By Olushola Okunlade
Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), extends her heartfelt congratulations to Jahswill Emmanuel for his remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication to community development in Northern Ireland.
This includes his recent recognition as the 2023 winner of the Advancing Racial Justice and Fairness Award, presented to Multi-Ethnic Sports and Cultures Northern Ireland (MSCNI) for Anti-Racism Leader of the Year.
In a statement released by the Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, it was expressed that the NiDCOM Boss was pleased with Jahswill’s accomplishments.
“Jahswill Emmanuel’s tireless efforts in promoting unity and empowerment exemplify the spirit of Nigerian excellence abroad. His commitment to fostering inclusivity and social cohesion serves as an inspiration to us all.”
Jahswill Emmanuel, a resilient BSc Community Development student at Ulster University, has been recognized for his outstanding voluntary work with a multitude of prestigious awards. Hailing originally from Nigeria, Jahswill’s journey in Northern Ireland began in 2004, marked by fortitude in the face of adversity.
Despite encountering racially motivated attacks upon his arrival, Jahswill has transformed his experiences into a beacon of hope and integration. In 2016, he founded Multi-Ethnic Sports and Cultures NI (MSCNI), a registered charity committed to fostering cultural diversity and racial harmony through sports and cultural activities.
Under Jahswill’s dynamic leadership, MSCNI has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at empowering marginalized communities, including athletic events, football projects, and educational programs. Notably, MSCNI’s collaboration with the Irish Football Association facilitated refugee participation in the UEFA Unity Euro Cup 2023, fostering inclusivity and solidarity.
Moreover, MSCNI’s partnership with Vodafone UK through the Everyone Connected project has provided vital connectivity to over 3000 migrants, enabling them to stay connected with loved ones during challenging times.
Jahswill’s dedication to fostering social cohesion extends beyond MSCNI, as evidenced by his support for cultural events benefiting thousands of children. His unwavering commitment has earned him prestigious accolades, including the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service MBE, the British Empire Medal of Honour, and UK’s 2194th Point of Light Award.
