₦airaland Forum

Meet Nigerian Candidates In The 2016 U.S. General Elections
Americans in Franklin, New Jersey, will vote for
Charles Ejike Onyejiaka, a fellow citizen and a
transplant from Imo State, Nigeria, as the U.S.
general election unfolds.
Mr. Onyejiaka, a democrat, is the incumbent in
a two-way race for Ward 3 Councilman seat in
Franklin. He was one of three men presented to
Franklin Town Council as fill-in candidates for
the unexpired term of Phil Kramer, former Ward
3 Councilman, who became Mayor of Franklin
last January.
Onyejiaka beat Alex Kharazi and Azim Uddin,
also democrats and immigrants, to succeed
Kramer.
He is contesting against Beverly Briggs-Lawson,
a Republican, in the general election.
Mr. Onyejiaka is one of four Americans of
Nigerian descent whose names are on ballots in
grassroots elections at township and county
levels this year. The others are George Chidi,
Rasheed ‘BJ’ Dawodu and April Ademiluyi. All
four are product of currents of civic
engagement by hundreds of immigrants and
first generation Americans who maintain their
ties to Nigeria even as they live relatively
comfortable lives in the United States.
According to PT, the rising crescendo of
political engagement by Nigerian-Americans is,
in some ways, personified by the emergence of
Nigerian-American Public Affairs Committee or
NAPAC-USA, a self-described “political and
social welfare think tank where the intellectual
and numerical assets of Nigerians and Nigerian-
Americans could be harnessed to invigorate our
active participation in American political and
civic life”.
The organization originated from the exertion of
an intense, voluntary, electioneering campaign
by some Nigerian-Americans on behalf of a
Democratic candidate in California’s 36th
District during the 2011 special election.
Spurred by the impact of their collective
energy, the volunteers decided to create a
permanent front which, with an eye on the 2012
general election, was organized as a political
action committee named Nigerian-American
Political Action Committee or NAPAC.
NAPAC and NAPAC-USA are legally registered
entities now, the former as a 501 (c) 3 public
welfare foundation and the latter as a 501 (c) 4
non-partisan membership advocacy group.
NAPAC Foundation exists for the sole purpose
of fostering and carrying “out the vision and
objectives of NAPAC-USA and its state PACs”.
Under American law, a PAC or political action
committee can raise and spend unlimited
amount of money on behalf of a political
candidate or to support an issue.
NAPAC Foundation is yet to accumulate the
billion dollar war chest some super PACs are
famous for, but it did raise $50,000 for the
Obama re-election Campaign because of what
the group describe as “our excitement that
someone with African roots had the historic
opportunity to seek and was actually elected to
the highest office of the land”.
Its campaign contribution in this election circle
has not been disclosed but there is cause to
believe that NAPAC has become the veritable
gathering place for Nigerian-American activists
across the United States, be they aspirants for
political office or community advocates.
Of the four Americans of Nigerian descent
running for office this year, only Onyejiaka
seems to have no contact with the
organization. Chidi and Dawodu attended
NAPAC Convention in Atlanta, Georgia, this past
September where they mingled with
professionals, entrepreneurs and activists from
as many as ten states and from cities as far as
Los Angeles, New York, Detroit and Baltimore.
They had the honor of being the only nominees
for electoral positions this year but not the
distinction of being the only break-out
politicians at the convention.
Also present was Tinuade Pena, a first
generation American who spent part of her
formative years in Lagos. An engineer and
business owner, Ms. Pena is also a U.S. Army
sergeant and long-time resident of Florida’s
Royal Palm Beach. She was a Democratic
candidate for District 86 of the Florida House of
Representatives this year but lost to a fellow
veteran during the primary election in August.
George Chidi is also a veteran and, the son of
