Every year, the Nigerian Women Association of Georgia recognizes a non Nigerian individual who through their selfless service, have made a difference in the lives of Nigerians at home and abroad. The honoree is recognized as the "Friend of Nigeria" during the Annual Fundraising and Awards Banquet
 
2008 NWAG Friend of Nigeria Dr. Gloria Johnson-Rodgers
2008 NWAG Friend of Nigeria Dr. Gloria Johnson-Rodgers

A Woman of Humility and Compassion


Dr. Gloria Johnson-RodgersDr. Gloria Johnson-Rodgers, fondly known as Mother Gloria is a family practice physician, humanitarian, and author who began life in a shotgun house with a room off the side in a small town called Shaw, Mississippi.

Her work began as she sort to alleviate the suffering of families, but especially women and children in Nigeria. Through the donations and support of many since 2000, thousands have already benefited from her generosity. Scholarships have been donated for 1,500 children from very poor areas. These children are very gifted, but have no means for school. Dr. Rodgers has helped to build two schools and donated medical supplies, along with toiletries, to the women and children in the villages of Nigeria. Dr. Rodgers built an orphanage in Enugu because many children were left for relative to care for who could not care for themselves. Mother Rodgers has donated monies for women in Lagos and Oyo States to start businesses for themselves while supporting the dynamic women, an organization that encourages self- help.

Mother Rodgers has also donated sewing machines to the Women Crisis Center in Benue State as well as assisted with supplies, shelter and other needs. She has donated new clothing and food to orphanages in Ibadan, as well as supplied school supplies in Abuja, Mercy Orphanage and schools.

Through her servant hood abroad, Mother Rodgers has received numerous awards to include the Marion Merrill Dow Humanitarian Award, Bola Immaculate Humanitarian Award of Excellence, Nigeria, West Africa, the Legislative Black Caucus Volunteer of the Year Award, Atlanta, Georgia, and the Mason Theological Seminary Award for Foreign Service, Voices and Charming from Lane Bryant, National Sojourner Truth Meritorious Service Award, President's Bush Daily Points of Light Award, Washington, DC, National Caring Award, Washington, DC in honor of Mother Theresa, and many others.

Although Mother Rodgers' accomplishments are many, her most cherished accomplishment is her love, dedication, and devotion to her husband, Superintendent (Dr.) Charles Rodgers, and their four children, Gwendolyn, Charles "Chip" Jr., Elizabeth Megan, Adam James, and her family.

NWAG salutes our 2008 Friend of Nigeria. Our Sister, Our friend and fellow comrade in service
2007 NWAG Friend of Nigeria Mrs. Nell Diallo
2007 Friend of Nigeria Mrs. Nell Diallo-Executive Director, Medshare, International

Mrs Nell DialloNell is a bi-lingual professional with vast international experience in private sector and development. Presently Executive Director of Medshare International and President of the Africa Business Council (ABC).

As the managing director of MEDSHARE and President of African Business Council, she has been instrumental in ensuring that the needs of the less fortunate are made, including the Nigerians at home and abroad.
In 2006, Nell assisted in raising $75,000 that went to support the National Hospital, Abuja through the Ministry of health.
She has been a constant support to many Nigerian physicians and medical personnel who embark on medical missions to our homeland.
Supported the building of the surgery unit at LUTH so that life-saving surgeries are being performed there.

Her other accomp0lsihements include:

  • Member of boards of directors of two Atlanta based nonprofits addressing health and women in development
  • Served as Special Advisor to President of Burkina Faso for over six years. Continue to assistant with issues related to promotion of tourism and marketing of the country.
  • Served as member of teaching team graduate program, School of Business, Emory University, course: Economic Development In Africa - Mali & Senegal
  • Over the past two years have hosted delegations from Burkina Faso, Senegal, Mali, Uganda and Cote D'Ivoire.


NWAG salutes our 2007 Friend of Nigeria. Our Sister, Our friend and fellow comrade in service
2005 NWAG FRIEND OF NIGERIA Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney
2005 NWAG FRIEND OF NIGERIA Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney

Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney

Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney has distinguished herself as a strong, principled fighter for human rights and a drum major for justice. Her human rights activities extend beyond the shores of the United States o earn her international recognition. In February 1998, Congresswoman Mckinney co-sponsored the Nigerian Democracy Act (H.R 1786) to address the injustice and oppression in the hands of the military dictator, General Sanni Abacha. In March of 1999, Cynthia and other colleagues called for a congressional investigation on the role of chevron in abuses by Nigerian security forces in a letter to the chair of the House International Relations committee, “we believe that there is growing evidence that the US oil companies are accepting extra judicial killings and other human rights abuses as just another cost of doing business in Nigeria”. Cynthia is passionate about African and International community affairs. Her record is punctuated with unwavering effort to improve the lives of people of Africa by sponsoring or co-sponsoring bills that seek to empower the people of Africa. Such bills include the Hunger to Harvest Bill. She was one of the panelists at the Investment Industry and Technology in Nigeria Conference held on Capitol Hill , Washington DC in April 2000. NWAG is proud to call congresswoman Cynthia McKinney our friend

NWAG salutes our 2007 Friend of Nigeria. Our Sister, Our friend and fellow comrade in service