora while deepening connections between Nigeria and its communities across the United States.
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.
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