George Njoku Chidi, a native of Umuoye in Imo
State. The younger George is running for a seat
on the Board of Commissioners in DeKalb
County, Georgia. His story reads almost like
that of Barack Obama. His dad arrived
Massachusetts in 1970 on a student visa, met
his mum who is a Caucasian of Polish descent.
They got married and, unlike Obama’s dad, the
older George stayed in the United States.
George junior was an active duty soldier in the
25th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army for five
years and, he has been a journalist and civic
leader for twenty years.
Of the four Nigerian-Americans running for
office, he seems to have the deepest
connection to his constituents and the widest
name recognition among Americans and
Nigerian-Americans alike. He defeated eight
other aspirants to become the Democratic
nominee for this general election which he is
strongly favored to win. He is very supportive of
the Nigerian immigrant community, he is a
known face at their social events and an active
promoter of worthy causes, including the
candidacy of Rasheed Bolaji (or ‘BJ’) Dawodu.
Mr. Dawodu, a Democrat, is running against
Republican Kristie King for the position of Tax
Commissioner in Fayette County, Georgia. A
small business owner and seasoned financial
management professional, Dawodu relocated to
the United States from his native Lagos (Isale
Eko) more than 20 years ago. He worked
extensively in the public sector before going
into private practice, his bid for office of the
Tax Commissioner is actively supported by
Fayette Chamber of Commerce and his
immigrant constituency.
April Ademiluyi is the only female American of
Nigerian descent contesting in the general
election and she is contesting for a judicial not
administrative position. She is a candidate for
the Seventh Circuit Court in Prince George’s
County, Maryland. April is a first generation
American with roots in the Ademiluyi royal
family in Ife.
Election into Circuit Courts is non-partisan,
candidates participate in as many party
primaries as they choose but they have to win
at least one primary to get on the ballot. Ms.
Ademiluyi won the Libertarian Party primary.
Prince George’s county is reputed to be home
to some of the richest Nigerians in the United
States, there have been some local fund raising
gatherings to support April’s candidacy. She
also got a boost from NAPAC president, Mr.
Segun Adeyina who came from Georgia to
campaign for her.
Township and county level elections usually do
not attract polling agencies so it is not easy to
track the progress of these candidates. One
thing that can be said for all of them is, if
elected, their constituencies will get top-tier
professionals and more in each of them.
Charles Onyejiaka has a degree in Electronics
Engineering from Thomas Edison State
University, he is also something of a veteran
public servant with experience dating back to
Nigeria’s Second Republic.
Born in Nkwerre, Mr. Onyejiaka grew up in a
family of public servants whose record of civic
engagement reached its zenith during Nigeria’s
Second Republic when Sam Mbakwe was
governor of Imo State. His uncle served as a
commissioner while an aunt worked as special
assistant in the governor’s office. Charles has
followed the footsteps of his Nigerian family in
his new country.
In 2015, he mobilized voter turn-out in numbers
that proved good enough to give Democrats
their first mayoral victory in Franklin Township.
He is prominent member of the local Catholic
community and has served on the Township
Planning Board.
George Chidi has a bachelor degree in
Journalism, MBA from Georgia Tech and was
chief executive officer of a firm that markets
competitive intelligence for corporate clients.
Rasheed Dawodu has degrees in accounting,
law, public finance and is a certified fraud
examiner. He has worked for Fortune 500 firms
including General Electric and Georgia Pacific.
April Ademiluyi has a first degree was in
Chemical Engineering, law degree from an Ivy
League uni and has been recognized by
Congressional leaders for working with families
facing foreclosure.
More photos here:http://solagist..com.ng/?m=1

