Ismaila Adegbola: The Diaspora’s Media Guru

Ismaila Adegbola is a notable media expert whose expertise in communication is widely recognized. With origins in Nigeria and significant influence across Cameroon, he has established himself as a leading authority in the field of diaspora media over nearly two decades. His contributions have garnered respect from diverse audiences and stakeholders throughout various African nations.

Adegbola is the founder and a seasoned entrepreneur of the ND Group, a media communication and publication enterprise based in Cameroon, which provides valuable insights into Nigerian affairs within the diaspora. Since relocating to Cameroon, Ismaila has dedicated his efforts to fostering strong collaboration between Nigeria and Cameroon. As the publisher of Naija Diaspora magazine, he has engaged with multiple government parastatals to highlight the potential for bilateral trade and to encourage the involvement of Nigerian corporations in the Cameroonian economy.

He actively participates in trade, tourism, and cultural fairs organized by the Nigerian Diplomatic and Consular Missions in Cameroon. Additionally, Ismaila is an executive member of the Nigerian community in the Littoral Region of Cameroon, serving as the Public Relations Coordinator for the broader Nigerian community in the country.

His commitment to service has facilitated the establishment of numerous high-level relationships between Nigerian and Cameroonian entities. Furthermore, his expertise as a media professional and business broker continues to distinguish him as an individual of significant value and excellence in his field.

Ismaila Adegbola possesses a rich tapestry of experience that has facilitated the establishment of robust connections between his media firm and Nigerian embassies globally. This engagement has significantly enhanced Nigeria’s stature on the international stage. His proactive and visionary approach to elevating Nigeria’s image marks him as an invaluable resource for high-ranking officials, particularly President Bola Tinubu, who would benefit greatly from consulting Adegbola regarding the intricacies of Nigeria’s global presence. Adegbola catalyzes the promotion of national interests abroad through his extensive network of connections.

In addition to serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the ND-Group, Adegbola is the creative driving force behind the distinguished print publication, Naija Diaspora. This magazine serves as a platform that highlights the remarkable contributions and achievements of Africans residing overseas, thereby reinforcing Adegbola’s influence in media promotion and representation. Within its last ten editions, the publication has featured prominent figures such as former President Muhammadu Buhari, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Tony Elumelu, Aliko Dangote, Nyesom Wike, and numerous other significant personalities from Africa.

The international magazine celebrated numerous distinguished Nigerian personalities during its 10th anniversary. This notable event, held at the Best Western Hotel in Douala, Cameroon, included a gala night in which prominent Nigerians were honored for their exceptional contributions. Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum received the Exemplary Leadership 2023 award for his efforts in improving the lives of the state’s residents and revitalizing the region post-insurgency, an honor presented by Ambassador Lawal Bappah mni on behalf of the governor.

At the same event, Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, OON, Chairman of the Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), was awarded the prestigious “Woman of the Year 2023” accolade, recognizing her exceptional contributions to the diaspora community. Her substantial achievements in this field have garnered widespread recognition, making this award a testament to her unwavering dedication and diligent work. We extend our congratulations to Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa on this remarkable accomplishment and anticipate her continued success in future endeavors.

Adegbola’s steadfast commitment to honoring cultural heritage and upholding ethical standards within the diaspora has earned him numerous accolades, reflecting the profound influence he holds within Nigerian communities worldwide.

His proactivity has given him edge in partnership with the corporate organisations like UBA Cameroon, Dangote Cement Cameroon, Port Authority of Douala, UCB, MTN Cameroon, Alucam, the Nigeria Missions in Cameroon, Cameroon Ministry of Communication and hosts of others.

He has garnered extensive recognition for his significant contributions within both the Nigerian and Cameroonian communities, both domestically and internationally. In 2021, he received a Merit Award in acknowledgment of his considerable support for the Nigerian community in Cameroon. Furthermore, his efforts have been commended by the Nigerian Consul-General in Cameroon, as well as by several Nigerian diplomats across the African continent.

He is one of the distinguished recipients of the Nigerian Diplomatic and Consular Missions Distinguished Achievement Award (2021) for his exemplary contributions to the advancement of Nigerians in the diaspora. Additionally, he was honored with the NISU Annual Outstanding Achievement Award for 2019/2020, recognizing his selfless dedication to enhancing the reputation of Nigeria and Nigerians abroad.

A particularly noteworthy honor was the conferment of an honorary chieftaincy title, Nwa Nne Di Na Mba—translated as “A brother further afield” or “A brother in a foreign land”—awarded to him by the Igbo community organized under the Ebonyi State Union in Douala. This prestigious recognition, granted under the leadership of Sunday Nwoye, reflects the profound appreciation expressed by various ethnic groups for Ismaila’s generous and inclusive support.

His unwavering commitment to this cause has attracted commendations from reputable organizations within Nigeria, particularly in Cameroon. During a gathering in Yaoundé, the former Deputy High Commissioner of Nigeria to Cameroon, later posted to Chad as Nigeria Ambassador to Chad, Lami Sauda Remawa-Ahmed, praised Ismaila’s invaluable contributions. With sincerity, she acknowledged the thoughtful initiatives of the ND Group aimed at promoting Nigerian culture abroad, stating, “I am deeply humbled by this kind of gesture and I look forward to an impactful and fulfilling partnership.” This assertion underscores Ismaila Adegbola’s crucial role in bridging cultural divides and fostering a sense of unity among Nigerians and other communities within the diaspora.

Adegbola’s humility has established a notable rapport with the Cameroonian government, where he has received commendations and hospitality from senior officials. Notably, Samuel Dieudonné Ivaha Diboua, Governor of the Litoral Region of Cameroon, hosted a delegation from the Nigerian-owned Diaspora Magazine, led by Ismael Adegbola, at his office in Douala, to commend Adegbola’s efforts in utilizing his platforms to promote peace and unity between Cameroonian and Nigerian nationals, as well as the promotion of Cameroon’s economic interests.

He has also been appointed by H.E. Queen Clark Omeru Alexander, the former Consul General of Nigeria in Douala and the newly nominated Nigerian Ambassador, as Special Adviser on Media. In recognition of his outstanding performance, he has been honored as THE PAPERS MEDIA PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR.