Organization for the Advancement for Nigerians Organization for the Advancement for Nigerians The Organization for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN) Inc. was founded in 1989 by a group of concerned Nigerian to address the needs of the Nigerian community. At that time, Nigeria and Nigerians were suffering seriously from negative stereotypes in the American media. Prior to OAN?s formation, there was no organization committed to the broader issues facing the Nigerian community in the United States. OAN filled the void by creating an umbrella organization, which embraced Nigerians from all works of life, regardless of their ethnic and religious backgrounds. OAN immediately dedicated itself to enhance the image of Nigerians in the U.S. and address the negative stereotypes of Nigerians in the American media. By highlighting the positive contributions of the vast majority of Nigerians to the American society, OAN successfully convinced the American government and media, to be balanced in their approach of dealing with the Nigerian community. OAN?s first major accomplishment occurred in 1990, when it successfully stopped major banks from denying Nigerians, banking services because of their blanket stereotyping of Nigerian customers as potential fraudsters. Since its formation, OAN has consistently engaged in a vast array of work that impacts every aspect of our community, both in the United States and in Nigeria. Mission: ? Promote, and advance the Cultural, Civic, Social, and Economic Welfare of Nigerians in United States of America. ? Enhance the image of Nigerians in the United States of America. Inculcate in our youth knowledge of Nigerian history, culture, customs, traditions, values and religion. ? Encourage the economic growth, human rights and political empowerment of Nigerians in the United States of American and Nigeria.