Nigerians in Europe chart new course with fresh leadership

The Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Europe (NIDOE) has elected a new executive committee to lead its activities for the 2024-2026 term. The election was held during the organisation’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) from 7-10 November in Athens, Greece.

The newly elected leadership team succeeds the outgoing executive led by Dr. Bashir Obasekola, who completed two consecutive terms as Chairman of NIDOE, the umbrella body for Nigerian diaspora groups across Europe.

The new executives include Chancellor Harold Ogunfemi from the UK South chapter as Chairman, Prince Chima Ibezim from Italy as Vice Chairman, and Otogo Michael from Greece as General Secretary. Other members of the new team are Engr. Shakiru K. Oladunjoye (Germany) as PRO/Assistant General Secretary, Aderemi Paul Afolabi (Portugal) as Treasurer, and Dr. Alexander Osarogue (Greece) as Financial Officer.

Additional members appointed include Hon. Chibuzor Onwubgonu (UK South) as Welfare and Social Events Officer, Ike Okafor (Austria) as EU Liaison Officer, and Wilson Fidel O’Neil (Italy) as Information Technology Officer. Olaseni Lawal (Germany) and Adekunle Ayoola (Poland) were also appointed as Officers Without Portfolio, while Ursul Atueyi (Ireland) was named the organisation’s Legal Adviser.

The 2024 AGM also addressed recent internal challenges that threatened NIDOE’s unity, particularly unconstitutional actions by some members. In response, the General Assembly, the highest decision-making body of NIDOE, adopted several resolutions aimed at reinforcing unity and upholding constitutional principles.

One of the key decisions was the establishment of the Board of the NIDOE Foundation, which will manage the Foundation’s operations in line with the organisation’s goals. The appointed Board members include Harold Ogunfemi (UK South), Michael Otogo (Greece), Dr. Bashir Obasekola (Russia), Dr. Moses Ogun (Germany), Ernest Ngadiuba (Sweden), and others.

The General Assembly also approved the creation of a Disciplinary Committee tasked with enforcing the organisation’s Code of Conduct and investigating violations. Appointed members of the committee include Engr. Shakiru Oladunjoye (Germany), Jane Gwam (UK), Lateef Erinfolami (Poland), and others.

Further resolutions included the establishment of an Audit Committee, adjustments to membership and chapter validation fees, and formal recognition of legitimate chapter leadership across the organisation.