NIDOA Ohio initiates new executive board

The Columbus Ohio chapter of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO) has elected a new executive council. The body’s Annual General Meeting, which took place on Saturday (January 18th, 2020) in Columbus, elected Mr. Bukola Olaoye as President, Dr. Bartholomew Shepkong as (Vice President) and Ms. Sonje Calamese (General Secretary).

Other new members of the council are Mr. Abubakar Ihiezu (Assistant General Secretary), nwaMazi Onyemobi Anyiwo (Financial Secretary), Mr. Peter Egwudo (Treasurer), Mr. Maxwell Ohakim (Public Relation Officer), Mr. Olanrewaju Babayemi (Social Secretary) and Mr. Gordian Igwilo (Parliamentarian).

In his keynote speech, Mr. Olaoye said NIDOA Ohio was growing from to strength, describing it as the “biggest and most important chapter” of the organization in the United States. To buttress his claim, he referred to the election in November, last year held in Ashland University as very successful.

“In the history of NIDOA Ohio we appreciated the leadership of Madam Teresa Edoja for her contributions to the growth of the chapter. “The past executives contributed tireless and unselfish efforts towards elevating us to that position in United States.

He explained that the Nigerian consulate recognized NIDOA Ohio as the official platform, through which individual Nigerians based in the Diaspora could contribute to the development of the country. “In this sense, the organization will partners with both public and private businesses in focused areas such as Nigerian in Columbus Investment, professional networking, stakeholder advocacy, and skills transfer to Nigeria,” he explained.

Mr. Bukola Olaoye pointed out the main focus of NIDOA in the past four years had been on building relationships with nigerians and Nigerian ethnic organizations. “We have been able to organize some successful events, which have resulted in good relationships,” he said. “Building these relationships will remain our main focus, but we need to move to some other areas where we could contribute to the development of the country through our diaspora community.”

He pointed out 7 point Agenda for the next phase of NIDOA Ohio.

• Resource center for Nigerians in Ohio
• Connect the relationships among All Nigerian Organization/groups in central Ohio
• Engage youths, diverse age and gender in ethics of NIDO
• Engage Nigerian Business Owners and Leaders to showcase talents, goods & services
• Partner with Organization, businesses and government agencies
• Equip members with resources and highlight benefits of membership
• Run a model, vibrant group that has a voice with the national & continental group

We also appreciate our Election Board Members: Professor Chris Igodan, Dr. Rosaire Ifedi and Mr. Tunde Aiyedero for their good services to the organization.