NIDO inaugurates new executive

By Sulayman Waan

The Nigerians in Diaspora Organization – Gambia Chapter (NIDO) recently inaugurated a new executive at a local hotel in Bakau, Kanifing Municipality.

NIDO was initially the Nigerian Welfare Association and later renamed as Nigerian Community in The Gambia.

Thus, now NIDO-Gambia is a continuation and consideration of the efforts and achievements of the founding fathers of the Nigerian Welfare Association who started the association of Nigerians in 1950 in The Gambia on humanitarian grounds devoid of tribe and religion affiliations.

The Nigerian community was transformed into NIDO in 2022.

The new executive that was elected in December 8, 2024 includes Great Akah Ottuduoma as president, Chief Engineer Yomi Jayesinmi as vice president, Mrs Arike Kasali; Ubanagu Paul Egbuna as PRO, Collins Ebosetale Egbeiye as Publicity Secretary, Romanus C. Emenaka as Financial Secretary, Mrs. Blessing Chinyere Nwokocha as Assistant DOS, Ada Chris Ebele as Chief Provost and Destiny Ayigbe as Assistant Provost respectively.

In his inaugural statement, Great Akah Ottuduoma, president elect said the Nigerian community in The Gambia have spoken in loud voice during the last orchestrating a historic election that has ever been held in the annals of the Nigerian community given the orderliness, tranquility and peaceful synchronization in which all the voters comported themselves during the process.

Therefore, he commended the outgoing president for setting a standard that Nigerians in The Gambia would be governed onward by the executive of NIDO.

“The outgoing president though clogged with webs of distraction as a consequence of his emergence yet chose the community over other interests, a sacrifice most leaders would shy away from,” he said.

He added: “The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of NIDO Gambia deserves our collective commendation for a transparent and peaceful election.”

However, he assured that the new administration will deliver to the core to enhance the well-being of the community.

“Our administration will operate based on inclusivity, listening to the yearning and aspirations of the Nigerian community while ensuring that everyone is carried along,” he said.

Dr. Mathew Ayawu, chairman of the occasion lauded the Nigerian community in The Gambia for electing a new executive who will steer the affairs of the community.

He said the community comprised people from several Nigerian ethnic groups but they are all one people considering their nationality.

“We want to witness a smooth transfer of power in the community,” he said.

Dr. Ayawu said the new executive seems to be a good replacement of the outgoing leadership considering the caliber of people it comprised. “The new president is active but he has lots of work to do for the community,” he said.

Dr. Sam Chima Ochupor, outgoing president commended the Nigerian community for giving him the opportunity to lead the community over the past years.

He said under his administration the Office of NIDO Gambia Chapter registered very few crime cases involving Nigerians in The Gambia. “Nigerians are law abiding,” he added.

“During my six years in office we never had election violence.”

“We have worked hard in terms of education and the new administration will continue from where we stop,” he informed.

However, he urged the new administration to correct mistakes of his administration and improve on areas he succeeded.

SW/COB/03/04/25