Nigerians facing global stigma – Adelakun, Nation of Justice founder

2026-03-29 - 12:13

*Demands judicial reform ...Unveils scholarship, empowerment schemes By Okhumeode Momodu At a time when many Nigerians grapple with economic strain at home and suspicion abroad, the founder of Nation of Justice (NOJ), Jyde Adelakun, has drawn attention to what he describes as a persistent pattern of global stigma against citizens of the country. In this interview, Adelakun reflects on the personal experiences that shaped NOJ’s emergence, outlines the group’s expansion into vulnerable and conflict-affected communities, and makes a case for urgent judicial reform. He also unveils plans for scholarship and empowerment programmes aimed at equipping young Nigerians with opportunities beyond immediate relief. He links his organisation’s growing humanitarian work to a broader mission of confronting bias, strengthening civic awareness, and pushing for accountability within judicial systems. Excerpts: Let’s have a background of what led to NOJ? The birth of the Nation of Justice is a result of my years of experience and encounters that I have faced, which other Nigerians and people from different nationalities face in international situations, particularly the stigma that has been placed upon Nigerians when they hold a Nigerian passport or when they are known to be from Nigeria. Based on this experience, I wrote a letter to the United Nations Secretary-General, starting from 2022, which I continue to do repeatedly. I addressed the UN chief on how Nigerians have been treated and stigmatised. So basically, the birth of the organisation is based on my own personal experiences and those of other Nigerians during their international travels or cross-border activities. Moreover, most of these countries have offices in New York, but they call themselves the United Nations when, in actuality, they are not united in the way they treat one another. So, I made a complaint on behalf of Nigeria, not only to the UN but also to other international bodies, highlighting that Nigerians have been victimised in one way or another when travelling to Europe and some other places. In addition to that, my personal experiences in the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, and some European countries, would not allow me to remain silent when people keep saying, ‘United Nations, United Nations, United Nations. I have witnessed situations where judicial systems victimise Nigerians simply because they believe Nigerians are inferior, and other nationals have also fallen victim to such corrupt judicial practices. So, NOJ is coming to solve this issue of corrupt practices? Yes. Impartiality is something that should be upheld in judicial houses, but often it is not. So, how do we bring about change? We have to be part of the solution and speak out to effect change by holding the bull by the horns. At the same time, we must ask for and demand accountability. Imagine having a judge in a position to decide your destiny, and that judge dislikes you or your ethnic background and bases their decision on that bias. Who then pays the price for that malpractice? This is a problem worldwide. There is no part of the world where judicial powers can be fully held accountable. They only provide provisions to lodge a complaint, but the person addressing those complaints is often the same judge. When you look at democracy, you see loopholes that people manipulate to abuse judicial power. That is why the system always directs you to go for an appeal. If it is truly a democracy, then people should be able to hold judicial powers accountable. Hence, the Nation of Justice was founded in order to push for this, to make it happen. And how do we do it? We will enlighten people on the provisions of the law, their constitutional rights and duties, so that they know their place in the nation’s existence and in the societies where they live, and that is the reason why we live. How far has the Nation of Justice come in the realisation of its objective that it set out to achieve over the years? The Nation of Justice, on its own, cannot be a power because a tree cannot make a forest. So, in order to get the main power, we had to bring in people who are seeking opportunities and enlighten them. Once they understand their own values and what they have been missing, that is when they can demand accountability. I believe, like what the scriptures say, when the truth hits your ears, you will know the difference. When you taste pure water, you will know the difference from impure water. So, when this happens, we gather people to harness manpower. We are doing this in South Africa and in my country too, Nigeria. When that manpower is there, then we can do a lot. So that when they are called upon, the people who will join the resistance, it is important for them to understand who they are, where they live, what surrounds them, and their rights and duties as well. Because you may have rights, but you also have responsibilities in order to make things happen. Do you think the recent letter of commendation by Prof Hakeem Fagbemi, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, is a testament to what your foundation is doing? How often do you get that kind of applause, and how do you personally feel about it? I cannot express my feelings enough, to be honest. I just do as I am guided. When I was walking in here, and I looked to my right side, I saw a lot of people sitting down, and there was something in me that said, ‘Oh, look back and do what you are told to do.’ In that call, I will not be able to express how I feel, but I can only say what I was told to do, and that is what I am doing. Why the choice of Salah? Is it part of the objective of NOJ, and is it okay to describe you as a humanitarian supporter in terms of funding what NOJ is doing? Islam and Christianity say go out there and preach, and that is how people get knowledge of these religions. So, in order for us to do the same, we start from somewhere and believe that Eid is a perfect time. We will do this whether it is Jummah, at the proper time, or even on Sunday when Christians are gathered, or at any available place. Beyond helping people who are struggling financially with our assistance, we are putting together a scholarship programme for students, and skill acquisition training is already in the works.