Nigerian Center Awarded $50,000 in Funding from DC and Walmart
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 17, 2024 – The Nigerian Center is thrilled to announce it has been awarded $50,000 in combined funding from the DC Government, Walmart and individual donors. This contribution will support two critical programs for fiscal year 2025: the Immigration Access Program and the Path to Prosperity Program.
The Immigration Access Program, funded through DC’s IJLS grant, provides essential legal services, including naturalization support, ensuring that immigrants can access pathways to permanent residency and citizenship. With this funding, the Center will extend services to even more immigrants, having already assisted thousands in navigating the complex U.S. immigration system.
The Path to Prosperity Program, funded by Mayor’s Office of African Affairs and Walmart’s Spark Good Local Grant, empowers low-income immigrant communities by offering free tax preparation services through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, micro-lending for credit-building, and small business support. These resources enable immigrants and underserved communities to achieve economic resilience and entrepreneurial success.
"Immigration and economic justice are the foundation for any immigrant to have a chance at achieving the American Dream. As a volunteer-led organization, we are incredibly grateful for the support from the DC Government and Walmart. This funding will allow us to expand our impact, providing life-changing legal and financial services to foster a more inclusive and equitable community."-Gbenga Ogunjimi, Executive Director of the Nigerian Center.
The Nigerian Center’s Immigration Access Program and Path to Prosperity Program work to eliminate barriers to economic stability and legal security for immigrants and low-income families. This funding will sustain and expand these essential services throughout Washington, DC, and surrounding communities. For more information about the programs or to sign up as a volunteer, please visit https://www.nigeriancenter.org/ or call 202-330-0352.
On October 1, Mayor Muriel Bowser, represented by Kimberly Bassett, DC Secretary of State, issued a proclamation honoring the Nigerian Center’s work and declaring the day as Nigerian American Day in Washington, DC.
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