Who's Who Diaspora: The Nigerian Story

WHO’S WHO

DIASPORA
The Nigerian Story
Washington D.C.

Contents

President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR  2
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee  xvii

Mayor Sylvester Turner  xviii
Senator Donzella James  xix
Foreword by Onyeka Onwenu  xiii

Founder’s Message­  xv
Criteria for Inclusion  xvii
U.S. Nigerian Embassy & Consulate Profiles

Washington D.C.  xx
New York  xx
Atlanta  xxii

Executive Profile – Anthony Ifeanyi  xxvi
Executive Profile: Ayotunde Fasina  xxxii
Notable Nigerians in the Diaspora  xxxviii

Nigeria: Basic Facts  xlii
Historical Overview  xliii
Corporate Spotlight – Adebayo O. Ogunlesi
and Dr. Godwin Maduka  xlix

PROFILE SECTIONS
Corporate Professionals  1
Media and Communications   9

Culinary  21
Healthcare  29
Academia  83
Film & Creatives  95

Sports  111
Entrepreneurs  121
Politics & Legal  145
Community Builders  165
Science, Technology, Engineering &
Mathematics (STEM)  181

Biographical Index  210

Founder’s Message

Linda Anukwuem

As we ponder through the year of an epidemic known as The Who’s Who platform pro-
COVID-19, we have all found ways to reinvent, rebrand, vides a documentation of the pool
and revive the things around us. But one thing is for sure: of talents and expertise across
the audacity of hope is among us. We want to survive the diaspora that can be utilized
this year and conquer the years ahead of us. The Who’s by the home country. I believe
Who platform has been a meaningful project to work the diaspora with the economic
on and connect with eclectic yet inspiring individuals power it holds can play an import-
across the world that grace the pages of this publication. ant role in the continued devel-
opment of the Federal Republic
Special thanks to our partners, sponsors, and com- of Nigeria and participate with
munity advocates who have played an instrumental conviction to ensure the beloved
role to ensure a successful inaugural edition. I must country continues the path of
use this time to recognize the following individuals and increased infrastructure devel-
platforms for their invaluable advice and support of opment, workforce development,
the Who’s Who platform: Ms. Rose Russell, Mrs. Fran and investment in human capital.
Victoria Cox-Stephens, Mrs. Donna McGowen, Robert
Peters, Prince Nick Ezenwa, Matrix Commercial, Mind One thing I have learned
Investors, OBAX Worldwide, Wazobia African Food through this special journey is
Market, Association of Nigerian Physicians in America, that hard work cannot be bought.
Hon. Nicholas Agbo Ella with the Consulate General of Regardless of the circumstance,
Nigeria (New York), Hon. Innocent Alaoma Iwejuo with Nigerians across the world per-
the Consulate General of Nigeria (Atlanta), Hon. Rufus severe and strive to go beyond
Omiere, and the many supporters far and wide. in what is ahead of them. If you
want something, go after it with
Who’s Who Diaspora: The Nigerian Story allows us as
a community to tell our story: to connect and empower
one another economically and to allow an exchange of
best practices to flow through our community for the
purpose of a better tomorrow. There is power in connec-
tion, and Who’s Who resembles a connected network.

Founder’s Message • xv

strategy. As a Nigerian, it is ingrained in our blood to
push for excellence. Our entrepreneurial spirt and tenac-
ity does not allow us to concede to mediocrity.

We have a story, and the story must be told our way.
We are in control of our narrative and Who’s Who Dias-
pora: The Nigerian Story allows us as a community to tell
our story. It becomes a future of hope to our fellow broth-
ers and sisters and young budding individuals looking
for a guide as a resource.

We present to you Who’s Who Diaspora: The Nigerian
Story.

—Linda Anukwuem
 Founder

xvi • Who’s Who Diaspora: The Nigerian Story

DR. CHI MBA Dr. Chi Mba, PhD, DDS BACKGROUND
Dr. Chi Mba is a compassion-
Dentist ate dentist with a commitment to
treating people the way she would
Chi Family Dental like to be treated. She was born
in Obiangwu Owerri, Nigeria. She
Location: Texas, USA attended the Federal University of
Technology Owerri before migrat-
ing to the USA where she graduated
magna cum laude from Houston
Baptist University.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
With an intense interest in science,
she enrolled in the biochemistry PhD
program at Baylor College of Medi-
cine. She then discovered her desire to
help people, which led to a career as a
college professor. During her teaching
career, she realized her sincere interest
in pursuing a profession that would
truly help make a direct contribution
to humanity. This realization led her
to the field of dentistry. After graduat-
ing with a doctorate in dental surgery
(DDS) from Texas A&M University
Baylor College of Dentistry, Dallas
with honors in clinical dentistry, Dr.
Mba began working as a family dentist.
She knew immediately that dentistry
was her passion.

