NAPAC DMVPD honors outgoing Nigerian ambassador, welcomes successor in D.C.

By AI, Created 4:56 AM UTC, May 27, 2026, /AGP/ – NAPAC DMVPD hosted a farewell and welcome reception on May 23 in Washington, D.C., honoring Ambassador Samson Itegboje and greeting Ambassador Lateef Kayode Are as Nigeria’s new envoy to the United States. The event highlighted diaspora engagement, diplomatic continuity and the group’s push for stronger civic participation.

Why it matters: - The reception marked a handoff in Nigeria’s diplomatic leadership in Washington, D.C., with direct implications for diaspora outreach and bilateral engagement. - The event put civic participation, public service and community-diplomatic coordination at the center of the Nigerian American agenda. - NAPAC DMVPD said it remains focused on building public policy awareness, leadership development and strategic partnerships across the Nigerian American community.

What happened: - The Nigerian American Public Affairs Committee DMVPD hosted a Farewell and Welcome Reception on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at The Continent DC in Washington, D.C. - The gathering honored outgoing Nigerian Ambassador to the United States Samson Itegboje and welcomed incoming Ambassador Lateef Kayode Are. - Community leaders, elected officials, professionals and other stakeholders attended the reception. - NAPAC DMVPD General Secretary Augustus Aja-Onu delivered opening remarks. - NAPAC Regional Director Dr. Toyin Opesanmi recognized Ambassador Itegboje’s service during his U.S. tenure. - National Press Secretary Mrs. Adeola Atekoja, representing the NAPAC national president, formally welcomed Ambassador Are and presented official letters.

The details: - Ambassador Itegboje was recognized for work aimed at strengthening diplomatic, economic and cultural ties between Nigeria and the United States. - Dr. Lillian Agbeyegbe, chair of NAPAC DMVPD, thanked Ambassador Itegboje and welcomed Ambassador Are. - Dr. Agbeyegbe said NAPAC DMVPD will continue engaging Nigerian Americans, elected officials, policymakers and diplomatic representatives. - Ambassador Are outlined a service-focused approach centered on accessibility and communication with the diaspora. - Ambassador Are said his role is not political, but grounded in service, guidance and engagement. - Ambassador Are urged Nigerians abroad to support the well-being of the community, respect U.S. laws and institutions, and serve as positive ambassadors of Nigeria. - Ambassador Are attended with Embassy of Nigeria representatives Ambassador Bukar Buni Hamman, deputy chief of mission, and Mr. Sunday Okemini, minister for consular and immigration affairs. - Membership Services Liaison Commissioner Tope Adeyoju delivered closing remarks for the organization. - The evening included networking, dialogue and idea-sharing among attendees from across the Washington metropolitan area.

Between the lines: - The reception signaled continuity rather than rupture, with the Nigerian diaspora positioning itself as a stakeholder in the next phase of embassy relations. - Ambassador Are’s emphasis on accessibility and nonpolitical service suggests a diplomacy style aimed at practical diaspora support. - NAPAC DMVPD used the event to reinforce its role as a bridge between the community and official institutions.

What’s next: - Ambassador Are is beginning his diplomatic assignment in Washington, D.C. - NAPAC DMVPD said it will keep advancing civic engagement and partnerships across the region. - The organization directs readers to more information and its social media channels on Instagram and Facebook.