Nigerians in Philippines Celebrate Christmas, Record Major Diaspora Milestones

Nigerians residing in the Philippines rounded off the year with a high-profile Thanksgiving and Christmas celebration that highlighted unity, cultural pride, and tangible progress within the diaspora community.

The event, organised by the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation, Philippines (NIDOPHIL), held at the TEAM Convention Centre in Las Piñas City, brought together Nigerian professionals, students, community leaders, ethnic representatives, and invited Filipino guests from different sectors.

Attendees were treated to a rich display of Nigerian cuisine, traditional attire, music, and dance, reflecting national identity and gratitude for a year marked by organisational growth and renewed cooperation among Nigerians in the country.

A key highlight of the celebration was the formal presentation and adoption of NIDOPHIL’s newly developed constitution. The document received overwhelming approval from members and was endorsed by leaders of Nigeria’s major regional blocs in the Philippines, symbolising rare consensus and institutional stability.

Officials from the Nigerian Embassy witnessed the constitutional ratification, a development widely regarded as a significant step toward strengthening coordination, representation, and accountability within the Nigerian diaspora structure.

In a groundbreaking move, NIDOPHIL announced a financial empowerment initiative, awarding ₱100,000 grants to each of the four major Nigerian regional associations in the Philippines to stimulate entrepreneurship and small-scale business growth.

The organisation also reviewed its activities over the past year, citing improved digital presence through an automated website and active social platforms, alongside expanded welfare interventions for Nigerians facing health, housing, and emergency challenges.

Addressing participants, NIDOPHIL President Bishop Tony Marioghae said the achievements reflected a deliberate shift from division to impact-driven leadership, while embassy representatives commended the growing unity and described the organisation as a positive force for Nigeria’s image and diaspora engagement in the Philippines.