21-Year Old Nigerian, Samaye, Honoured By US State Of Georgia, As Emerging Future Leader

By Akinwale Kasali

The Governor of the State of Georgia, Brian Kemp, has bestowed an honour on a Nigerian-American,  Obamide Emilolorun Samaye.

The 21-year-old Nigerian-American student of the University of Georgia. was recognised by the State of Georgia, as an emerging future leader of his generation.

Governor Kemp in his address attended by members of both legislative chambers acknowledged Samaye as one of the new generation students and a meritorious beneficiary of a legacy of scholarship and service.

According to Governor Kemp, “The State of Georgia would be delighted to see Obamide Samaye; a Zell Miller Scholarship Recipient excellent success in his future endeavours”.

Samaye attended Fieldwood Elementary School, Renaissance Middle School, Westake High School all in Atlanta Georgia before proceeding to The University of Geogia.

He is born to a Nigerian father,  Bishop Olusesan Samaye, a retired US Navy veteran, and a Nigerian mother, Ouwatoyin, a Doctor of Chiropractor.

Obamide is currently studying Economics (Minor in Public Policy and Management) at The University of Georgia.

Like his father who was a student union leader and prodemocracy activist who actively participated in the crusade against military rule in Nigeria, Obamide is currently the Vice President of the Student Union at University of Georgia following series of active campus and community engagements.

Samaye is a budding scholar with keen interest in global politics. He was selected as 1 of 20 Orientation Leaders from 200+ applicants for the University of Georgias most esteemed student positions on campus.

He featured as the Black Student Convocation Guest Speaker in April 2022. Obamide Semaye has received the following awards: Black Male Leadership Society Outstanding Leadership Award (2022); UGA NAACP Image Award Outstanding Campus Leader (2022); Resident Assistant Motivator Award (2022); GAAME Impact Award (2021); UGA Terry College of Business Deans List (3.5+ semester GPA) (2020, 2021, 2022).

Samaye  impressive records in the academics and public engagements has endeared him to the government of The State of Georgia. Governor Brian Kemp while acknowledging his contributions expressed the optimism that Obamide would, upon graduation, work with The State of Georgia towards contributing to scholarship as well as public and humanitarian services.