•Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso
Leaders of the OBIdient and Kwankwasiyya movements in the Diaspora have pledged to deepen collaboration aimed at strengthening democratic participation and promoting national development, following a historic global conference held in the United Kingdom.
The conference, jointly organised by the OBIdient Movement Europe and the Kwankwasiyya Movement Diaspora, brought together Nigerians from Europe, Africa and North America at the Springdale Methodist Community Centre in Doncaster to deliberate on Nigeria’s democratic future and the role of citizens abroad in nation-building.
According to a statement issued after the conference, participants attended physically and virtually from the United Kingdom, Germany, Greece, Spain, the United States, Nigeria and several other countries, underscoring the growing commitment of Nigerians in the diaspora to constructive engagement on national issues.
The conference featured a virtual address by former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, represented by the Leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement in the Diaspora, Dr. Muhammed Hamisu.
Other speakers included the Coordinator of the OBIdient Movement, United Kingdom, 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 the Director of Diaspora, OK Movement, Kolade Kayode.
Opening the conference, the OBIdient Lead for Europe, Damola Adebayo, described the gathering as the beginning of stronger cooperation among Nigerians united by a common vision of accountable governance and national progress.
“This conference is about building bridges, encouraging dialogue and working together as Nigerians who believe in a better future for our country,” Adebayo said.
He noted that although the two movements have different political backgrounds, they share a common responsibility to contribute positively to Nigeria’s development.
“While our movements may have different histories and perspectives, we all share a responsibility to contribute positively to Nigeria’s development,” he added.
Adebayo explained that the conference was designed to strengthen relationships among Nigerians committed to accountable leadership, active citizenship and sustainable national development, rather than to promote partisan interests.
Participants stressed that Nigerians in the diaspora have an increasingly important role to play in strengthening the country’s democracy through constructive engagement, peaceful political participation and the contribution of ideas, professional expertise and global experience.
The conference also provided a platform for participants to exchange views on key national issues and identify areas for future collaboration on civic engagement initiatives.
Speakers maintained that sustained dialogue and cooperation among Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliation or geographical location, would contribute significantly to democratic consolidation and long-term national development.
At the end of the conference, participants resolved to deepen communication among diaspora networks, expand engagement across Europe and other parts of the world, and sustain initiatives that encourage greater participation of Nigerians in the democratic process.
