By Jonathan Lois
In a move widely hailed as a masterstroke of people-driven diplomacy, Hon. Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, Member of the House of Representatives, has returned to Nigeria after an eventful and productive diplomatic tour of the United Kingdom and the United States. The lawmaker, who represents Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II under the Labour Party, embarked on the high-level engagement to foster deeper democratic cooperation and explore avenues for economic collaboration between Nigeria and two of the world’s leading democracies.
The tour, which spanned several weeks, was marked by a series of high-impact meetings with key figures in legislative, academic, and civil society circles in both countries. Hon. Onuakalusi’s agenda was clear—strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions and expanding international partnerships that can yield economic dividends for his constituents and the country at large.
During his visit to the United Kingdom, Hon. Onuakalusi held strategic discussions with Rt. Lord Professor David Alton of Liverpool, a member of the House of Lords renowned for his work on human rights and family values, particularly across the African continent. Lord Alton has authored and presented several bills on African affairs, with a specific focus on Nigeria, drawing attention to issues of governance, justice, and human dignity.
Joining the meeting was legal luminary and public intellectual Sonnie Ekwowusi, Esq., a noted advocate for family values and democratic governance. Ekwowusi, who is also a newspaper columnist and policy analyst, brought critical perspectives to the table as the trio exchanged ideas on strengthening Nigeria’s political institutions through legislative reforms and international cooperation.
“This was more than a courtesy call,” Hon. Onuakalusi said. “It was a meeting of minds—focused on practical steps we can take to ensure that democracy thrives, not just in Nigeria, but across Africa.”
Sources close to the delegation revealed that the discussions explored long-term support for Nigeria’s legislative strengthening, including possible exchange programmes, technical support for committees in the National Assembly, and joint research initiatives with British institutions.
The UK leg of the tour also included closed-door meetings with diaspora communities, think tanks, and philanthropic foundations interested in Nigeria’s political evolution and youth empowerment.
In the United States, Hon. Onuakalusi continued his bridge-building mission, meeting with key stakeholders in the Congressional Black Caucus, policy advocates at Washington-based think tanks, and members of the Nigerian-American community. Topics of discussion ranged from electoral reforms and human rights to trade and investment opportunities in Lagos State and beyond.
“This trip was never about self. It was about Nigeria, about Oshodi-Isolo, and about repositioning the Labour Party as a platform for progressive engagement,” Onuakalusi said upon his return to Abuja. “I believe that democracy is not a one-country affair; it must be nourished through cooperation, dialogue, and shared values.”
His diplomatic efforts have been warmly received by constituents in Oshodi-Isolo II, with many residents praising the lawmaker for raising the profile of their district on the global stage. Since taking office, Hon. Onuakalusi has maintained a reputation for accessible leadership, progressive policies, and legislative activism that resonates with his party’s reformist ideals.
Members of the Labour Party and colleagues in the National Assembly also commended the lawmaker for his initiative and foresight.
“He has become a beacon of diplomatic engagement and legislative diplomacy,” said a senior official in the House of Representatives. “His actions show that lawmakers can be more than lawmakers—they can be nation-builders and bridge-builders.”
Hon. Onuakalusi’s return marks not the end, but the beginning of what observers describe as a new era of proactive representation—one that goes beyond motions and bills to include international diplomacy, economic networking, and strategic global outreach.
As Nigeria continues to face challenges at home—ranging from economic instability to security concerns—efforts like these by forward-thinking legislators are a reminder that solutions can also be found beyond the country’s borders.
In an era where international collaboration is critical to national progress, Hon. Okey-Joe Onuakalusi’s recent trip may well be a turning point in how Nigerian lawmakers engage with the world.
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