Hon. Stephen Osemwegie is the President and Founder of Save Nigeria Group USA, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the welfare of Nigerians both in the United States and in Nigeria. Under his leadership, the organization champions education, human rights, religious freedom, healthcare access, and advocacy for democracy and equality.

Born in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, Hon. Stephen Osemwegie is a devout Christian and an active member of the United States Evangelical Free Church in the Midwest. He is married to Dr. Chioma Osemwegie and they have three children. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Nigeria, Enugu, a Master’s Degree from Southwest Minnesota State University, and is pursuing a Ph.D. at Columbia International University, USA.

A successful entrepreneur and former Labour Party Gubernatorial Aspirant in Edo State, he continues to inspire reform and youth empowerment through his vision of “A New Direction for Nigeria.” Hon. Stephen Osemwegie represents a new generation of leaders committed to transparency, good governance, and building a prosperous, just, and inclusive Nigeria.

Interviewer: Mr. Osemwegie, thank you for your dedication to the Nigerian community. Can you elaborate on the current situation in Nigeria and the specific challenges faced by Christians?

Hon. Stephen Osemwegie: Nigeria is facing a nationwide security collapse, and Christian communities—especially in the Middle Belt and North—have become primary targets of extremist violence, mass killings, church burnings, kidnappings, and forced displacement. The problem is not isolated incidents; it is a pattern of systematic attacks happening for over a decade, with very limited protection or justice for the victims. The scale of killings and displacement meets the definition of mass atrocity crimes and genocide.

It is worrisome that the violence is now spreading to the southern part of the country with increasing attacks and kidnappings, and the government has to answer to the unfolding crisis with church services invaded by Fulani militants like we saw recently at the CAC church in Kwara with some killed, others kidnapped with a ransom demand of 100 million naira per person. Another alarming trend of schools being targeted with whole states closing down schools tells you everything, particularly when 315 children get kidnapped at a Catholic school—we are in big trouble!

Interviewer: What prompted you to organize this rally in Washington DC, and what do you hope to achieve with the event?

Hon. Stephen Osemwegie: We organized this rally because the Nigerian government has failed to stop the killings, prosecute perpetrators, or protect vulnerable communities. Washington DC is where international pressure can be mobilized. Our goal is simple: ensure the U.S. government demands accountability from Nigerian leaders, conditions foreign aid on security reforms, and prioritizes the protection of religious minorities under international law.

Interviewer: You mentioned genocide against Christians in Nigeria. Can you provide more details on the violence and human rights abuses you’ve documented?

Hon. Stephen Osemwegie: We have documented thousands of killings—verified names and locations stand at 52,000 Christians killed since 2009, 3 to 11 million displaced to IDP camps, 19,100 churches burnt or vandalized. A priest in Southern Kaduna died on Friday, November 26th, 2025 at the hands of these same terrorists with his wife and daughter still being held. We’ve documented the destruction of entire farming villages, targeted abductions, sexual violence, and the displacement of more than 11 million civilians across Nigeria and neighboring countries.

In many cases, security agencies fail to intervene—or arrive only after communities have been wiped out. The pattern is clear: communities are attacked because of their faith, their identity, and their perceived political vulnerability.

Interviewer: How does the Save Nigeria Group plan to work with US lawmakers and policymakers to push for intervention in Nigeria?

Hon. Stephen Osemwegie: We are engaging U.S. lawmakers through congressional briefings, policy reports, and direct consultations. We support legislation such as the CPC designation, targeted sanctions, and aid conditionality and targeted military intervention where our military forces are unable to handle the threat posed by the terrorists. Our message to U.S. policymakers is that Nigeria is a strategic partner that must uphold human rights and cannot continue receiving unconditional support while millions of its citizens are being killed or displaced.

Interviewer: You’re proposing a return to Nigeria’s post-independence regional constitution. Can you explain the benefits of this system and how it would address current issues?

Hon. Stephen Osemwegie: The regional constitution worked because it allowed each region to control its security, economy, and development priorities. It reduced ethnic tension by giving autonomy while keeping a united Nigeria. The Group of Patriots led by the eminent Sir Emeka Anyaoku (former Commonwealth secretary) have been fighting for something similar, with the present ignoring glaring problems in the current state of affairs because it benefits them.

Today’s over-centralized structure traps every region in dependency, weakens accountability, and fuels competition for federal power. Restoring regionalism would empower local security, revive regional economies, and create a balanced federation that benefits everyone.

Interviewer: How do you respond to concerns that a regional constitution could lead to fragmentation or instability in Nigeria?

Hon. Stephen Osemwegie: The opposite is true. Nigeria is unstable today precisely because power is over-centralized and mistrust is high. Regionalism gives each part of the country a sense of ownership and dignity within the federation. It strengthens unity by reducing political pressure at the center. A strong Nigeria is possible only when every region has the tools to govern and protect itself effectively.

Interviewer: What role do you see the international community playing in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Nigeria?

Hon. Stephen Osemwegie: The international community should provide direct humanitarian support to displaced persons, demand accountability for mass atrocities, and ensure that foreign assistance to Nigeria is tied to measurable progress in human rights and security. International engagement is not interference—it is protection of human life where governments have fallen short.

Interviewer: How does the Save Nigeria Group plan to support affected communities and individuals in Nigeria?

Hon. Stephen Osemwegie: We are partnering with local churches, NGOs, and community leaders to deliver emergency aid, document human rights abuses, and support survivors of violence. Our goal is to help rebuild destroyed communities, provide legal advocacy, and amplify the voices of victims who have been ignored for too long.

Interviewer: What message do you have for Nigerians who may be concerned about the implications of seeking international intervention?

Hon. Stephen Osemwegie: International intervention does not mean losing sovereignty—it means saving lives. When citizens are being killed and the state cannot or will not protect them, the world has a responsibility to act. Nigeria remains a sovereign nation; asking for help simply ensures that our people do not continue to die in silence.

Interviewer: What are your hopes for the future of Nigeria, and how does this rally mark a turning point in the country’s journey towards peace and stability?

Hon. Stephen Osemwegie: I believe Nigeria can become a peaceful, prosperous, and just nation, but only if we confront the truth about the crisis. This rally is a turning point because it shows that Nigerians abroad will no longer remain silent. We are demanding accountability, security reforms, and constitutional restructuring. Our hope is a united Nigeria where every citizen—Christian or Muslim—can live without fear.