Leaders of the OBIdient and Kwankwasiyya movements in the diaspora have forged a united front for democratic participation and national development, convening a historic global conference in the United Kingdom that ended with a commitment to deepen collaboration and mobilise Nigerians abroad for greater civic engagement.
In a statement, the landmark OBIdient–Kwankwasiyya Global Diaspora Conference, jointly organised by the OBIdient Movement Europe and the Kwankwasiyya Movement Diaspora, was held at the Springdale Methodist Community Centre in Doncaster, bringing together Nigerians from Europe, Africa and North America to deliberate on Nigeria’s democratic future.
Participants attended both physically and virtually from the United Kingdom, Germany, Greece, Spain, the United States, Nigeria and several other countries, reflecting what organisers described as the growing commitment of Nigerians in the diaspora to constructive engagement on national issues.
The conference featured a virtual address by Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who was ably represented by Dr. Muhammed Hamisu (Leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement in the Diaspora); Mr. Percy Nduka (Coordinator of the OBIdient Movement, UK); Mr. Lewis Ugochuku (Coordinator of the OBIdient Movement, Germany); Mr. Anselm (Coordinator of the OBIdient Movement in Greece); Dr. Mujahid Muhammed (Coordinator of the Kwankwasiyya Movement in the UK); Ms. Jackie Wayas (Convener of the OK Movement Worldwide); and Mr. Kolade Kayode (Director of Diaspora, OK Movement), amongst others.
Opening the conference, the OBIdient Lead for Europe, Damola Adebayo, said the gathering marked the beginning of stronger cooperation among Nigerians united by a common vision for 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 added that despite differences in political backgrounds, both movements shared a common responsibility towards 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 stated.
Adebayo said the objective of the conference extended beyond political affiliations, stressing that it was designed to strengthen relationships among Nigerians committed to accountable leadership, active citizenship and sustainable national development.
According to participants, the diaspora has an increasingly important role to play in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through constructive engagement, peaceful political participation and the contribution of ideas, knowledge and professional expertise.
The conference also provided a platform for participants to exchange views on key national issues and explore areas of future collaboration on civic engagement initiatives.
Speakers maintained that meaningful dialogue and cooperation among Nigerians, regardless of political or geographical differences, would contribute significantly to the country’s democratic growth and long-term development.
Participants at the conference resolved to deepen communication among diaspora networks, expand engagement across Europe and other parts of the world, and sustain discussions aimed at encouraging greater participation of Nigerians in the democratic process.
The organisers expressed appreciation to participants who travelled from different countries to attend the conference physically and to others who joined virtually from across the globe.
They said the level of participation demonstrated the commitment of Nigerians abroad to remaining actively involved in national affairs.
“The conference is the beginning of a broader series of engagements designed to encourage dialogue, build partnerships, and promote greater involvement of Nigerians in the diaspora in national development,” the organisers said.
They added that the conference had laid a solid foundation for sustained collaboration between the OBIdient and Kwankwasiyya movements in the diaspora, expressing confidence that continued engagement would strengthen democratic participation, foster national unity and encourage greater citizen involvement in shaping Nigeria’s future.
