Who We Are
Culturally Naija is the pride of Nigerians in the Diaspora. We are a not-for-profit organization incorporated in the State of Texas to cultivate social, political, and economic stability among various Nigerians in the United States through community, recreational, and social activities. These activities are strategically designed to strengthen relationships between the Nigerian Diaspora population and the public, private, government, and neighborhood organizations.
Our Mission
Our mission is to cultivate social, political, and economic stability through recreational social activities to reinforce the relationships between the Nigerian Diaspora populace and the public, corporate and private entities; government agencies; and neighborhood organizations.
Vision
To showcase the richness of Nigeria’s people and culture to Houston and beyond. Ultimately create social, political, and economic opportunities for all Nigerian residents in the United States.
Organizational Relevance
Houston holds an unprecedented population of Nigerians living in the United States. In Houston, Nigeria retains about 85% of the African population, with residents excelling in various professions and contributing tremendously to vital facets of the city’s economy. Culturally Naija was founded in 2016 by a group of Nigerian Americans to address and coordinate Nigeria’s social, political, and economic needs, potentials, and prospects.
Purpose
Culturally Naija is the pride of Nigerians in the Diaspora. Our organizational mission, vision, and culture are fortified by various purposes:
- To cultivate social, political, and economic stability among various Nigerian communities in the United State through recreational and social activities.
- Showcasing the richness of Nigeria, its people and culture to Houston, fourth largest city in the United States
- To create avenues to attract social, political, and economic opportunities for Nigerian residents.
- Collaborate with relevant organizations to facilitate civic and cultural events to further promote and showcase Nigeria
- Facilitate forums to create awareness among the Nigerian populace regarding relevant civic, social, and economic matters
- Play a partnership role in the Houston’s Nigeria Cultural Parade & Festival – the City’s endorsed event to honor the Nigeria’s independence.
- To positively enhance the image of Nigerians in the U.S. and address the negative stereotypes of Nigerians in the American media.
- To address head-on, broader issues facing the Nigerian community in the United States and embrace Nigerians from all walks of life
Governance
Culturally Naija is endowed with a board and partners with vast knowledge about managing people, projects, and entities. Our success hinges on the competence of our board and management team led by the founder, Jane Udoewa, who cultivates strategies to effectively manage our organizational mission, vision, and objectives. Organizational Structure
Organizational Arrangement of Culturally Naija is a two-fold compartment of Board of Directors and Management:
- The Board is comprised of fiduciaries steering the organizational mission, vision, and objectives toward a viable level of innovative success. This board oversees organizational ethical, legal and financial policies and management.
- The Management team develops and carries out day-to-day management process and maintains production efficiency and effectiveness through systematic coordination of employees, processes, projects, and administration.
Our Founder
- Founder Jane Udoewa is a proud descendant of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria and is currently an IT Consultant lending her expertise and talents to the Energy Industry. Ms. Udoewa received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Baylor University, graduating as the 3rd African American female in Computer Science. Her love for technology propelled her to keep learning and enabled her to be awarded the distinct honor of being the University of Houston- Victoria’s first graduating class with a Master’s of Science in Computer Information Systems and a member of Gamma Beta Phi. In addition to her love for technology, she also cherishes people, community and culture. Jane is a community advocate for youth empowerment, civic rights, volunteers and volunteers at church, all while serving on the Board for the Baylor Business Network and WeLead. She is a graduate of the Houston Black Leadership Institute sponsored by The Greater Houston Black Chamber and was featured in Who’s Who Black Houston. She previously served as the Vice President for Young African Professional of Houston (AfriPro-Houston.)