seen on the scene
Nigerian American Multicultural Council
6th Annual Gala and Awards Night
Saturday, April 29, 2017
International Focus Magazine was proud to be a part of such a prestigious eve-
ning. Comedienne Yvonne Orji was a wonderful hostess keeping every-
one laughing and enjoying themselves. The community pride could be felt
throughout the room filled with distinguished professionals from the Houston
area and their families. In her letter to her guests Nigerian American Multi-
cultural Council (NAMC) President Yemi Koyejo stated “ This year’s theme
is “Building Unity”. NAMC seeks to be a unifying force to bring together
Houston’s diverse Nigerian-American communities and connect them to our
friends in the greater Houston community. As a united community, we can
draw on the strengths of each organization to have more impactful programs
and ensure that the needs of our community are met. The NAMC House
will be a civic center for the Nigerian-American Community and a learning
center for the Greater Houston Community to understand Nigeria’s rich and
diverse culture.”
The NAMC’s mission is to build a bridge between Nigerian and American
cultures and to promote excellence in the Nigerian community as a whole. It
is well on its way, in only its sixth year they have successfully mentored many
young entrepreneurs and professionals and are at least one third of the way to
their goal of building The NAMC House.
Young Entrepreneur of the year, Edose Ohen, is the CEO at Alfa Dando, the
founder of Glazed the Doughnut Café (Houston’s premier gourmet doughnut
shop), WirelessNG (an internet services company) and Alfa O&O Networks.
His acceptance speech was truly an inspiring story. A second generation Ni-
gerian, he never thought he would return to Nigeria to create opportunities
and provide much needed services. It is the NAMC’s hope that more second
and third generation Nigerians will be inspired to return to their community
and do their part to represent and support Nigeria and young Nigerians.
Image Award recipient, Yvonne Orji, is a Nigerian-American actress, come-
dienne and writer who continues to display her versatility and passion with
each project she takes on. She stars in HBO’s hit comedy series Insecure,
which premiered October 2016, and is currently developing a half hour sit-
com based on her life that Oprah and David Oyelowo are executive produc-
ing. The show is a comedy about a Nigerian girl who trades medical school
for a career in stand-up comedy and the adventures that ensue after her strict
African mother discovers her plans. In her acceptance speech she emphasized
the need to follow your heart and to respect the sacrifices your parents and
others have made for you by being excellent at what you do.
Written by Heidi Powell-Prera
Gala Honorary Chair: Engr. Akinwunmi Odumakinde
Volunteer of the Year Award: Bolutife Bamgboye
Distinguished Professional Award: Dr. Oluyinka Olutoye
Officer of the Year Award: Dr. Adetola Abatan
Young Entrepreneur of the year award: Edose Ohen
Image Award: Yvonne Orji
www.namchouston.org
10 iF Magazine | May 2017