From the NFL to Nigeria’s Diaspora Dialogue: Emil Ekiyor Sr. and Dr. Jacqueline Mohair Share the Stage at National Diaspora Day
Abuja, Nigeria — At the prestigious Presidential Villa in Abuja, Nigeria’s National Diaspora Day brought together leaders from across the globe to celebrate the power of diaspora engagement and cross-continental collaboration. Hosted by Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa (OON), CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), the event highlighted the ways in which sports, education, and business leadership are shaping Africa’s future.
Among the featured speakers was Emil Ekiyor Sr., a Lagos-born athlete and former NFL offensive lineman who played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Atlanta Falcons, and Oakland Raiders, as well as internationally with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (CFL) and Scottish Claymores (NFL Europe). His inspiring story emphasized resilience and the responsibility of global Africans to return not just physically, but with innovation, wisdom, and strategies to build sustainable communities.
Dr. Jacqueline Mohair: Purpose, Legacy, and Education
Sharing the stage with Ekiyor was Dr. Jacqueline Mohair, Chancellor of the Trinity International University of Ambassadors (TIUA) and the only U.S. representative of the Kaleidoscope Business Project LLC delegation formally invited to speak.
Dr. Mohair’s powerful words connected her personal journey to the larger vision of diaspora leadership:
“This journey wasn’t about titles—it was about purpose, legacy, and returning to the land of my ancestors to serve, invest, and uplift.”
Her message reflected both her personal mission and the educational vision of TIUA, which equips leaders worldwide with access to academic excellence, global platforms, and opportunities to create lasting change.
Empowering Girls and Women Across Borders
Beyond her leadership at TIUA, Dr. Mohair also leads the Trinity Girls Network Corp., a non-profit dedicated to empowering women and girls in the U.S. and across Africa. Through mentorship, education, and workforce development—including programs that introduce girls to broadcasting, sports media, and global leadership—Trinity Girls Network provides a tangible example of how diaspora engagement can uplift future generations.
This alignment with National Diaspora Day’s mission was unmistakable: diaspora leaders must not only celebrate cultural heritage but also invest in education, empowerment, and opportunities for young women and girls worldwide.
A Shared Stage, A Shared Vision
Though their backgrounds differ—Ekiyor from professional football and Dr. Mohair from academia and humanitarian leadership—their shared presence during the Historic African Diaspora Dialogue symbolized the strength of diversity within the diaspora.
From the gridiron to the classroom, and from non-profits to global forums, leaders like Emil Ekiyor Sr. and Dr. Jacqueline Mohair remind us that the diaspora is not an audience. It is an active partner in shaping Nigeria’s future and building bridges that span sports, education, and community transformation.
Author’s Note
As both a speaker at this historic event and the Chancellor of Trinity International University of Ambassadors, I recognize that this moment was bigger than one stage or one speech. It was a confirmation of a mission—shared through both TIUA and Trinity Girls Network—to prepare leaders, empower women and girls, and create global opportunities that honor our ancestors while building legacies for generations to come.
National Diaspora Day in Abuja reaffirmed what I deeply believe: our return is not symbolic—it is purposeful, strategic, and transformative.
— Dr. Jacqueline Mohair, Chancellor, TIUA & Founder, Trinity Girls Network Corp.
