Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, recently concluded a gratitude tour across the UK and the US, aimed at strengthening ties with the Nigerian diaspora and celebrating their solidarity for change. This tour marked Obi’s third journey from Abuja to these countries in 2024, with the overarching theme of gratitude evident throughout the engagements.
A joint statement issued by the Foundation for Restoring Civic Values, Equality, and Education (FREE)—represented by Dr. Moses Paul, Mrs. Ndidi Mbagwu, and Dr. David Ogula—highlighted the power of a united Nigerian diaspora working toward a “New Nigeria” characterized by opportunity and justice for all.
The tour began with a lecture at Liverpool John Moores University on October 23, 2024, where Obi presented a paper titled “Harnessing the Commonwealth Advantage for Trade and Investment.” The event, held at the Redmonds Building, attracted distinguished guests, including Mr. Mark Blundell, Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside; Richard Kemp, Lord Mayor of Liverpool; Tim Nicholl, Vice-Chancellor of LJMU Business School; and Garth Dallas, Chair of the Liverpool Commonwealth Association. Their presence underscored a shared vision for unity and progress.
In Houston, Texas, Obi engaged with the Nigerian community at the ICCH on Creekbend Drive, expressing gratitude for their commitment to Nigeria’s development. Organizers Dr. Fredrick Osadebe and Dr. BB Akazie reinforced Obi’s dedication to supporting Nigerian citizens globally, emphasizing the values of compassion, character, and competence that bind the diaspora together.
The Los Angeles stop on October 25, 2024, at the Main Banquet Hall of the Holiday Inn in Torrance, CA, provided a platform for meaningful dialogue with members of the Obidient family and advocates for a New Nigeria. Community leaders, including Dr. Acho Emeruwa and Chief Chike Nweke, stressed the importance of unity and dialogue in the quest for progress.
On October 26, 2024, Obi met with the Obidient family in Atlanta, Georgia, alongside Senator Donzella James of District 35 and Hon. Gabe Okoye, as well as ten other U.S. House of Representatives members at the Signia Hilton Hotel. Discussions focused on resilient, transformative leadership for Nigeria. Notable attendees included Atty Onyirimba, Pastor Joseph Tyla Dough, Atty Taofiq Adeboye, George Hawthorne, and Dr. Dan Onyeagba, who collectively echoed the spirit of resilience and optimism for a transformed Nigeria.
Obi’s gratitude tour was a testament to his commitment to engaging with the Nigerian diaspora and fostering a united front in the pursuit of a better future for Nigeria. Special thanks were extended to the various community leaders and organizers across the visited cities, whose support was instrumental in the tour’s success.
