Fri 21 November, 2008

DIASPORA: NIDO EUROPE

NIDO (Nigerians in Diaspora Organization) Europe is a body established to provide the official framework and platform for the various Nigerian organisations, individuals and corporate bodies to contribute towards Nigeria's national development.

From its Secretariat in London, and 17 regional Chapters in major capitals in Europe, NIDO Europe serves the interest of the Nigerian Diaspora in Europe estimated at well over 3 million...

Our Vision

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 and indeed Europe.

Profile

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 tete-a-tete between the High Commission in London and the European ambassadors, the first meeting of NIDO Europe Protem Committee was held in London in January 2001. In June 2002, NIDO Europe was registered under Companies Act 1985 in London. The official launching of NIDO Europe 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, Chief (Dr. med.) Okwudili Okafor was elected as the first President of NIDO German Chapter.

Membership-drive became an utmost importance and the drive was enhanced with quarterly magazines, leaflets and the Internet. So far, membership has grown in numbers and quality too.

Aims and Objectives

  • 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

Membership is open to all Nigerian Professionals, Academicians and Entrepreneurs with proven track records.

The great desire within Nigerians in Diaspora to contribute practically in areas like healthcare, energy and information technology is now at record level. History has no such records of Nigerians sacrificing enormous private money, in voluntary efforts towards Nigeria's development as today. Ladies and Gentlemen, we are in highly decisive times in Diaspora commitment"

With the creation of the Nigerian National Volunteer Service (NNVS) at the Presidency, NIDO Europe now has a liaison in the Presidency and stands a privileged position to be heard by the federal government. On its part, NIDO Europe is evolving into a true Pan-Nigeria Diaspora organisation, devoid of any political colour while being ethnically and religiously neutral; an organisation where every Nigerian Diaspora has a stake, even without explicitly seeking such stakeholdership. It is our resolve to continue to strive to greater heights. This website is one of the several tools which the organisation is deploring to facilitate this process (visit: www.nidogermany.org) .

Furthermore, true representation is a continuous process; a process that requires all hands on deck. The relevant portions of this website will let you into our policy options in the short to medium term. As you will soon notice, the cornerstone of NIDO Europe strategic options is partnering with Nigerian Diaspora corporate bodies and other third parties for joint projects and programmes.

It is hoped that the NIDO Germany website would speak loud enough to you as individuals, organisations, public or private entity to want to partner with NIDO Germany, either as member, project partner or sponsor.