The Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), Porto-Novo Chapter, has inaugurated a new Executive Committee with a pledge to strengthen unity and improve the welfare of Nigerians living in the Republic of Benin.
The inauguration ceremony, held at Songhai Farm in Porto-Novo, attracted traditional rulers, community leaders, government representatives, members of the Nigerian community and other distinguished guests, who witnessed the peaceful transition of leadership.
Among those in attendance were the Alajase of Ajase Kingdom, the President of the Ohaneze Ndigbo Porto-Novo Chapter, the Leader of the Nigerian Yoruba Community in the Republic of Benin and other prominent personalities.
The event featured the formal dissolution of the outgoing Executive Committee before the swearing-in of the newly elected officers.
Following the inauguration, Alhaji Abdulsalam Moshood Abiola assumed office as President of the NIDO Porto-Novo Chapter. In his inaugural address, he thanked members for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to provide transparent, inclusive and accountable leadership.
He also promised to prioritise the welfare of Nigerians in the diaspora while calling on members and stakeholders to support the new administration in achieving the organisation’s objectives.
The new NIDO Porto-Novo Executive Committee comprises Alhaji Abdulsalam Moshood Abiola as President, Dr. Brighten Nnamdi Ohahuru as Vice President, Dr. Aminou Raimi as General Secretary, Mr. Ajijola Samuel as Assistant Secretary, Mr. Badusi Olugbenga as Provost, Mr. James C. Igbokwe as Financial Secretary and Mr. Adindu C. Iroegbulem as Public Relations Officer.
The event also witnessed the inauguration of the Executive Committee of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Women Wing in Benin (NIDOWWIB).
Mrs. Joy Ijeoma Okoroafor was inaugurated as Leader alongside Mrs. Atinuke Kehinde as Assistant Leader, Mrs. Ogechi Adisa as Secretary, Mrs. Haleemat Shittu as Financial Secretary, Mrs. Obijekwu Prisca as Treasurer, Mrs. Goodness C. Uchechukwu as Public Relations Officer and Apostle Mrs. Chinyere Orjigwe as Matron.
In her inaugural speech, Okoroafor reaffirmed the women’s wing’s commitment to empowering Nigerian women in Porto-Novo and improving their welfare.
She traced the evolution of the organisation from the former Association of Nigerian Women in Benin (ANWIB) to the establishment of NIDOWWIB in 2021, saying the body was created to promote unity, selfless service and support for Nigerian women in the Republic of Benin.
According to her, the new leadership will focus on skills acquisition for women, support for Nigerian schools and children—particularly the girl child—health awareness campaigns, promotion of lawful economic activities and stronger collaboration with NIDO to advance the interests of Nigerians in Porto-Novo.
Delivering a lecture titled, “NIDO as the Umbrella Organisation for Nigerians in the Diaspora,” Prof. Ashiwaju Busari Shamssudeen Akande, African Director of Operations at the Chartered Institute of Management and Leadership USA, urged NIDO chapters to embrace unity and institutional reforms.
He advocated a harmonised constitution, simplified procedures for rotational national leadership and greater collaboration among chapters to build an effective and conflict-free organisation.
Akande also noted that NIDO’s journey in the Republic of Benin began in Porto-Novo and encouraged the new leadership to work closely with the Nigerian Embassy while sustaining efforts to project a positive image of Nigeria.
Other speakers commended both the outgoing and incoming executives for their dedication to promoting the welfare and interests of Nigerians living in the Republic of Benin.
The ceremony ended with a vote of thanks and a reception, where members and guests celebrated the new leadership in an atmosphere of unity and goodwill.
The inauguration marks the beginning of a new chapter for both NIDO Porto-Novo and NIDOWWIB, with renewed expectations for stronger representation, improved welfare and greater engagement with Nigerians residing in the Republic of Benin.
