NAPAC-USA: Empowering Nigerian American Community for political impact; A grassroot initiative By Dr. Nelson Aluya

Introduction:
The Nigerian American Public Affairs Committee (NAPAC-USA) NAPAC USA – is A 501(c) 4 established in California in 2011 as a Political Action Committee by California by a group of visionary and high profile Nigerian-American leaders in the USA who are committed to “enhanced socioeconomic impact and voice of people of Nigerian origin in the United States and their increasingly influential next generation.”
NAPAC USA’s vision is to be the center-point for Nigerian-American progress in the United States. All 50 states of the USA will be represented and it has in the last decade, emerged as a prominent organization dedicated to fostering political engagement and empowerment within the Nigerian American community. NAPAC-USA recognizes the importance of creating platforms that enable Nigerian Americans to make a significant political impact at the grassroots level. By inspiring, educating, and mentoring Nigerian Americans and friends of the Nigerian American community in the areas of politics and policies, as well as promoting voter registration, understanding of the U.S. Constitution, and political advocacy, NAPAC-USA is building economic strength to yield political power for the Nigerian American community.

Inspiring Political Engagement:
NAPAC-USA plays a crucial role in inspiring Nigerian Americans to become politically active. By inspiring, supporting and highlighting successful Nigerian American politicians their contributions to society. Elected officials like Adeoye “Oye” Owolewa who was elected in November 2020, as the shadow representative of the United States House of Representatives from the District of Columbia on the Democratic Party platform as well as NAPAC’s USA former President, Honorable Segun Adeyina who assumed office on January 9, 2023 as the Democratic member of the Georgia House of Representatives.
NAPAC-USA showcases the positive influence that the community can have in American politics. Through events, workshops, and conferences, NAPAC-USA brings together aspiring politicians, activists, and community leaders to network, share experiences, and exchange ideas, fostering an environment of inspiration and motivation.

Education and Mentoring:
Education is a vital component of NAPAC-USA’s mission. The organization provides educational resources and programs that equip Nigerian Americans with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of politics and policies. Workshops and seminars cover a wide range of topics, including campaign strategies, public speaking, grassroots organizing, and policy analysis. By offering these educational opportunities, NAPAC-USA empowers Nigerian Americans to actively participate in political processes and make informed decisions.

Additionally, NAPAC-USA recognizes the importance of mentoring aspiring Nigerian American politicians. Through mentorship programs, experienced political leaders within the community guide and support emerging talent, providing valuable insights and advice. This mentorship fosters personal growth, builds leadership skills, and cultivates a pipeline of Nigerian American politicians who can effectively represent the community’s interests.

Voter Registration and Political Advocacy:
NAPAC-USA places a strong emphasis on voter registration and mobilization. The organization understands that voting is a fundamental right and a powerful tool for political change. Through grassroots efforts, NAPAC-USA encourages Nigerian Americans to register to vote and actively participate in local, state, and national elections. By increasing voter turnout within the community, NAPAC-USA amplifies the voices of Nigerian Americans and enhances their political influence.

Furthermore, NAPAC-USA engages in political advocacy to advance the interests of the Nigerian American community. The organization collaborates with policymakers, elected officials, and community leaders to address issues that impact Nigerian Americans, such as immigration reform, healthcare access, education, and economic opportunities.
NAPAC USA has collaborated at the national level with the Global African Business Association network. (GABA) under the One Voice Africa umbrella and expanded the political and social landscape of the African diaspora community by hosting events at the yearly Congressional Black Caucus in Washington DC every late September.

Building Economic Strength for Political Power:
NAPAC-USA recognizes that economic strength is closely intertwined with political power. The organization actively promotes economic empowerment within the Nigerian American community by encouraging entrepreneurship, fostering business networks, and providing resources for economic growth. Through initiatives such as business workshops, mentorship programs, and access to capital, NAPAC-USA helps Nigerian Americans establish and expand their businesses, thereby increasing their economic influence.

By building economic strength, NAPAC-USA enables the Nigerian American community to have a greater impact on political decision-making. Economic success translates to increased resources, visibility, and influence, allowing Nigerian Americans to support political candidates, fund campaigns, and shape policy agendas that align with their interests.

Conclusion:
The Nigerian American Public Affairs Committee (NAPAC-USA) plays a vital role in creating platforms for the political impact of the Nigerian American community. Through its dedication to inspiring, educating, and mentoring Nigerian Americans in the realm of politics and policies, as well as promoting voter registration, understanding of the U.S. Constitution, and political advocacy, NAPAC-USA is empowering the community to make a significant difference at the grassroots level. “Politics is local and every successful political process is even more local.” The Nigerian American Public Affairs Committee recognises that grassroot politics and those who hold political offices and powers at that level have direct effect on the day to day lives of Nigerian Americans and all Americans hence its renewed strategies to engage and inspire Nigerian Americans to get involved in local and state political processes.

Dr. Nelson Aluya is the President, NAPAC USA .