In a spectacular display of national pride, Pastor Tunde Bakare, Engineer Gbolahan Gbadamosi, P.E., and Hon. Adewale Jafojo led a high-profile gathering in Atlanta, Georgia, on Saturday as the APC PBAT-KOH Diaspora Group converged at Labule to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary with a vibrant celebration of culture, heritage, and national pride.
The event had in attendance, Engineer Gbolahan Gbadamosi, P.E., Head of APC PBAT-KOH Diaspora, and his deputy, Hon. Adewale Jafojo, brought together prominent members of APC, Nigerian diaspora and friends of Nigeria. Also in attendance were Mrs. Abiodun Gbadamosi, Princess Adekunbi Oyekan-Jafojo, Dr. Laolu Lediju, Mrs. Zainab Adesanya-Idowu, APC USA National Youth Leader Hon. Bello Oyakhilome, Hon. Deji Thanni-Olodo and Bashorun Kamal Seyi Abiodun.
Serving as the Special Guest of Honour, fiery cleric Pastor Tunde Bakare delivered a compelling charge for national cohesion, urging Nigerians to look beyond the polarizing lines of religion, ethnicity, and tribe.
Drawing deeply from his personal journey, including his transition from Islam to Christianity, Pastor Bakare emphasized that a shared Nigerian identity must always transcend religious and ethnic differences.
His message resonated strongly with the diaspora audience, framing Nigeria’s diversity not as a fault line, but as a source of collective strength, unity, and continental pride.
The celebration subsequently transitioned into a strong call for greater diaspora engagement, as Hon. Adewale Jafojo and Engineer Gbolahan Gbadamosi, P.E. took turns challenging Nigerians abroad to leverage their economic, professional, and social influence for the advancement of Nigeria.
Engineer Gbolahan Gbadamosi, P.E., in his remarks, reinforced the importance of diaspora participation and collective responsibility, emphasizing that Nigerians abroad possess significant resources, expertise, and influence that can be harnessed to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development.
Engineer Gbadamosi further stressed that the true strength of the diaspora lies in structured unity, coordinated engagement, and its ability to translate its collective influence into meaningful and sustainable development at home.
Hon. Adewale Jafojo urged members of the diaspora to become more actively involved in civic engagement and to use their families, networks, and relationships across Nigeria to encourage responsible participation in the democratic process. He also called for support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and other APC candidates in the forthcoming elections.
Hosted by the charismatic Princess, Tokunbo Omisore of the historic Ile-Ife Dynasty, the Labule gathering also became a breathtaking celebration of Southwest Nigerian culture and heritage.
A major highlight of the evening was an exquisite fashion presentation inspired by the global glamour of the legendary Ojude Oba Festival, showcasing the elegance, creativity, and richness of Yoruba traditional attire.
Beyond the music, fashion, and merriment, the Atlanta celebration represented a profound intergenerational milestone, successfully connecting younger and older Nigerians in the diaspora to the timeless values, traditions, and enduring spirit of their motherland.
The grand gathering effectively bridged the geographic divide, uniting scores of Nigerians and friends of the country through a compelling blend of civic engagement, cultural expression, high fashion, and rich Yoruba heritage.
The celebration ultimately served as a powerful reminder that, even thousands of miles from home, Nigerians in the diaspora remain deeply connected to the country’s history, culture, aspirations, and future.
