By Idowu Bankole

The journey of African-American women immigrants in the Mid-West of America is a story of resilience, adaptation, and identity. At the heart of this narrative is a Nigerian scholar based in Iowa, who is pioneering research to uncover the nuanced experiences of these women. This article not only seeks to document one of our one, their struggles and triumphs but also aims to provide a deeper understanding of their cultural integration and contributions to American society. In what can be described as a beacon of light for Nigerians-in-Diaspora, Osamamen Oba Eduviere, a doctoral student in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Iowa, made a remarkable achievement when she became the face of the University of Iowa “Dare to Discover” banner feature. This Nigerian scholar’s academic journey began in Benin City, Nigeria, where she previously taught Religious Studies at the University of Benin. Her quest for advanced research led her to the University of Iowa in 2021, where she enrolled in the PhD program in Religious Studies. Her research explores the resettlement stories of African women immigrants in Iowa, investigating the various reasons that draw them to the state and the challenges they face.

Among the celebrated scholars of the 2024 campaign was Oba Eduviere, whose inclusion in the Dare to Discover campaign marked an extraordinary achievement. The University of Iowa’s Dare to Discover banner campaign, sponsored by the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR), is an annual initiative that highlights the remarkable achievements of outstanding undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers. This prestigious campaign showcases the diverse and impactful work being done across various disciplines, including the arts, humanities, and sciences. The Nigerian doctoral researcher was selected from many nominations to be featured in the next downtown banner campaign featuring undergraduates, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, scholars and creators. Her groundbreaking research not only exemplifies the high standards of academic excellence upheld by the University of Iowa but also highlights the impactful work being done by its students and postdocs.

As a Nigerian immigrant and PhD student in religious studies, Oba Eduviere’s research focuses on telling the untold stories of women’s resettlement experiences. This is a critical area of study that has been largely neglected in mainstream research, and her work is shedding light on the unique challenges and triumphs of women who have been forced to leave their homes and rebuild their lives in new communities. She researches African-American immigrant women in mid-west America and the intersection of food, community and substance abuse. Her research interest is centered around the experiences of these women, their resettlement stories, and how they have engaged in homebuilding in Iowa. Her investigation into the factors drawing African immigrants to Iowa is crucial for understanding evolving migration patterns. This knowledge can help communities better prepare for and support new arrivals, fostering smoother integration and mutual cultural enrichment. For example, her work could inform initiatives like those in Des Moines, where the city has been proactively working to welcome and integrate immigrant communities. The Religious Studies scholar’s research on the challenges these women face, particularly regarding substance abuse, fills a critical gap in our understanding. Substance abuse issues among immigrant populations are often overlooked or misunderstood, and her work could lead to more culturally sensitive and effective treatment approaches.

Oba Eduviere embodies the spirit of the Statue of Liberty, symbolizing the welcoming and transformative power of immigration in America. Her research into the factors drawing African immigrants to Iowa is crucial for understanding evolving migration patterns and fostering smoother integration and mutual cultural enrichment. This knowledge is instrumental in helping communities better prepare for and support new arrivals, ensuring that the promise inscribed on the Statue of Liberty—“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free”—is fulfilled in modern America.[ https://www.factmonster.com/us/speeches-documents/statue-liberty-poem ] For instance, Oba Eduviere’s work informs initiatives like those in Des Moines, where the city has been proactively working to welcome and integrate immigrant communities. By investigating the challenges these women face, particularly regarding substance abuse, she fills a critical gap in our understanding. Substance abuse issues among immigrant populations are often overlooked or misunderstood, and her research could lead to more culturally sensitive and effective treatment approaches. Religious communities play a vital role in the recovery process. They offer a supportive environment where individuals can share their struggles and triumphs, fostering a sense of belonging and accountability. This communal support is a cornerstone of programs like Alcoholics Anonymous, which incorporates spiritual principles into its 12-step program. Oba Eduviere’s efforts mirror the historical waves of immigrants who have built America, from the 19th-century settlers drawn by economic opportunities to the modern-day refugees seeking safety and a new start. Her work stems from a religious approach to substance abuse treatment that provide a valuable complement to secular methods, offering holistic, culturally sensitive care that addresses the spiritual dimensions of addiction. Her research highlights the resilience and contributions of African immigrants, who, despite facing significant challenges such as cultural shock, language barriers, and racism, continue to enrich the social and economic fabric of Iowa and the broader United States.

Nigeria, like many other countries, is grappling with a significant substance abuse problem. According to a report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 14.4% of Nigerians aged 15 to 64 have used psychoactive substances for non-medical purposes, highlighting the widespread nature of this issue. Despite the significant and growing problem of substance abuse in Nigeria, many churches seem more focused on being houses of prayer and financial gain rather than actively addressing this critical issue. Instead of leveraging their influence and resources to provide support and rehabilitation for those struggling with addiction, some churches prioritize sermons and financial contributions. This neglect leaves a critical gap in the fight against substance abuse, which could be filled by faith-based initiatives that offer counseling, support groups, and community outreach. Nigerian churches must rise to the occasion, transforming their spiritual missions into tangible actions that address the pressing needs of their communities.

As we celebrate the contributions of immigrants who have built and continue to build this nation, Osamamen Oba Eduviere stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of discovery and resilience. Her work reminds us that the pursuit of knowledge and understanding knows no borders and that the benefits of such endeavors extend far beyond the confines of academia. In a world that often seems divided, her research is a powerful reminder of the strength found in diversity and the shared humanity that binds us all.