Hon. Isoken Sonia Okoh Marks Birthday With Gratitude Following Successful NIDO UK Foundation Launch In London

As Hon. Isoken Sonia Okoh, Director of Projects for the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation UK South (NIDOUKS), celebrates her birthday today, July 3rd, she is using the occasion to reflect on a recent milestone — the successful hosting of the NIDO UK Foundation Initiative Launch, which took place days earlier at the Shannon Suite of the Copthorne Tara Hotel, Kensington, London.

The event marked a defining moment for diaspora-led development efforts, bringing together leading voices across sectors, and highlighting the growing capacity of Nigerians abroad to contribute meaningfully to national growth.

The event’s recent success has provided an opportune moment for Hon. Isoken to express sincere appreciation to all who made it a reality. Speaking on the heels of her personal celebration, she extended heartfelt gratitude to guests, supporters, and her team.

“This birthday is made more meaningful by the incredible support I’ve received throughout this journey,” she said. “The success of the NIDO UK Foundation launch is a reflection of what we can achieve together, and I’m deeply thankful to everyone who stood by us to make it happen.”

The launch event was well attended by dignitaries and partners who share a commitment to structured diaspora engagement. In attendance were:

Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, who served as Mother of the Day and delivered warm greetings from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Dr. Adetoro Bank Omotoye, CEO of Cruxstone Group, who took the role of Chief Launcher

A representative of the Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria to the UK

The Chairman and Members of NIDOUKS

CEO of OluOlu Foods UK, the Founder of BEN TV UK, and other key diaspora stakeholders

The event was a coordinated effort of the Project Committee, under Hon. Isoken’s leadership, with strong support from the NIDOUKS Executive Committee. Together, they showcased the objectives of the newly launched Foundation — a roadmap built around key pillars of development:

Education and capacity building

Healthcare delivery

Infrastructure and innovation

Youth and women empowerment

Environmental sustainability

Diaspora policy influence and partnerships

The Foundation has set its sights on executing high-impact projects across 12 Nigerian states by 2028, with an emphasis on collaboration with federal ministries, private sector institutions, and local communities.

Hon. Isoken’s birthday message blended personal gratitude with professional reflection.

“As I mark this new year, I remain inspired by our collective strength as Nigerians in the diaspora. The commitment shown at the launch gives me hope that together, we can drive real and lasting change for our people at home.”

Her message resonates with many in the diaspora who believe that Nigeria’s development story must include the voices, investments, and innovations of its global citizens.

The launch of the NIDO UK Foundation is seen as a step in that direction — one that began with vision, was driven by purpose, and now continues with shared responsibility.