Our History

The Nigerian Association of Western Australia (NAWA) has its root in the early 1980’s when there were only about five or six Nigerian families in Western Australia, mostly living in metropolitan Perth. The small group met regularly in an informal forum for mostly social interactions – to share our culture and aspirations, to provide support for one another whenever the need arose. The early days of the group were aimed at getting our children to know one another so as to identify with our cultures; be able to identify with other people who they could confidently call their own brothers and sisters as it is the case in the culture of their parents.

It is fair to say that, in those days (and because it was a small group of people with common socio-cultural identity and interests), it was not considered necessary to have a formal group. It is also fair to say that, in those days, most of our activities were organized around BBQ’s and get-togethers with lots of sharing and fair input from all. One major occasion that used to bring the members of the early days of NAWA together was the Christmas party, which we used to celebrate together in Oakford. This was in the semi-rural property of one of our community members, Mr. Tony Wright, who later became its first chairperson. There was also the New Year party at Mr. Lawrence Ogbue’s house in Morley. This used to bring most of us together, along with some other friends from other places.

In addition to Christmas and New Year gatherings, many of the members of the Nigerian communities used to have regular tennis games and occasional BBQ on the side. We would usually play tennis at Riverton or sometimes at Point Walter. Among the participants were Dayo Tade, Tony Wright, Lawrence Ogbue, Bunmi Wright, James Oladejo, Segun Olowoyo, Late Slim Majekodunmi and Late Muyideen Popoola. Our women and the children would also join the tennis games from time to time, especially when we had BBQ along with the games.

In the year 2007, it was considered necessary that the Nigerian community incorporate a formal association, given the rapid growth of the Nigerian community in WA. The intent was to support the rapid growth of the Nigerian community in WA by creating a platform to support new arrivals and assist them in settling into their new lives in WA. It was also envisioned to teach our Australian born children our culture, creating a focal point of reference with the larger Australian community, and as a forum to exchange information with other Nigerians in WA in relation to sourcing food and other supplies from the homeland.

After much deliberation, a new association called Nigerian Association of Western Australia (NAWA) was born in 2007. It is important at this stage to mention the generosity of Nigerians with their time, money and resources without which the association would not have been possible. Our appreciation goes to the relentless effort and dedication of the inaugural committee members of NAWA which included the following: Tony Wright, Segun Olowoyo, Andrea Njoku, Ephraim Osaghae, Richard Amudo, Louise Ford, Nigel Onamade, Angus Oraekwuotu, Muyiwa Sorunmu.

In October 2007, the first formal celebration of Nigerian independence was held, organized by the fledging new body. That occasion was well attended by Nigerians and several dignitaries, including the local and state representatives, representative of the WA premier, the Nigerian High Commissioner amongst others. It was a celebration that was talked about for long afterwards. Our culture and people, and Nigerian hospitality were on display for Western Australians to see and it was well received by all.

NAWA has since grown in leaps and bounds. It has become a diverse organization where all professions and ethnic groups in Nigeria find representation. With that, of course, comes other interests and competing demands to meet the attendant needs of its members. The constitution, which was adopted at the time, existed to serve the demands of that era. A more detailed and comprehensive one now exists to deal with what is the current growth of the body. Similarly, competing interests and more complex issues have emerged which the association is dealing with rather successfully. One can now say with some level of satisfaction therefore that, what started about two and a half decades ago as a mere social gathering of a few Nigerian families, has grown to become a vibrant force that can truly represent the voice of Nigerians living in diaspora, and especially those here in Western Australia.

It is heart-warming to see that the association, formed 13 short years ago, is now so well established and flourishing. Surely, it can only get better from here.

God bless our 60-year-old nation and our great people

Courtesy of:
Mr. Tony Wright
Dr. Muyiwa Sorunmu
Mr. Ephraim Osaghae
Mr. Angus Oraekwuotu