UK diasporans enjoy community reach-out programme at London high commission

DOZENS of UK diasporans gathered for a special networking cocktail party at the high commission in London yesterday tagged Community Reach Out organised by the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK (Canuk).

 

Attended by community leaders, civil society groups, high commission staff, distinguished Nigerians in the UK and Canuk members, the event featured entertainment too. Among those who performed there were popular cultural icon Feyisara and guests were treated to several speeches about the history of Nigerians in the UK.

 

Canuk social secretary Jana Shodiya, said: "The aim of this event, which will be the first of many to come, was to facilitate sociable interactions and connections between the new Canuk executives and its member organisations, the Nigerian High Commission and key stakeholders in the wider Nigerian community in the UK. We all had a great time which involved fun, relaxation, networking and the sharing of ideas."

 

Among those who attended and spoke at the event were the chairman of the Nigerian Council of Elders Chief Adebayo Oladimeji and Dayo Olomu, the president of the Nigerian Trainers & Speakers Consortium UK. Other community leaders who spoke at the event MC'd by the Canuk publicity secretary Jermaine Sanwoolu, included Yemisi Jenkins and Jenny Okafor.

 

Emmanuel Namah, the head of the consular, education and welfare department at the high commission was also celebrating his birthday, so they day served as a double celebration. Among the heads of Canuk member associations that congratulated him on the day were Seye Aina, the chairman of the British Nigerian Law Forum, Ayo Akinfe, the chairman of Uncelebrated Nigerians Awards UK and June Douglas, the president of the Kalabari Central Association.

 

Canuk chairman Dr Boma Douglas, said: "We assumed office on May 27 and our goal as an executive committee is to reach out as far as possible to the community with a view of bringing as many Nigerians as possible into Canuk's activities. This event will help to move the community forward, encourage community cohesion and build stronger connections."

 

Numerous former Canuk officials including two ex-first vice chairman Alex Achebe and Chima Olugh were present, as one the immediate past general secretary Dr Gbenga Coker. After an evening that involved dancing and entertainment, Canuk's current first vice chairman Ronke Udofia, passed a vote of thanks, appreciating guests for attending.

 

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