Ademola Ogunlade, PhD Candidate
Convener & Global Coordinator
BAT Diaspora Forum

Mr. Ademola Olusola Ogunlade is an Atlanta-based policy-focused professional, scholar, and diaspora advocate with expertise in migration, development, and social policy research. He is widely recognized for his ability to bridge academic inquiry with practical policy engagement, translating complex global issues into actionable solutions.

 He is the Founder and Convener of the BAT Diaspora Forum, a non-profit, non-partisan diaspora advocacy organization based in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. The Forum is committed to promoting civic engagement, democratic values, and inclusive development among Nigerians in the diaspora, with an active presence across the United States, Europe, and Africa. Through this platform, Mr. Ogunlade provides strategic leadership in fostering dialogue, policy awareness, and transnational collaboration aimed at strengthening diaspora contributions to national development.

 Academically, he is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in International Relations at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Durban, South Africa, where his research focuses on governance, institutional development, and migration dynamics. He holds both a Master of Arts (MA) and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Philosophy from the University of Lagos, Nigeria, equipping him with a strong foundation in critical thinking, ethics, and socio-political analysis.

 Mr. Ogunlade’s professional experience spans editorial leadership, organizational management, and business development. He previously served as Deputy Editor-in-Chief at Todajom Enterprise Publishers of Acclaim, overseeing editorial strategy, content quality, and publication processes. He also worked as a Business Development Manager at Soreh Nigeria Ltd, leading client engagement initiatives and successfully expanding the organization’s portfolio by acquiring major accounts.

 His core competencies include policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, and research communication, with a particular focus on migration governance, diaspora engagement, and development policy. He is skilled at convening diverse stakeholders and advancing evidence-based approaches to complex socio-political challenges.

 An active participant in global academic and policy discourse, Mr. Ogunlade attended the Markets & Society Conference (2025) hosted by the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, USA, contributing to critical conversations on governance and societal transformation. He is also co-author of a forthcoming scholarly work titled “Transatlantic Migration and African Diaspora: Rethinking Mobility, Identity, and Integration.”

 Driven by a strong commitment to democratic engagement, inclusive development, and policy impact, Mr. Ogunlade continues to play a pivotal role in shaping conversations and initiatives that connect the diaspora, governance, and sustainable development across multiple regions.

Welcome to BAT Diaspora Forum

Dear Fellow Nigerians, Friends of Nigeria, and Members of the Global Diaspora, With great pride, optimism, and a strong sense of patriotism, I welcome you to the BAT Diaspora Forum, a global platform for mobilizing Nigerians in the diaspora to advance nation-building and the transformative vision of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

At present, Nigeria stands at a crucial juncture in its history. As our country moves towards economic revitalization, institutional reform, infrastructure development, youth empowerment, and inclusive growth, every Nigerian (both at home and abroad) has a key role to play in shaping the future of our beloved country.

BAT Diaspora Forum was founded on the principle that the Nigerian Diaspora is one of Nigeria’s greatest assets. Across the world, Nigerians are making incredible contributions to business, health care, education, technology, public service, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The expertise, knowledge, investments, and global networks that exist within the Diaspora community represent a tremendous resource for national development.

Inspired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR’s leadership philosophy and developmental vision, our Forum is dedicated to working with others to help implement the Renewed Hope Agenda through engaging constructively with stakeholders, forming strategic partnerships, participating in civil society, empowering economically disadvantaged individuals, and developing communities within Nigeria.

We firmly believe that the eight priority areas of the Renewed Hope Agenda offer a tangible roadmap for creating a stronger, wealthier, and globally competitive Nigeria. As Nigerians residing outside Nigeria, we have a unique obligation to act as representatives of our country, advocating for Nigeria’s interests on the international stage, attracting investment into Nigeria, providing support for humanitarian efforts, mentoring young leaders, and positively impacting the development of our communities back home. Therefore, BAT Diaspora Forum is more than an organization; it is a movement of passionate citizens unified by a shared vision of progress, unity, and national transformation.

I call upon all Nigerians in the diaspora  regardless of occupation, background, ethnicity, or religious affiliation  to join us in promoting the principles of good governance, economic prosperity, social inclusion, and sustainable development. Nigeria’s future is promising. The journey ahead will require sacrifices, commitment, and resiliency; however, with visionary leadership, active citizen participation, and a steadfast belief in Nigeria’s potential, we can accomplish extraordinary progress.

On behalf of the BAT Diaspora Forum, I thank you for your support, partnership, and commitment to national development.

Together, let us build a stronger Nigeria.

Together, let us advance the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Together, let us ensure a prosperous future for all Nigerians.t

Ademola Ogunlade, PhD Candidate
Convener & Global Coordinator
BAT Diaspora Forum