Always be yourself. Never try to hide who you are. The only shame is to have shame. Always stand up for what you believe in. Always question what other people tell you. Never regret the past, it’s a waste of time. There’s a reason for everything. Every mistake, every moment of weakness, every terrible thing that has happened to you. Grow from it. The only way you can ever get the respect of others is when you show them that you respect yourself and most importantly, do your thing and never apologize for being you........

http://dailyquotearena..com.ng/2016/10/fact_31.html

Make your happiness and personal growth a priority in your life. The more you take care of yourself, the more you can take care of others......

http://dailyquotearena..com.ng/2016/10/the-more-you-take-care-of-yourself.html

f you are trying to achieve, there will be roadblocks. I've had them; everybody has had them. but obstacles don't have to stop you if you run into wall, don't turn around and give up. figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it......

http://dailyquotearena..com.ng/2016/10/word-of-day.html

The cabman dropped Michael and his wife at the
front of
Alpha clinic and maternity, Michael ran into the
hospital and he
later came back with two nurses who took Jane
(Mrs Thomas)
into the maternity ward, Michael wanted to
follow them but
he was asked to wait at the reception.
Thirty minutes later Edward drove into the
hospital premises and
came down from his car and ran into the
hospital. He later came
out with two nurses who helped his wife Helen
( Mrs Jones) to the
maternity ward and he was asked to wait at the
reception.
An Hour Later
Edward and Michael were both pacing back and
forth at the
reception. They were eagerly waiting for the
doctor to give them update concerning their
wives, they tried talking to some nurses but they
just ignore them.
Thirty minutes later a doctor came out smiling
and he asked both
Mr Thomas and Mr Jones who is ”Mr Thomas”
and Michael identified himself.
Doctor: ”Congratulations! (extending his hand to
shake Michael) Your wife just put to birth a set
of twin baby girls”
Michael: (take the doctors hand and shake him)
”Thanks Doc but how is my wife doing? Can I
see her” now?
Doctor: ”Not now. She is sleeping but when she
wakes up you would be able to see her.”
With that the doctor left, then Edward went
closer to Michael to
congratulate him. Deep down Michael was
worried, thinking
of how he is going to take care of his babies
when he is only a farmer but he was grateful to
God for granting his wife safe delivery.
Edward has been restless for the past 2 hours
since his wife was
taken into the maternity ward and up till now he
hasn’t heard any news concerning her or the
baby. If you say Mr Jones was
anxious and scared at the same time you are
not far from the
truth. He has been married to his wife Helen for
10 year now and no child. He has even think of
having a second wife cause his friends always
laugh at him and he isn’t getting any younger.
He is thirty seven and he needs a heir to his
wealth. But in a few minute all that is going to
change. With that thought in mind he manage to
smile.
Just then the doctor came out smiling at
Edward.
Doctor: ”Congratulations Mr Jones (extending his
hand for a shake) Your wife just put to birth a
bouncing baby girl
Edward couldn’t happy but smile as he shakes
the doctor hand and said thanks to the doctor
but behind the smile was a hint of
disappointment. Not that
happy but he thought his wife was going to have
a baby boy
but he was happy because he is now the latest
dad on earth
*******************
A nurse came into the ward where Helen (Mrs
Jones) to check how
she and the baby were faring but when she
checked on the baby,
she noticed the baby was no longer breathing
and she had no
other option than to tell the mother that her baby
was dead
Nurse: ”Am so sorry to break this news to you
but your baby is
dead” (she informed her with a sad face)
Helen: ”That can’t be. Tell me it’s not true”
Nurse: ”I wish I could”
Helen: ”Nurse please you have to help me. I can’t
tell my husband
that our baby is dead, he is going to send me
packing.”
she can’t let her husband send her… The
disgrace will be to much to bear. The last 3
years has been hell for her cause she could not
give birth. ”nurse you have to help. Please you
can switch some ones child for me. I can’t bear
the thought of losing my child a send packing
please.”
Nurse: (with a disbelieve look) ”How could you
say such a thing ? Your husband would never
send you packing just because your child is dead
besides you are still young and can still give
birth”
Helen: ”Nurse you won’t understand”
Nurse: ”Then make me understand”
Helen: ”My husband and I have been childless
for the past ten
years and he even threaten to send me packing
if I don’t conceive by the end of three months
but God took pity on me and I was able to
conceive within that three month” (she was
already crying her balls out)
Nurse: ”I understand your pain but I can not do
what you are
asking of me” (reply with a pity look)
Helen: ”Nurse you are my only hope. Please put
yourself in my
shoes, I bet if you are in my shoes you would be
doing exactly
what am doing now” (holding the nurse hands)
Nurse: ”You may be right but what you are
asking me to do is not that easy, you need to
understand me too”
Helen: ”I know what am asking of you is not
easy but you really need to help me. Tell me
how much you need, am willing to pay
anything, just help me to make the switch”
Nurse: Okay madam but am not doing this
because of the money
but…”
Helen quickly cut her short
Helen: ”Just name your price”
Nurse: ”Five hundred Thousand Naira would be
okay” (with a smile on her face.)
Helen: ”I will give you 1.5 million naira and also i want what we are
about to do to follow us to the grave” (give her
a serious face)
Nurse: ”Okay madam. Let me go and look for a
baby I can switch
yours..” (with that she left the ward)
To be continue

http://dailyquotearena..com.ng/2016/09/sisters-bond-episode-two.html

This is a story about two twin sisters who got
separated by fate. After a chain of event brought
them together as friends, they were force apart by
jealousy and hate.
What will happen when they both fall in love with
same man, with the line between blood and love
growing thin. This is a story about love, hate,
jealousy and family. Is blood thicker than love..
Join me to find out….

http://dailyquotearena..com.ng/2016/09/sisters-bond.html

Be thankful for what you have. you have no idea how many people would love to have what you've got.......


http://dailyquotearena..com.ng/2016/09/fact_29.html

Don't waste your life in doubts and fears: spend yourself on the work before you well assured that the right performance of this hours duties will be the best preparation for the hours or ages that follow it.....

http://dailyquotearena..com.ng/2016/09/word-of-encouragement_29.html

At the end of the day we shall be remember for two things. The problems we created for humanity, and the problems we helped for humanity... live your life to make difference.....

http://dailyquotearena..com.ng/2016/09/real-fact_29.html

Give yourself a chance,give yourself freedom, give yourself the moment, give yourself the power, give yourself the confidence, live for today not for tomorrow, live the EXTREME!!!! because you got yourself only one life LIVE IT....

