Nigerians In Diaspora Awards Is Back: Friends Of Nigeria Set To Honour Excellence, Impact & Community Leaders Across Europe

The prestigious Nigerians in Diaspora Awards (NIDA) by Friends of Nigeria returns bigger, bolder and more impact-driven, celebrating Nigerians who are making Africa proud globally.

At 9JAFINDS, we stand for impact. And few platforms represent that better than the Nigerians in Diaspora Awards (NIDA) organised by Friends of Nigeria (FON).

The much-anticipated awards ceremony celebrating Nigerians in Europe is officially back. After a powerful last edition that brought together community leaders, innovators, and cultural icons, this year’s edition promises to be even bigger, spotlighting excellence, resilience and authentic Nigerian impact abroad.

What Is The Nigerians In Diaspora Awards?

NIDA is the flagship awards initiative by Friends of Nigeria, a community organisation dedicated to celebrating and empowering Nigerians in the diaspora. The awards honour professionals, creatives, entrepreneurs and changemakers whose work positively projects Nigeria in Europe and beyond.

From business and technology to media, arts and community service, NIDA is where excellence meets celebration.

Last Edition Was Iconic: How Europe Celebrated

The last edition was a night of pride, culture and well-deserved recognition. Held in front of distinguished guests and community stakeholders, it celebrated Nigerians who are breaking boundaries in their fields while staying true to their roots.

• Red carpet excellence with authentic Nigerian elegance
• Emotional acceptance speeches celebrating the journey from home to diaspora
• A true community reunion networking, celebration and unity

Spotlight On Previous Winners Who Inspired Europe

1. Adeola — The Paris-Based Soulful Force
A talented singer-songwriter based in Paris, Adeola’s music is a captivating fusion of Soul, Afro, cinematic and electro-pop elements. With notable releases like “Dragon on Fire,” “Lost” and “Falling,” her artistry delivers powerful melodies and poignant lyrics.

Beyond music, she is also a speaker, writer and tourism professional on a mission to take listeners on a transformative journey.

2. FEMALE PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR (UNDER 40): Dr. Ozak Ejiofor (née Esu) @zakkie9

Award presented by Friends of Nigeria’s Executive Board member, Oyindamola Olusunmade @ms.oyinda.

Dr. Ozak is a Chartered Electronic & Electrical Engineer and STEM Ambassador. Born and raised in Nigeria, she moved to the UK in 2008 at age 17 to study at Loughborough University, graduating with first-class honours. She earned a Ph.D. in renewable energy, pioneered tech to detect wind turbine blade damage, and has worked at Cundall and BRE Centre for Smart Homes. Named in The Telegraph’s Top 50 Women in Engineering and winner of the IET Young Woman Engineer of the Year Award in 2017, she now serves as Chief Service Owner at Hilti in Liechtenstein. A true inspiration.

3. JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR: Juliana Olayinka @julianaolayinka

Award presented by Honorary Board Member Ele Asu @eleasu_official. Juliana has excelled for over 20 years in media and strategic communications, creating stories that positively influence young people, women and Africans. With a Master’s in Global Diplomacy from SOAS, University of London, and a Journalism degree from University of Arts London, she is Anchor and Executive Producer of Channels Business Global on Channels Television. She has interviewed HRH Prince Edward, Baroness Patricia Scotland and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and has moderated panels for the African Union, Nigerian Federal Government and British Government.

NIDA 2026: At A Glance

Why This Matters

This is more than an awards night. It’s a platform that shows the world what Nigerians in diaspora are truly made of, talent, hard work, integrity and impact. As a media brand that stands for impact, 9JAFINDS is proud to spotlight and celebrate organisations like Friends of Nigeria that uplift the community.

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