The stories of Nigerians defying barriers to achieve unprecedented feats are not a rarity. Nigerian Immigrants are known to leave an indelible mark in the sands of time of their adopted country. They are as knowledgeable as they are disciplined, this can be seen in their unflinching adherence to the laws of the land.
Their exceptional and phenomenal exploits in virtually all human endeavuors enamoured them to their host country. Their contributions in no small measure to the growth and development of their host have a positive significance and are well documented in this countries anal of history.
From politics to arts to science and technology, Nigerians are a force to be reckoned with, Nigerians blazing the trail and making waves in these human endeavours are not in short supply.
In this special report by EkoHotBlog, we have compiled a list of Nigerian Americans who climbed the ladder of success to its highest rung and are still aspiring for more.
The list is not an exhaustive one as there are thousands, if not millions, of Nigerians who are doing great and portraying name of the country in good light.
However, it is a perfect metaphor for what the larger percentage Nigerians stand for. That Nigerians are a people of uncommon brilliance with nice, enviable and excellent personality and pedigree. it is also a subtle correction of the misconception that preponderance of Nigerians are bad people whose intelligence are only employed in the area of crime and fraud.
These citizens of Nigerian descent have at one time or the other contributed their skill set, knowledge to advancing the cause of humanity, they have also lent their voices to fighting injustice and have pushed for social reforms and promulgation of policies and laws for the betterment of their societies, states and US at large.
Yinka Faleti
Yinka Faleti is the Democratic Nominee for Missouri Secretary of State. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, he immigrated to the United States at the age of seven, arriving at John F. Kennedy Airport. Yinka’s story is one that is inspiring and truly an American dream come true.
Yinka’s childhood was one steeped in poverty. It wasn’t uncommon for him to eat cereal mixed with water when his family couldn’t afford milk. In search of where they could thrive as an immigrant family, his family moved often—from New York to Virginia to Florida to Mississippi and finally to Texas.
Yinka’s big break came through education. He graduated as valedictorian of his junior high school in Florida. In lieu of his last two years of high school, Yinka attended and graduated from the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science.
From there, he accepted an appointment to and graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point.
Contesting For Circut Court Judge
Many are called to a life of service, but very few choose to accept that calling. Olanike “Nike” Adebayo grew up as a biracial female in Chicago, Illinois. However, she first realized the calling to serve in the area of criminal justice during one of her annual visits with her father in Nigeria. During that particular visit, Nike was a firsthand witness to a crime that was reported to law enforcement, but never investigated. Even as a child, she was troubled that Nigeria’s few existing laws were not necessarily enforced. Nigeria’s law enforcement had a limited infrastructure and their legal obligations to investigate and prosecute crimes seemingly did not exist.
Upon returning to the United States, Nike realized how fortunate she was to live in a country where laws are enforced and people are held accountable for their actions. At the same time, Nike faced her own harsh reality in that she was teased and bullied because her mother was white. Nike learned at a young age to speak up for herself, which made her self-aware, strong and resilient. Dealing with both of these situations, Nike realized her calling to serve. She recognized that she would spend her life defending and upholding the law, and fighting for those who needed help. She knew then that she wanted to be a lawyer and a judge.
Contesting for Judge of Prince George’s County.
April began her college studies at University of Maryland College Park through the early enrollment program, which allowed her to take college courses while still a high school student, where she earned her B.S. in Chemical Engineering. Immediately after graduating from the University of Maryland College Park, April began her career as an Engineer for the U.S. Coast Guard.
April believes “there is no higher honor than public service.” April has been a dedicated public servant, who fights for the well-being of the poor and the injured. April graduated from George Mason University School of Law in and immediately opened the Law Office of April T. Ademiluyi. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, U.S. Congressman for the 2nd Congressional District of Maryland, recognized April’s achievements in fighting foreclosures pro bono.
For Ramsey County Judge.
Ngozi Akubuike attended law school in Nigeria and obtained an LL.B and B.L., graduating with honors. She practiced law and later joined the banking sector prior to immigrating to the U.S. She attended Mitchell Hamline law school, where she obtained her J.D. She was on the Dean’s List and received awards from the Minnesota Black Lawyers Association, as well as a writing award from the Late Justice Donald P. Lawyer, and 8th Circuit appeals senior justice. She obtained an MPA from the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs where she received a writing award with other students. During law school, Ngozi had a judicial externship with Judge Morrow and Judge Edward Wilson and served as an intern the State of Minnesota, the Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, and Scott County Attorney’s office.
Find out more about Ngozi Here
Esther Agbaje
Esther Agbaje is running to be the State Representative for District 59B. Our district covers a growing and diverse area in Minneapolis, including Near North, Harrison, Willard-Hay, North Loop, Bryn Mawr, and Downtown. The district is the heart of the city, from the vibrant communities of the North Side to the Hennepin County Medical Center and the Mississippi River.
She was born in St. Paul, lived in Brainerd, and went to high school in Faribault. After law school, she moved to downtown Minneapolis in 2017 to contribute to the place she calls home. Her parents came to Minnesota from Nigeria to further their education. They started a family there.
Find out more about Agbaje Here.
Oye Owolewa
Oye Owolewa, DC’s candidate for U.S. Representative.
Oye is a DC licensed pharmacist who’s committed to the community. Since beginning his pharmacy career in 2014, Oye has spent his free time volunteering in DC public schools. In 2018, he was elected commissioner of his neighborhood in SouthEast DC. Lastly, Oye has been an advocate for DC statehood, leading to his run to be your next representative.
He launched TaxFreeDC as a movement to combat DC’s taxation without representation. TaxFreeDC declares that until DC statehood is achieved, DC’s tax revenue shall no longer go to the federal government. Oye believes our money belongs here for DC priorities instead of going to a government that fails to recognize us.
Find out more about Owolewa Here
The Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday deliberated on the 2025 appropriation bill of…
Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa, the Village Head of Beli (Sarkin Beli) in Shira Local Government Area…
President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly planning to reinstate a controversial military policy targeting transgender service…