By Fortune Abang

Dr Oluwatomiloba Ademokun, Vice-President of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Americas (NIDOA) South Savannah Chapter, has emphasised the importance of promoting wellness among women and girls to preserve the African heritage.

Ademokun, a Nigerian-American author, global public health diplomat and host of the Wellness Wahala Podcast, stressed the need during a virtual inauguration of the literary platform – “Wellness Wahala”.

The platform was hosted as part of Ademokun’s international book tour promoting the memoir titled, ”Wellness Wahala: Faith, Fire and Favour on Diplomatic Duty” designed to amplify voices of Nigerian diaspora authors.

According to her, the inspirational memoir chronicled a gripping journey from surviving bomb blasts and bureaucratic battles to finding divine restoration and purpose in life.

Ademokun said, “This memoir is not just a personal journey, it is a call to action for every African woman and youth to rise, reclaim their voice, and be proud of their heritage.

“It is important we preserve African heritage, promote wellness and celebrate the identity, and power of African women and girls globally.

“Proceeds from the book will fund humanitarian interventions, including scholarships for students in Nigeria and the diaspora through NIDOA South Savannah and the Reliable Women and Youth Empowerment Foundation.

“The memoir was birthed in pain, refined in fire and crowned with favour. I pray it inspires a new generation of warriors to rise strong in the face of Wahala.”

She revealed the book is currently available globally on Amazon, Kobo eBooks, Barnes & Noble, and in Nigeria via Selar: https://selar.com/51y81cxj19, saying the next tour include events in Atlanta, Abuja and Accra.

The book is structured around: Faith, which highlights spiritual endurance through delays and disappointments; Fire, revealing trials including diplomatic crises, illness, and betrayals; and Favour, celebrating redemption, resilience, and divine breakthroughs.

She described the literary debut as part of a broader effort to amplify Nigerian diaspora authors, with NIDOA featuring Yoruba Ayo traditional game demonstration, Afrobeat music and Nigerian fashion parade.

Others include interactive storytelling of African folktales, cultural trivia and giveaway prizes, as well as live readings from Wellness Wahala by the author.

The event attracted members of the African Diaspora, African-American community in the Chicago area, and community leaders to an afternoon of culture, storytelling, empowerment, and healing.

Illinois Governor Jay Pritzker, and that of Georgia, Brian Kemp, the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Americas (NIDOA) youth ambassador, and NIDOA South Savannah President Mr Collins Ikegwuonu were present at the event.

The event, aimed at celebrating Nigerian resilience and diaspora excellence, featured cultural celebration of the United Nations International Day of Women and Girls of African Descent at Richton Park Library in Illinois.  (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)