Title
To Celebrate Nigerian Independence Day in Honor of Nigerian-Americans and Their Contributions to the City of Columbus
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus is home to the sixth largest community of Nigerian-Americans in the United States; and
WHEREAS, the Nigerians In Diaspora Organization was founded in 2000 to connect Nigerians across the United States and help them develop as professionals in the workforce and pillars in their communities, the NIDO-Ohio Chapter focuses on building and sustaining strong Nigerian-American community in the City of Columbus and around Ohio; and
WHEREAS, through community outreach, NIDO-Ohio has increased accessibility to Nigerian passports for Nigerian-Americans in central-Ohio; sponsors health fairs, host business summits, and welcome guests to Columbus and central-Ohio, introducing the Nigerian president, ambassadors, and other Nigerian leaders to our community; and
WHEREAS, programs including Weavers of Nigeria and Yoruba 21 Club sponsor scholarships for young Nigerians in Ohio, while organizations like The Women Support Network assist foster care centers around Columbus, other groups like Odenigbo perform at events, introducing the Columbus community to Nigerian culture; and
WHEREAS, as we honor Nigerian Independence Day on October 1st, 2019 the City of Columbus recognizes the essential role Nigerian-Americans have played in our community, creating jobs, advocating for stronger education and healthcare programs, and enhancing economic stability of our residents; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby celebrate Nigerian Independence Day on October 1, 2019 in honor of Nigerian-Americans and their contributions to the City of Columbus.