São Paulo, Brazil – The President of the Nigerian Community in Brazil (NICOM), Capt. Alex, has broken his silence on the recent recognition of May 30 as Biafra Heroes and Heroines Day by the Legislative Assembly of the State of São Paulo (ALESP), firmly distancing the Nigerian Community from separatist movements and reaffirming his commitment to the unity, welfare, and representation of all Nigerians residing in Brazil.
The development follows the approval of a motion by ALESP recognizing May 30 as a day of remembrance for those who lost their lives during the Nigerian Civil War, commonly referred to as the Biafra War, which lasted from 1967 to 1970. The recognition was reportedly secured after sustained advocacy by members and supporters of the Biafran movement in Brazil, generating intense reactions within the Nigerian diaspora and prompting debate over identity, representation, diplomacy, and the future direction of Nigerians living abroad.
As discussions intensified across community platforms and social media, many Nigerians in Brazil questioned whether the recognition reflected the position of the broader Nigerian community or merely that of a specific political group. Responding to these concerns, Capt. Alex made it clear that the Nigerian Community in Brazil remains neutral on separatist political agendas and exists primarily to serve all Nigerians regardless of ethnic, religious, cultural, or political affiliations.
“I am the President of the Nigerian Community in Brazil, not the President of Biafra, Yoruba Nation, or any other separatist movement,” Capt. Alex declared. “My responsibility is to represent Nigerians from every part of our country. Whether you are Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa, Ijaw, Tiv, Edo, Efik, Ibibio, Fulani, or from any other ethnic nationality, you are part of the Nigerian Community in Brazil, and our duty is to serve everyone equally.”
According to him, the Nigerian Community in Brazil was established as a platform for unity, cooperation, mutual support, and the promotion of the welfare of Nigerians residing in the South American nation. He noted that while every individual has the constitutional right to hold personal political views and express opinions regarding historical events, such views should not be mistaken for the official position of NICOM.
“The community was not created to advance ethnic or separatist causes,” he said. “It was created to protect the interests of Nigerians, assist new arrivals, support business and professional networking, promote cultural exchange, and maintain cordial relations with Brazilian authorities. We must never allow political divisions from Nigeria to undermine the unity we have worked hard to build in Brazil.”
Capt. Alex stressed that Nigeria remains a sovereign state recognized by the international community and that Nigerians abroad must be careful not to export domestic political conflicts into diaspora organizations whose primary purpose is community development and social integration.
He further explained that NICOM’s priorities include legal assistance for Nigerians facing immigration challenges, educational support, youth development, entrepreneurship, cultural promotion, welfare interventions, and the strengthening of relations between Nigerians and Brazilian institutions.
“Our focus remains on issues that affect the daily lives of Nigerians in Brazil,” he said. “We are concerned about the welfare of our people, their legal status, their businesses, their education, and their successful integration into Brazilian society. These are the issues that unite us and deserve our collective attention.”
The NICOM President acknowledged the emotional and historical significance that the Biafran experience holds for many people, particularly those whose families were directly affected by the civil war. However, he emphasized that remembrance of historical events should not become a source of division among Nigerians living abroad.
“No one can erase history,” he stated. “Every community has the right to remember its past and honor its heroes. However, we must distinguish between historical remembrance and political representation. The Nigerian Community in Brazil cannot be identified with any movement whose objectives do not represent the collective position of all Nigerians living here.”
The ALESP recognition has attracted both support and criticism from members of the Nigerian diaspora. Supporters have welcomed the initiative as an acknowledgment of historical suffering and a tribute to those who lost their lives during the conflict. Others, however, have expressed concern that the move could deepen ethnic divisions within the Nigerian community and create diplomatic misunderstandings regarding the official position of Nigerians in Brazil.
Political observers note that diaspora communities often face the challenge of balancing cultural identity with national cohesion. In countries such as Brazil, where Nigerians come from diverse backgrounds and often depend on one another for support, maintaining unity has become increasingly important.
Capt. Alex therefore called on Nigerians across Brazil to place community interests above ethnic loyalties and to focus on building a stronger and more respected Nigerian presence in the country.
“We may come from different tribes, speak different languages, and have different political opinions, but here in Brazil we are one community,” he said. “Our strength lies in our diversity and our ability to work together despite our differences. Nigerians have made remarkable contributions in business, aviation, academia, sports, religion, culture, and many other sectors in Brazil. We should concentrate on expanding those achievements rather than creating new divisions.”
He also urged community leaders, youth organizations, religious groups, and cultural associations to promote dialogue, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians regardless of their political beliefs.
“The future of the Nigerian Community in Brazil depends on our ability to stay united. We must create an environment where every Nigerian feels represented, respected, and valued. That is the responsibility of leadership, and that is the vision we will continue to pursue.”
Concluding his remarks, Capt. Alex reiterated that his administration remains committed to inclusiveness, diplomacy, and community development.
“As President of the Nigerian Community in Brazil, my mandate is clear: to serve Nigerians, protect their interests, strengthen our relationship with Brazilian institutions, and promote unity among our people. That mission remains unchanged today and will remain unchanged tomorrow. The Nigerian Community in Brazil belongs to all Nigerians, and it will continue to stand as a symbol of unity, not division.”
