It is not uncommon for parents to "determine" the career path for the children. Add being a last child to the mix, and you can pretty much give up on pursuing your passion. In this episode, Gertrude Agboli, a Nigerian-American, shares how the mindset of the new land allow a redirection from the path of being a medical doctor, to being an independent film producer/director today! Her father's professional life was the path that got her to finally settle in the United States. In those days, as a freshman in college, she didn't readily speak in class - what was the point, if people were going to laugh at your "accent?" Listen for more on my conversation with Gertrude, who is also a youth pastor, investing in supporting our youths and understanding the different times they live in. Like many others, she does miss not being able to stop and buy from the street vendor!

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Welcome to 2025!

I am excited to share my conversation with serial entrepreneur, Prince Temitope Oyeyemi! It is probably safe to say the Prince had his first business meeting in the delivery room - business is in his blood. He started out from the bottom of the ladder but had risen to become a successful entrepreneur in Nigeria. So why leave? The opportunity to play in the big business league in the United States where the daily trading on the New York Stock Exchange is astronomical, and where you can readily get the resources to expand your business, if you can conceive the idea! Prince Oyeyemi is a serial entrepreneur both in the United States and in Nigeria, where he continues to contribute to the nation's economy. He misses the family-friendly environment in Nigeria! Enjoy the conversation!

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Dr. Lillian Agbeyegbe

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Renowned thespian, Dr. Lookman Sanusi, ED, Bubbles FM joins me as my first non-US member of the diaspora on the Dialogue Series. He shares about his journey to the Diaspora through the Highly Skilled Migrant Program for professionals. He talks about filling a vacuum in his "new land" - meeting the need of bringing authenticity to African materials on London stages with productions such as "Our Husband Has Gone Mad Again," "Awolowo the Musical" and the "Obasanjo Presidential Library" project. Language is one part of the culture we always try to pass to our children, and Dr. Sanusi is no different - even though his younger daughter found ways to learn the language on her own. Listen for more on our conversation, in which he also notes that the Nigerian government needs to do more to address the "Nigerian Factor" to encourage members of the diaspora to give more in addition to their already significant contribution of remittances to the homeland.

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In the episode, we feature thoughts on the relationship between Nigerians abroad and those at home, and how they can work together from past guests - Mr. Kunle Faleti, (Mr. Housing), Mr. Chuks Eleonu, and Mr. Gbenga Ogunjimi.

Share your thoughts in the comments! What resonates with you? What do you agree or disagree with?

Want to share your diaspora story? Email me at diasporadialoguewithla@gmail.com

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We are sharing our diverse stories on the Diaspora Dialogue Series. In this episode, Babajide Ajisafe shares that his journey to the diaspora was foretold before he was born! He did grow up in Nigeria where he focused more on money than his education. He got to go back for his Bachelor degree in his 40s. Our conversation covers how going with the flow is readily a calendar plan in his growing up days in Nigeria. Listen for more of my conversation with him. Email me at diasporadialoguewithla@gmail.com if you would like to be my guest.

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Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Diaspora Dialogue Series with LA. In this episode, love wins again! Designer icon, Boye Asenuga trained as a lawyer, but her love for fashion, growing up with a fashionista mother, had her designing and making clothes while she was an undergraduate. She came to the United States to join her husband. She is proud that the Nigerian culture of respecting the elderly stands her children out. She is grateful for the blessings of the new land and its educational opportunities for her and her children. Listen for more on our interesting conversation. Email me at diasporadialoguewithla@gmail.com if you would like to be my guest.

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Hi!

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Diaspora Dialogue Series with LA. My guest, Engineer Tinah Ibironke grew up to follow in her father's footsteps and become an engineer. She did not remain in Nigeria to join his firm as love brought her to the United States to marry her spouse. She likes the opportunities the United States offer, especially in education for her and her children. She remembers her boss being caught off balance because she stood up for him to sit down - what would have been a standard practice in Nigeria. She missed having "the village" to help raise her children here in the United States. Listen for more of my engaging conversation with her. Email me at diasporadialoguewithla@gmail.com if you would like to be my guest.

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In this episode, my guests are Mr. Babafemi Okubanjo and his daughter, Eniola. Mr. Okubanjo was living his best life, having retired as a Permanent Secretary with a state government, and being a pioneer staff with the federal government's Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation, when the US visa lottery figuratively "knocked on his doors." That opportunity almost went with the wind, with a notification slip that could have blown away. In time though, he relocated with his family to the United States, and one culture shock was the level of respect for elders, far different from Nigeria's. Eniola, appreciates the opportunity of becoming anything that the United States provides, and did not miss the corporal punishment she left behind when she started school in the United States. Listen to the full conversation and let us know what resonates with you! What beauty of the homeland do you miss? What blessings of the new land do you greatly appreciate? How do you rate the benefits of global integration?

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