http://dailyquotearena..com.ng/2016/09/fact_23.html

Your 16 year old daughter in high school is going back to a boarding school after the christmas break.
As a good mother you saw her off to the bus station and left after she had boarded the bus. After 3 hours you were told that the bus she boreded had an accident and no one survived. As you are going crazy, making arrangement to verify her death, you received a call from your daughter saying "mum i wasn't on that bus ooo my boyfriend insisted i spend a day in his house before i go to school"
what will you do as a parent?
How would you react?
Let's have your contribution on the story.

for more joke or quote pls visit: dailyquotearena..com/ JOKE OF THE DAY

You are someone's soulmate. someone, somewhere is missing the idea of you. They may not know your name, your face may be unfamiliar but someone, somewhere is imagining what it would be like to be with someone like you.



http://dailyquotearena..com.ng/2016/09/fact_21.html

there was a blind-man in the choir and i happen to be the choir mistress. we have all been praying for his healing. his only problem was the money for surgery. one faithful day, i was in the bathroom, i heard a knock on my door, i asked who it was and the voice replied "it's me Andrew". i asked him to come in. i walked to him cloth less since he was blind and i was not done with my bathing. i asked him what the problem was then he said that he brought good news. he continued " two days ago, the money for my surgery was completed and i went for the surgery; though it was rough, but to God be the glory now i can SEE very fine..sister the lord is good!". i was dumbfounded for hours........what next? pls comment



http://dailyquotearena..com.ng/2016/09/joke-of-day_20.html

Don't feel bad if people remember you only when they need you. feel privileged that you are like a candle that comes to their mind when there is darkness.


http://dailyquotearena..com.ng/2016/09/dont-feel-bad.html

Maturity is the ability to think,speak and act your feelings within the bound of dignity. The measure of your maturity is how spiritual you become during the midst of your frustration.




http://dailyquotearena..com.ng/2016/09/word-of-encouragement-today.html

Don't make assumptions find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. communicate with others as clearly as you can avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama.with just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life...



http://dailyquotearena..com.ng/2016/09/word-of-day.html

“Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.”

Treat people the way you want to be treated, talk to people the way you want to talked to. respect is earned, not given.


http://dailyquotearena..com.ng/2016/09/real-fact_43.html

You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. you must do the thing which you think you cannot do.

http://dailyquotearena..com.ng/2016/09/word-of-encouragement.html?m=0

Life is not always smooth and soft. There may be narrow ways, up and downs, darkness and shadows. Overcome everything with wisdom and patience..... http://dailyquotearena..com.ng/2016/09/do-you-know-what_12.html?m=0

It is only when a mosquito lands on your testicle that you realize there is always a way to resolve problems without using violence.

http://dailyquotearena..com.ng/2016/09/joke-of-day.html?m=0

One tree can start a forest; One smile can begin a friendship; One hand can lift a soul; One word can frame the goal; One candle can wipe out darkness; One laugh can conquer gloom; One hope can raise your spirits; One touch can show you care; One life can make the difference. Be that one today..

[b][/b]Life is not about the people who act true to your face. It's about the people who remain true behind your back.....


http://dailyquotearena..com.ng/2016/09/what-life-is-all-about.html?m=0Life is not about the people who act true to your face. It's about the people who remain true behind your back.....


http://dailyquotearena..com.ng/2016/09/what-life-is-all-about.html?m=0Life is not about the people who act true to your face. It's about the people who remain true behind your back.....


http://dailyquotearena..com.ng/2016/09/what-life-is-all-about.html?m=0

Whatever is worrying you right now, forget about it, take deep breath,stay positive and know that things will get better


http://dailyquotearena..com.ng/2016/09/stay-positive.html?m=0

A fake friend likes to see you do good, but not better than them. Pay attention.....


http://dailyquotearena..com.ng/2016/09/do you know what.html?m=0

We can't grow until you know what you don't know,you can't give what you don't have, but you can only give what you only have. life begin at one, honest is the best policy to achieve a good things in life

http://dailyquotearena..com.ng/2016/09/advice.html?m=0

The truth about your heart. Your heart will fix itself. It’s your mind you need to worry about. Your mind where you locked the memories, your mind where you have kept pieces of the ones that hurt you, that still cut through you like shards of glass. Your mind will keep you up at night, make you cry, destroy you over and over again. You need to convince your mind that it has to let go because your heart already knows how to heal.....


http://dailyquotearena..com.ng/2016/09/the-truth-about-your-heart.html?m=0