In a vibrant display of unity and cultural pride, the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation, Philippines (NIDOPHIL) successfully held a grand thanksgiving and Christmas celebration to mark the end of the year. The event, which took place on December 13, 2025, at the TEAM Convention Centre in Las Piñas City, Metro Manila, brought together a diverse cross-section of the Nigerian community abroad.
A Celebration of Culture and Milestone Achievements
The colourful gathering was more than just a festive party; it was a landmark moment for Nigerian professionals, students, community leaders, and ethnic representatives living in the Philippines. Attendees enjoyed rich Nigerian cuisine, traditional attire, and music, creating an atmosphere of national pride. The event also served as a platform to honour several prominent Filipino citizens with the prestigious “Friend of Nigeria” Award for their consistent goodwill and support towards Nigerians in the country.
A central and historic achievement celebrated was the formal presentation and ratification of the newly crafted NIDOPHIL Constitution. This document, presented to the General Assembly, was overwhelmingly endorsed by members and officially signed into law by the leadership. The constitution received crucial endorsements from the leaders of the Arewa, Oduduwa, Ohaneze, and Niger Delta communities within the Philippines. Officials from the Embassy of Nigeria in the Philippines witnessed this milestone, described as unprecedented in the global history of NIDO chapters.
Tangible Empowerment and Strategic Advocacy
Demonstrating a commitment to actionable progress, the NIDOPHIL leadership announced a groundbreaking financial empowerment policy. Grants of one hundred thousand pesos each were awarded to the four major Nigerian regional associations in the Philippines. This initiative, valued at approximately two thousand US dollars per group, aims to stimulate entrepreneurship and marks the first time any NIDO chapter worldwide has executed such a structured economic program.
Beyond economics, the organisation launched an automated official website and a vibrant Facebook platform, which attracted thousands of followers within weeks. NIDOPHIL also detailed its robust advocacy work, which includes addressing immigration and welfare rights, resolving student challenges, and committing significant funds for emergency interventions for Nigerians in distress.
Leadership Reflections and Future Foundations
In his address, Bishop Tony Marioghae, President of NIDOPHIL and Presiding Bishop of TEAM International, reflected on the organisation's remarkable transformation. He recalled that since the inauguration of the current executive on October 1, 2024, the mandate was to complete NIDOPHIL's registration and produce a workable constitution. He noted the shift from an era of silence and division to becoming one of the most visible, united, and progressive NIDO bodies globally.
Bishop Marioghae credited this success to the support of former Ambassador Folakemi Akinleye and the pragmatic leadership of the Chargé d’Affaires, Adeshina Edward Oloje. He also highlighted ongoing advocacy, including calls for the reconstruction of the Nigerian Embassy after the May 2024 fire and sustained engagement on immigration issues. The organisation's work with the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) on visa renewals, deportations, and constitutional development was also emphasized.
In his goodwill message, Chargé d’Affaires Adeshina Edward Oloje praised the achievement, noting that in over 60 years of Nigeria-Philippines diplomatic relations, this was the first time Nigerians had collectively produced a constitution acceptable to all stakeholders. He commended NIDOPHIL for enhancing Nigeria's image through unity and constructive collaboration with Philippine institutions.
The celebration ultimately served as a powerful reaffirmation of a renewed Nigerian Diaspora identity in the Philippines, firmly anchored in the principles of unity, service, and measurable impact.
