Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation UK elects new set of officials to pilot its affairs for the next two years

NIGERIANS in Diaspora Organisation (Nido) South UK have elected a new set of officials to govern their activities for the next two years at the biennial annual general meeting yesterday.

After an intense and hectic campaign, elections were held electronically in the light of the Covid-19 saga that is still preventing the holding of mass gatherings, with all 10 positions filled. Even positions where the candidates were unopposed, nominees had to attract at least 50% of the vote to become elected.

Those elected include Prince Henry Egenti, chairman; Susan Waya, vice chairman; Femi Ikutiyinu, general secretary; Chibuzor Onwugbonu, assistant secretary; Niyi Zaccheaus, financial director; Flora Ezenwoye, welfare director; Ladidi Rimdap, treasurer; Christy Amalu, public relations director; Blessing Igwe, IT director and Aisha Osigwe, legal adviser. They have already assumed office and begin work immediately.

Ayo Akinfe, the chairman of the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK (Canuk) said: "Given the need for us to work together and get the Nigerian community in the UK to speak with one voice, we are extending the hand of fellowship to Nido South. As a sister organisation, we pledge our full commitment to working alongside one another to achieve the common good for our community.

"We wish all the newly elected members of the Nido South executive committee a successful tenure. One area where we at Canuk shall be looking to work together with them in the short term is with the carrying out of a census of Nigerians in the UK."

Created by former president Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to represent diasporans worldwide, Nido has a branch in virtually every country worldwide. Among the issues Nido campaigns vigorously for include diaspora voting and representation in the governance of Nigeria.