Honoring Nigerian American Day & Nigerian Independence Day: Tambra Raye Stevenson to Deliver Opening Remarks at the Nigerian Center Grand Opening

WASHINGTON, DC (October, 1, 2025) -- This Nigerian American Day, proclaimed by Mayor Muriel Bowser in Washington, D.C., marks not only a celebration of heritage but also a milestone moment for the Nigerian American community. At the heart of this celebration stands Tambra Raye Stevenson, founder of WANDA: Women Advancing Nutrition, Dietetics, and Agriculture, and proud Board Member of the Nigerian Center, who will provide opening remarks at the grand opening of the new Nigerian Center.

Tambra’s story embodies the spirit of reclaiming, returning, and reconnecting to her Nigerian roots. Nearly a decade ago, she journeyed to Nigeria—becoming the first in her maternal line to reconnect with her Fulani heritage in Northern Nigeria. That journey transformed her life and work. It was in Nigeria that she not only deepened her identity but also laid the foundation for WANDA’s mission to empower women and girls through food, culture, and storytelling.

Since then, Tambra has continued to pour into Nigeria’s future generations. In 2022, she launched the WANDA Scholars Program at Bayero University, funding and mentoring every nutrition student in the department. This historic initiative has been strengthened by the support of local NGOs and highlighted by Voice of America as a model of cross-continental collaboration. The first cohort of WANDA Scholars will proudly graduate in 2026.

To deepen their impact, WANDA introduced a nutrition communication internship with a local radio partner in Kano, Nigeria, giving the university students hands-on experience in educating the public about healthy diets and nutrition. This service-learning approach is creating not only nutritionists but also storytellers and advocates who can shift culture and policy through knowledge.

Tambra’s work with the Nigerian Center extends beyond academia. She has been instrumental in building stronger ties with the Northern Nigerian community in the U.S. Through her efforts, the Center is expanding Hausa language services and advocating for displaced Nigerian immigrants across the Metro system, championing the Nigerian Immigrant Fund to support critical immigration services.

Reflecting on this moment, Tambra shares:

“Reconnecting to my Fulani roots in Nigeria was more than a personal journey—it was a call to action. The Nigerian Center stands as a beacon for all of us in the diaspora to remember that our heritage is a source of healing, strength, and innovation. On Nigerian American Day, we honor the shoulders of our ancestors who brought us here and the next generation who will carry us forward.”

Gbenga Ogunjimi, Executive Director of the Nigerian Center, adds:

“We are grateful for Tambra’s leadership and service. Her vision and dedication exemplify what it means to bridge continents, communities, and generations. Together, we continue the mission of the Nigerian Center: to lead the Black immigrant community forward while amplifying the voice, culture, and contributions of Nigerian Americans.”

Dr. Ashiru Abubakar, alum of Bayero University and Board Member of WANDA, also reflected on why he has supported WANDA’s work from the start:

“As an alum of Bayero University and a proud Board Member of WANDA, I have supported this vision from the very beginning because I understand what it means for students in Northern Nigeria to struggle with economic insecurity, limited government funding, and the ever-present threats of human trafficking. Investing in these young people is more than charity—it is a necessity. By supporting WANDA Scholars at Bayero University, we are not only providing financial assistance but also restoring hope and dignity, ensuring that the next generation of nutrition leaders can rise above the challenges of our time to serve their communities with knowledge and purpose.”

Franciel Ikeji, WANDA Nutrition Advisor, shared why this work is personal to her:

“As WANDA’s Nutrition Advisor—and as a mom raising Nigerian American daughters—I know how important it is that our children see themselves reflected in the food they eat, the curriculum they study, and the stories and songs that celebrate their culture. Representation matters, not only in the classroom but also at the dinner table. At WANDA, we strive to make that vision real by reclaiming our heritage foods and lifting up the women who have carried this wisdom for generations. Food and storytelling are at the heart of our work because they affirm identity, heal communities, and inspire a new crop of food sheroes. Today, as we celebrate Nigeria’s contributions, we are also celebrating the future our children will inherit—a future rooted in pride, health, and cultural belonging.”

