Agbor Balla Calls for Diaspora Inclusion at NVT 2025 in Cincinnati

Barrister Agbor Balla, Prominent Cameroonian Human Rights Advocate.

Barrister Nkongho Felix Agbor Balla, renowned human rights advocate and founder of the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa (CHRDA), has urged Cameroon’s leaders to embrace the role of the diaspora in shaping the nation’s future.

Speaking at the National Veterans Tournament (NVT) in Cincinnati, Ohio, which drew more than 5,000 Cameroonians from across the United States and Canada, Agbor Balla described the event as a “living testimony of how football can be a powerful instrument of social cohesion, nation-building, and national unity.”

According to him, the remarkable gathering was more than a sporting festival; it was proof that Cameroonians abroad remain deeply connected to their homeland. “Seeing our diaspora come together through sport reaffirmed my belief in its unifying power,” he said.
           ABS September 1, 2025.

However, Agbor Balla stressed that such mobilization also carried a message for policymakers in Yaoundé. He called on the government and presidential candidates to prioritize dual nationality, describing it as a necessary step toward unlocking the full potential of the diaspora. “The future of our nation depends on embracing the contributions, energy, and resources of Cameroonians everywhere,” he emphasized.
Barrister Agbor Balla With Senior Pastor, Aunti Feli.

As the country inches closer to crucial political moments, Barrister Agbor Balla’s remarks strike a chord with many who believe that inclusion of the diaspora could be a turning point in Cameroon’s development trajectory.

The Cincinnati NVT 2025, the largest annual gathering of Cameroonians outside the country, once again demonstrated that sport is more than entertainment, it is a catalyst for unity and a platform for national dialogue.

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