Dr. Kimberly Ellen Stark, an African American investor and real estate enthusiast from Chicago, Illinois, broke down in tears during a press conference in Nigeria recently.
Stark revealed that her dream of building a life in Nigeria has been jeopardized by complications surrounding a coastal road diversion, which she claims has devastated her multimillion-dollar real estate investments.
The emotional plea, uploaded on Instagram by the channel @the_womanking1 on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, captured Dr. Stark standing amidst what she described as a shattered dream.
A Passion for Nigeria Turns to Heartache
“My name is Dr. Kimberly Ellen Stark. I am from Chicago, Illinois, from the United States of America,” she began. “Everything that I’ve worked so hard for, from America to Nigeria, is crumbling. I fell in love with this country and chose to invest here, but now, my investments—over $700 billion—are down the drain.”
Dr. Stark, who purchased six plots of land with plans to acquire more, expressed her dismay at the state of her investments, which she said were no longer protected due to the diversion project.
A Direct Appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Speaking directly to the camera, Dr. Stark made an emotional plea to Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has personal ties to Chicago.
“Please, Mr. President, I ask you for your mercy to come to our assistance. Help us, the Nigerian diaspora and investors, find a resolution to this matter,” she said.
Dr. Stark expressed her commitment to Nigeria, adding that she has long advocated for others in the United States to invest in the country. However, the ongoing challenges have left her reputation and trust in jeopardy.
Impact on Nigerian Diaspora and Foreign Investments
Dr. Stark’s public appeal has sparked concerns about the impact of infrastructural changes on foreign investors and the Nigerian diaspora.
As a prominent advocate for investment in Nigeria, her experience highlights the challenges faced by international investors navigating the country’s real estate and regulatory systems.
Community Reactions
The press conference has since gone viral, with many Nigerians and members of the diaspora expressing support for Dr. Stark.
Some have called for transparency and accountability in resolving the issues surrounding the coastal road diversion.