🎙️ As Yusuf Aliyu Harande, former International Multimedia Journalist at Voice of America, so beautifully put it:

“As a former International Multimedia Journalist at Voice of America, I have witnessed how narratives about Nigeria are shaped—and too often, they are told from the outside looking in. What excites me about this moment is seeing Nigerian diasporans reclaim that narrative and reshape the story of Nigeria for the world. Tambra Raye Stevenson is at the forefront of that effort. In Washington, D.C. and beyond, she is bridging cultures, amplifying voices, and ensuring that Nigeria is represented not only as a nation of resilience but also as a global force for innovation, culture, and leadership. Her work shows that the diaspora is not distant from Nigeria’s story—we are co-authors of its next chapter.”

A Day of Unity: Nigerian Independence Day + Nigerian American Day

Today is doubly significant. It is not only Nigerian American Day in Washington, D.C.—it is also Nigerian Independence Day. Together, these milestones weave a story of unity between Nigeria and the diaspora.

Nigeria’s independence in 1960 represented the breaking of colonial chains, the right to self-determination, and the courage to self-govern. That same spirit lives on in the Nigerian American community, which continues to thrive, innovate, and contribute to the American story while holding fast to cultural traditions that anchor identity and pride.

Food is one of the most powerful expressions of that freedom. From fura de nono and zobo to kaka, fufu, egusi, and okra stew, Nigerian cuisine is more than nourishment—it is a declaration of resilience, joy, and sovereignty. Each dish tells a story of survival, migration, and celebration. In kitchens from Kano to Lagos to Washington, D.C., food becomes a bridge—connecting the homeland to the diaspora and reminding us that liberation is not only political but also cultural and culinary.

As we celebrate this Nigerian American Day, we thank you for your co-stewardship of Nigeria, the most iconic brand the world has ever seen to emerge from the African continent.

This day calls us to honor the courage and sacrifice of Black civil rights leaders, whose struggle for justice opened doors for immigrant rights. We also honor the vision and determination of Nigeria’s independence heroes, who challenged colonialism and gave birth to the largest Black nation in the world.

We pay tribute to our ancestors, whether they arrived in America more than 400 years ago or just 4 years ago. Today, we come together to celebrate the Nigerian American story—a story of resilience, brilliance, and contribution.

In recognition of this day, we are proud to share special messages from U.S. leaders:

• An official proclamation from Mayor Muriel Bowser honoring the Nigerian American community.

• Congressional greetings from Congressman Jonathan Jackson and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton.

• A special video message from the Nigerian Center reflecting on what it means to be Nigerian American.

  
  

As we mark this historic occasion, let us continue to build bridges, celebrate culture, and amplify the voices of Nigerian Americans who enrich the fabric of our communities every day.

About WANDA

WANDA: Women Advancing Nutrition, Dietetics, and Agriculture is a nonprofit organization founded by Tambra Raye Stevenson to empower women and girls of African descent to lead in building healthier communities through food, culture, and storytelling. WANDA’s programs—including the WANDA Scholars Program, Sisterhood Suppers, and nutrition education initiatives—invest in the next generation of food leaders across Africa and the Diaspora. By reclaiming heritage foods and amplifying women’s voices, WANDA works to transform lives and create more equitable and culturally grounded food systems.

About the Nigerian Center

The Nigerian Center is the leading hub for Nigerian immigrants and their families in the United States. Based in Washington, D.C., the Center provides cultural programming, advocacy, and essential services to support the thriving Nigerian American community. With a focus on amplifying Nigerian heritage, strengthening immigrant services, and building bridges between Nigeria and the diaspora, the Center serves as a beacon of identity, belonging, and empowerment for generations to come.