The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Washington, D.C. welcomed students and staff of John Hadley Johnson Middle School, Washington D.C. led by Principal Dr. Marian Wilkins, on 29th May 2026 to present their learning on Nigeria under the Embassy Adoption Program to His Excellency, Ambassador Lateef Kayode Are. The event, was attended by Ms. Hannah Katz, Community and Global Programs Manager, Washington Performing Arts; Ms. Bianca Duphey, District of Columbia Public Schools; Mr. Gbenga Ogunjimi, Founder/CEO, the Nigerian Center; Ms. Nkechi Ilechie, Director of Policy, the Nigerian Center; and Embassy officials. The event also featured the Spelling Bee in Nigeria (SpIN) delegation, led by Ms. Eugenia Tachie-Menson, which included Master Newton Temojo, 2026 SpIN National Champion and Quarter-Finalist at the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee, and Miss Amazing-Grace Salami, 2025 SpIN National Champion and Returning Qualifier for the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee. The event formed the culmination of the students’ year-long engagement with Nigeria through educational and cultural exchange activities.
In her remarks, Ms. Hannah Katz expressed appreciation to His Excellency Amb Are for hosting the students and noted that the activities organized for them including the flight simulator experience were among the programme’s most impactful. Ms. Bianca Duphey of District of Columbia Public Schools praised the partnership for broadening the students’ global awareness, while Dr. Marian Wilkins affirmed that the programme deepened their appreciation of Nigeria as a nation of global significance.
The students delivered well-researched presentations on Nigeria’s geography, history, cultural diversity, economy, arts, and global influence, demonstrating commendable understanding and confidence. The programme also featured a Nigerian dance performance by the students, guided by Ms. Uchechi Uwahemo of Gucci Moves, and a special cultural presentation of Hausa/Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo traditions performed by Ms. Lilycent Ogbuagu.
Afterwards, the students and participants enjoyed a lunch of Nigerian cuisine, including pounded yam, okra/egusi soups, jollof rice, moi-moi, fried fish, assorted fruits, cake, and soft drinks.
In his keynote address, Ambassador Are commended Dr. Marian Wilkins for her leadership in nurturing globally conscious young people and praised the students’ cultural performance as a reflection of their preparation throughout the programme. His Excellency underscored Nigeria’s identity as a richly diverse nation of over 240 languages and more than 300 ethnic groups united by one national identity. He highlighted the outstanding contributions of Nigerians in the United States, reaffirmed the Federal Government of Nigeria’s commitment to democratic governance, economic development, and bilateral cooperation, and encouraged the students to continue exploring Nigeria’s cultural heritage and opportunities. The Chief of Mission thereafter presented gifts to all the students and participants.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Mr. Chukwudi Igboeli, Head of Education, who expressed appreciation to the Chief of Mission and all partners and participants.
The event ended with a group photograph.
Ms Hannah adjudged the event as the best she has attended in recent years.
