ABOUT THE O.A.N

The Organization for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN) Inc. was founded in 1989 by a group of concerned Nigerian to address the needs of the Nigerian community. At that time, Nigeria and Nigerians were suffering seriously from negative stereotypes in the American media. Prior to OAN’s formation, there was no organization committed to the broader issues facing the Nigerian community in the United States. OAN filled the void by creating an umbrella organization, which embraced Nigerians from all works of life, regardless of their ethnic and religious backgrounds. OAN immediately dedicated itself to enhance the image of Nigerians in the U.S. and address the negative stereotypes of Nigerians in the American media.

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Our Mission

Promote, and advance the Cultural, Civic, Social, and Economic Welfare of Nigerians in United States of America.

Enhanced the image of Nigerians in the U.S.A. Inculcate in our youth knowledge of Nigerian history, culture, customs, traditions, values and religion.

Encourage the economic growth, human rights and political empowerment of Nigerians in the United States of American and Nigeria.


Accomplishments

By highlighting the positive contributions of the vast majority of Nigerians to the American society, OAN successfully convinced the American government and media, to be balanced in their approach of dealing with the Nigerian community. OAN’s first major accomplishment occurred in 1990, when it successfully stopped major banks from denying Nigerians, banking services because of their blanket stereotyping of Nigerian customers as potential fraudsters. Since its formation, OAN has consistently engaged in a vast array of work that impacts every aspect of our community, both in the United States and in Nigeria.

The most accomplished non-ethnic based Nigerian organization in the US, and in existence for over 20 years

Sponsored free immigration and tax seminars and workshops for Nigerians and non Nigerians.

Started the annual Nigerian Independence Day Parade in the United States of America in 1991, which has grown to be the biggest and largest celebration of Nigeria Independence Day, outside our homeland.

Formed the first Nigerian Council of Religious Leaders to foster unity and cooperation among religious organizations.

Received its first PROCLAMATION from New York city Council, city of New York in 1992.

Successfully lobbied the New York City Council to recognize Nigeria Independence Day at the City Council Chamber

Initiated the formation of the Nigerian Lawyers Association in New York.

In 2010, formed the Nigerian Independence Day Committee, Inc. (NIDC), to foster collaboration with other Nigerian organizations for the planning of the annual Nigerian day celebration

Successfully organized the largest Nigerian Demonstration and Rally in New York and Washington D.C. to protest the annulment of June 12, 1993 election results, the Niger Delta oil related — crisis and the unjust execution of Ken Saro Wiwa.

In 2003, introduced the popular annual “Naija Youth Summer party” for Nigerian youth to network and foster unity.

Chosen by Nigerians in Europe and Canada, as the most trusted conduit through which Nigerians in the Diaspora can channel donations to International relief efforts when needed.

In 1996, created the adult and youth sports program, including Soccer League, in which Nigerian clubs and organizations compete for the Nigerian unity Cup. This was designed to foster unity and interaction among Nigerian youth, through sports

In 2006, established the Education and Career day for Nigerian Youth to obtain information from experts and professionals in various fields and to encourage exchange of academic information and networking.

The only Nigerian organization that was a member of New York City 2012 Olympic Bid