On Saturday , July 22 , 2023 , the Nigerian Community in Brazil made significant strides in engaging Brazil-born Nigerian youths with the launch of the impactful “Action Afro T and C” (Ação Afro T and C) program in São Paulo. Spearheaded by Barrister Oyekachukwu Antonieta Silva Utomi, the daughter of one of the community’s pioneers, Chief Franklin Utomi, this initiative aims to foster unity among Brazil-born Nigerian children. The esteemed event took place in Santo Amaro-São Paulo, Brazil
The strong support from the Nigerian Embassy and the Nigerian Ambassador to Brazil, Prof. Mohammed Markafi, played a crucial role in gathering the children of Nigerian families in Brazil. The gathering served as a platform for meaningful discussions on building a stronger community for Brazil-born Nigerian children. It was also an opportunity to celebrate their achievements and explore ways to enhance their representation in both Nigeria and Brazil.
Brazil-born Nigerian Barrister Onyekachukwu Antonieta Silva Utomi took the initiative to launch “Action Afro T and C” with the primary objective of instilling a strong sense of ancestral and cultural identity in children born to Nigerian parents in Brazil. She firmly believes that individuals living far from their cultural heritage may experience psychological alienation. Hence, the project seeks to empower Brazil-born Nigerian children by nurturing a profound cultural belonging within them, thereby enabling them to become exemplary individuals capable of making meaningful contributions to society
.
Hon. Nicholas, the spokesperson of the Nigerian Community in Brazil, expressed enthusiasm and excitement for this pioneering initiative. He extended warm acknowledgments and congratulations to the families present, and he extended heartfelt gratitude to Barrister Onyekachukwu Antonieta for her exceptional work. The community takes immense pride in her efforts and in the active participation of all those involved.
The distinguished event was graced by the esteemed presence of Minister Sunday Edmond, representing the Nigerian Mission. The occasion also saw the attendance of notable personalities, including Dr. Alexcolman Apunike, Dr. Chukwudi Theodore, Reverend Clifford Emele, Ambassador Adebayo Lawal, Hon. James I. Osunde, Hon. Adegenga Sanni, Hon. Samuel Ojo, Hon. Emmanuel Chika, Pastor Godwin, Mr. Ethans Nicholas Aigbokhan, Honourable Frank, and Vice President Pastor Bamidele Aderemi Kayode.
Minister Sunday Edmond lauded the project’s concept during his speech and highlighted the cultural similarities between Nigeria and Brazil, celebrating the richness of their diversity. He pledged unwavering support from the Nigerian Embassy to the new administration led by President Chukwuemeka Ujor, with the shared objective of strengthening social and cultural ties between the Nigerian community in Brazil and both nations.
In profound recognition of her extraordinary contributions, the President of the Nigerian Community in Brazil, Hon. Chukwuemeka Ujor, along with the executive members, bestowed Barrister Karolyne Oyekachukwu Antonieta Silva Utomi with a prestigious Certificate of Excellence. This gesture was a heartfelt acknowledgement of her invaluable services to the community. In addition to this honor, the Nigerian community officially appointed her as the International Ambassador of the Nigerian Community, a testament to her exceptional work and commitment.
Dr. Alex Colman expressed immense delight and wholeheartedly embraced the dawn of a new Nigeria Community in Brazil through this remarkable initiative. He passionately urged everyone to rally around the youths of tomorrow, as they hold the key to shaping a brighter and better future for both Brazil and Nigeria. Dr. Colman extended heartfelt congratulations to the entire community and Barrister Onyekachukwu Antonieta Utomi for their unwavering dedication and vision in making this endeavor a resounding success.
