To pull Nigeria`s human
resources together with the aim of contributing massively to the
development of Nigeria. This organisation brings together all
Nigerian professionals, academicians and
entrepreneurs in Germany (Diaspora).
NIDO-Germany
former President, Chief (Dr. Med.) Okwudili Okafor and
NIDO-Europe Chairman Chief (Dr.) Femi Olojugba with some
dignitries.
In September 2000 the Nigerian High Commission in London hosted
on the advice of the President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo a
seminar for all Nigerians with recognized Professions resident
in Europe. Over 500 participated in the seminar. The aim was to
discuss the possibility of establishing a very strong
Organisation that comprises Nigerian academicians and
professionals residing here in Europe. Such an Organisation if
feasible would function as a “think-tank” for the home
government in specific matters and projects confronting the
nation. The Organisation would also be a Non-Governmental
Organisation (NGO). The President himself was at the seminar and
held a special audience with the participants in a question and
answer forum.
A month later it was agreed after a series of consultations
between Abuja, Europe and America that such an Organisation
should be known as Nigerians in Diaspora Organisations, alias
NIDO. Protem Committees were set-up in London and New York
simultaneously to initiate the formations of NIDO Europe (NIDOE)
and NIDO America (NIDOA).
After tête-à-tête between the High Commission in London and the
European ambassadors, the first meeting of NIDOE Protem
Committee was held in London in January 2001. In June 2002,
NIDOE was registered under Companies Act 1985 in London. The
official launching of NIDOE as a non-governmental organisation
in Europe took place in October 2002 in London.
Coincidentally with the help of the late Ambassador, Senator
Emeka Echeruo and the former Charge de Affairs Mr. Baba Wakil, a
Protem Committee was set up in Germany to organize and establish
NIDO German Chapter. After holding a series of meetings, the
Constitution was written and adopted. In a General Election held
on the 8th of September 2001, my humble self was elected as the
first President of NIDO German Chapter.
Membership-drive is for us of utmost importance. This we hope to
achieve through quarterly magazines, leaflets and the Internet.
So far, we are growing in number and quality too.
President Obasanjo speaking with
now newly elected NIDO-Germany Assist. General Secretary Mr. O.
Dawodu durring the last NIDO conference in Abuja 2006, At the
background are members of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation
worldwide. Abuja 2006
NIDO-Germany President Dr. P. O.
Agwi (left) with the Nigerian Ambassador to Germany Professor T.
Adeniran. Also in the photo is the Project Officer/PRO Mrs.
(can. Dr.)
C. Ezeh and Mr. B. Nurudeen the Minister for Political. Berlin
2005
Some of the
members are Professors, Physicians, Journalists, Engineers,
Information engineers, Businessmen, Architects, Nurses and
People on special duties. We have been formally registered (as
an “eingetragener Verein” e. V.) (Non-Profit organization) in
Germany.
Our motto “In pursuance of national development” was accepted by
the Board of Trustees in London as the common motto for NIDO
Europe.
After a series of consultations, we the members of the Board of
Trustees NIDO Europe decided to create a national awareness of
our good intentions in Nigeria. With the help and support of the
President, Chief Obasanjo, NIDO Europe held a Conference on Good
Governance, Transparency and Accountability on the 6th of
November 2003 in Abuja. The One-day Conference was attended by
delegates from almost all the European Chapters and NIDO
America. It attracted so many prominent Nigerians like the
former Nigerian Ambassador to the United Nations, Chief Arthur
C. I. Mbanefo, CON, the former Nigerian High Commissioner to
Great Britain, Prince Bola Ajibola, Federal Ministers,
Diplomats, Industrialists, Bankers, Politicians and Social and
Civil Rights leaders. The Conference was very successful. A
summary of the discussions can later be read in this website.
To promote the spirit of
patriotism amongst Nigerians living in Europe and encourage
their participation in the affairs of Nigeria;
To encourage contacts and networking amongst Nigerians living
abroad and home government, and with voluntary organisations,
businesses etc;
To serve as technical advisers, partners and act as catalyst
with Nigeria in development of polices, organisation and
implementation of social and economical programs;
On specific request to advice the government on social, economic
or cultural projects in Nigeria;
To assist in promoting and enhancing a good image for Nigeria in
the international arena; etc, etc, etc.
Membership is open to all Nigerian
Professionals, Academicians and Entrepreneurs
with proven track records.
So fellow countrymen and women, the NIDO focus is genuine. We
must not relax; the dialogue between the Nigerians in Diaspora
and the home government must continue if we have to live up to
expectations. The late Chairman Mao of China, a former school
teacher and Lech Walesa of Poland a former factory worker
changed the histories of their respective countries.
You might be the germ that will help bring Nigeria back to the
path of being one of the most successful industrial and
progressive nations in this millennium. If countries like South
Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong and South Africa could make
it, Nigerians can too.
NIDO-Germany
founding member and former Financial Secretary Mr. D. S. Idehen
been interviewed by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) crew
as part of the NTA documentary on NIDO-Germany members during
the 2006 Independence celebration at Intercontinental Hotel
Berlin.
Please watch
out for our next general meeting; you are cordially invited. Our
meetings enjoy an atmosphere of collegial dialogue, discipline
and transparency.
Together we are stronger.
Chief (Dr. med.) Okwudili
Okafor
Former President, NIDO Germany
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