On Sunday, August 9, I had the pleasure of attending the inauguration of Tinubu Torch Bearers U.S.A. in Sugar Land. The gathering brought together Nigerian-American leaders, professionals, women, young people, and community advocates around the theme, “Renewed Hope in Action: Building the Nation from Diaspora to Development.”
The event demonstrated the important role diaspora communities can play in supporting civic participation, strengthening international relationships, and contributing to the development of their countries of heritage.
The U.S. chapter builds upon the Tinubu Torch Bearers movement formally inaugurated in Nigeria by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu. The organization has been described as a women-led grassroots platform created to promote civic engagement, national unity, responsible public communication, and participation in Nigeria’s development. Its leadership has emphasized the importance of women as community builders and encouraged members to serve with commitment, patriotism, and a genuine concern for their fellow citizens. Voice of Nigeria
The Sugar Land inauguration carried that mission across the Atlantic by encouraging Nigerians living in the United States to remain engaged in the future of their homeland. Organizers described the new chapter as a platform for strengthening grassroots involvement, building partnerships, promoting women’s leadership, and channeling the knowledge, experience, and resources of the diaspora toward meaningful development. Event background
I especially appreciated the event’s focus on women’s empowerment and inclusive leadership. Strong communities are built when people from every background have an opportunity to contribute their talents and perspectives. Women have long been central to families, businesses, civic organizations, charitable efforts, and public institutions. Encouraging more women to participate in leadership and public service strengthens the entire community.
The program recognized the leadership of Dr. Mary Alile Idele, APC National Woman Leader; Barrister Henry Chukwuneme Nnabugwu, Convener of Tinubu Torch Bearers U.S.A.; and Ambassador Dr. Alero Hans, DNP, the organization’s U.S.A. Coordinator. I congratulate them and everyone who contributed to bringing this inauguration to Fort Bend County.
The gathering also provided opportunities for voter-registration assistance and candidate information. Regardless of where we were born, participation is essential to a healthy representative government. Registering to vote, learning about candidates, understanding the issues, and making an informed decision at the ballot box are among the most important responsibilities we share as citizens.
Fort Bend County is home to families whose roots reach across the world. That diversity is one of our greatest strengths. Our Nigerian-American community contributes tremendously through business, medicine, technology, education, law, faith communities, and public service. Events such as this allow neighbors to learn from one another while strengthening the relationships that make Fort Bend such a welcoming and dynamic place.
As Fort Bend County Treasurer, my daily responsibilities center on stewardship, accountability, and safeguarding public resources. However, public service is also about building trust, listening to our communities, and encouraging people to participate constructively in civic life. Those principles are not confined by geography. They are essential wherever people are working together to build a more prosperous and hopeful future.
The image of carrying a torch is especially meaningful. A torch represents light, responsibility, and the willingness to guide others. But carrying a torch also requires action. Lasting progress is achieved when people turn their hopes into service, their ideas into partnerships, and their commitment into tangible results.
I was grateful for the invitation and for the warm hospitality extended to me. Congratulations to the organizers, leaders, volunteers, and members of the newly inaugurated Tinubu Torch Bearers U.S.A. chapter. I look forward to seeing how this organization continues to engage the diaspora, encourage civic participation, empower women, and build bridges between the United States and Nigeria.