PERSONAL
As a Christian, and mother of five
children, she enjoys taking good
care of people. She has written
several books including Over-
coming Dental Anxiety.

52 • Who’s Who Diaspora: The Nigerian Story

DAPO AKANDE He participated on
the World Economic
Forum’s Global
Future Council on
Human Rights.

DAPO AKANDE board positions of several inter-
national scholarly societies and
Professor of Public International Law civil society organizations.
University of Oxford
Location: United Kingdom He participated on the World
Economic Forum’s Global Future
ACCOMPLISHMENTS Council on Human Rights. He
Dapo Akande is a professor of public international law acted as adviser on international
at the University of Oxford. He held visiting professor- law issues to United Nations
ships at various universities, including Yale Law School bodies, the African Union Com-
and was the Sir Ninian Stephen Visiting Scholar at the mission, the Commonwealth Sec-
University of Melbourne Law School. He served on retariat, and the Association of
editorial or advisory boards of several leading interna- South East Asian Nations.
tional law journals, including the American Journal of
International Law, the European Journal of International He has acted as counsel/
Law, and the African Journal of International and Com- adviser in cases before national
parative Law. In addition, he served in leadership and courts (including the UK Supreme
Court), the International Court
of Justice, the International Tri-
bunal for the Law of the Sea,
the European Court of Human
Rights, and international arbitral
tribunals, as well as World Trade
Organization and North Ameri-
can Free Trade Area Dispute Set-
tlement panels. He served as legal
adviser to the UK Parliament’s
All-Party Parliamentary Group
on Drones.

84 • Who’s Who Diaspora: The Nigerian Story

JOSHUA T. DADA career-advancing opportunities.
In addition, he is a business and
a certified life coach who imple-
ments strategic methods to spur
growth and enhance brands, busi-
ness, and personal development.

He obtained a business man-
agement degree from Prairie View
A&M University and earned a
certificate from Harvard’s Entre-
preneurship in Emerging Econo-
mies program. Joshua represents a
unique blend of cultural relevance
and industry evolution.

JOSHUA T. DADA ACCOMPLISHMENTS
With over thirteen years in lead-
Founder/Chief Executive Officer ership, marketing, and manage-
Entertainment Connect ment, he has received national
Location: Texas, USA recognition from the United
States Congress as an outstand-
BACKGROUND ing business leader to develop eco-
Joshua T. Dada is undeniably regarded as one of the nomic trade between the United
most highly motivated, results-driven business pro- States and Africa.
fessionals of his time. He is the CEO and founder
of Entertainment Connect, a talent agency connect- Joshua is known for his excep-
ing premier entertainers, athletes, and influencers to tional ability to convey messages
to his clients, students, and fol-
lowers through mentorship and
empowerment speeches. Joshua is
recognized as a speaker, panelist,
event host, and breakout session
leader. He has been recognized as
a district Toastmasters Champion
and uses his talents to drive and
transcend the world to a better
place through the ideals of pur-
pose, freedom, and love.

128 • Who’s Who Diaspora: The Nigerian Story

SEGUN ADEYINA He is a certified project manage-
ment professional (PMP). He has
a bachelor’s degree in electrical
engineering at the University
of Akron, Ohio; and a master’s
degree in management informa-
tion systems at Lawrence Tech-
nological University, Southfield,
Michigan.

SEGUN ADEYINA ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Segun Adeyina is an independent
IT Consultant & Project Manager IT consultant/project manager.
Location: Georgia, USA He recently worked for General
Motors (GM) and has worked with
BACKGROUND leading consulting firms HP and
Segun Adeyina was a candidate in the 2020 Democratic CAP Gemini America (CGA). He
primary election for Gwinnett County School Board Dis- has had a diverse career working
trict 1, which was keenly contested. He was the national in technology for Comerica Bank
president for the Nigerian American Public Advisory and Ascension Health System.
Committee USA. Currently, he is a board member of
the Global African Business Association (GABA). He is also a past adjunct fac-
ulty at the University of Phoenix
Currently, he is a board and recently an adjunct faculty at
member of the Global African Wayne County Community Col-
Business Association (GABA). lege District (WCCCD) in Wayne
County Michigan.

He has served on the boards of
several community and business
organizations. He is one of the
co-founders and presidents of
Nigerian Reunion Corporation
(NRC), which has hosted the larg-
est gathering of young Nigerians.

PERSONAL
Segun is married and has three
children.

184 • Who’s Who Diaspora: The Nigerian Story