[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
THE PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURAL ADDRESS AT THE CENTRAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL (CEC) MEETING OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIAN COMMUNITIES (NANC) IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. Held on 11 May 2019 at the Sophia House, 19 Antil Road (off Broad Lane) Tottenham. London. N15 4AQ
Distinguished branch presidents, chairmen/chairpersons, the entire members of the NANC Executives, our patrons here present, dynamic branch representatives and delegates, observer participants, distinguished ladies and gentlemen.
I am delighted to stand before this noble house today as the President of this great Association. Foremost I will like to commend the effort and good works of our predecessors toward the progress and development of this Association. There is no doubt that the reason why we are all here today is because of their great ideas, thoughts and dedication of many years. And
infact, you will all agree with me that their resourcefulness has impacted and contributed immensely to the growth of NANC as we have it today. To you our past leaders and elders, we say we appreciate you and we are thanking you.
The story so far. On the 16th March 2019, I was elected as the President, along with other executive indefatigable and dynamic executive members to continue the sail of the ship of NANC to the destination land. I can confirm that in just two months today, we have come and we have seen and we have strong believe that we will and must conquer so that in the next two years, we will all have the good course to say, truly we have made it.
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen. As part of my manifestos for the next two years, include reviewing and drafting a new constitution that will reflect what NANC stands for. In other words, a constitution that is fit for purpose, an instrument that will empower us as an organization to impact more in the lives of not only our members, but also the entire Nigerians that are residing in the United Kingdom. I strongly believe and share in the thoughts of some of our members that NANC must become a registered entity. So, in this mood, I have placed it as a significant task that must be achieved in few months’ time. I strongly believe that with the supports of everyone in this room today, that objective will be achieved by God’s grace.
Secondly, as part of our objectives in the next two years, is to evaluate and enhance the leadership structure and style of governance of NANC. We believe in a team work and spirit of “belonginess”. NANC is our baby, so everyone in this room today is a leader and that is why you are here. Therefore, your voice is important and must be given optimum and reasonable consideration at all time. So, please note that for this administration to be successful, your input as leaders is paramount. So, on behalf of the Executive arm, I am seeking for your indulgence and cooperation at least for the next two years.
It is our dream to encourage and improve on NANC’s accountability, especially in terms of finances and projects executions. We will organize from time to time lectures and seminars on how to generate funds to NANC and how such funds can be managed and/or utilised more effectively for the benefit of our Association and our communities at large.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]It is also part of our goals, to continue the good works of our predecessors in terms of the established link with the Nigeria High Commission. In fact, at this juncture, permit me to inform the house that on the 16 April 2019, some of the newly elected officers paid a courtesy visit to the high commissioner, His Excellency Sir Olusola Oguntade. The purpose of the visits amongst others was to re-establish our presence and to remind the high commissioner of our commitment to work with his administration progressively in delivering a good service to our fellow Nigerians in the UK. We emphasize our importance as community leaders, and strongly believe that a good partnership with NANC will make his tasks easier and less stressful in terms of reaching out to the Nigerians under his jurisdiction. We particularly stressed our willingness and dedication to work in partnership with his Excellency. Ladies and gentlemen, I can confirm to you that our proposal was welcomed by his excellency and I can also confirm that the proposal has been in fruition since our last visit. As we can see that the High Commission has since been using our medium as a good tool for reaching out to, many Nigerians residing in UK.
We are looking forward to delivering and improving on our publicity strategy. The Team are currently putting structures in place to facilitate that. It is hoped that before the year runs out, the Team will be in a good position to inform us on how things have progressed.
Also, part of our objectives includes, improving the welfare package and youth programs. Various committee members shall be set up from time to time to assist us in putting ideas and plans together on how these projects can be achieved.
I will like to remind us once again that we as the executives are always at your service. We have a lined up activities in place for you this year, underground preparations are being put in place. We are in the course of making this year more fun and supportive to our members. So, on this note, I encourage us to attend the next general meeting which will be taking place in August 2019.
We are committed to serve you, but we cannot do this without your support. In the meantime, thank you for being there for us at all time. I leave you with this quote from JF Kennedy – “Think not of what America can do for you but rather what can you do for America to make her great” This is a clarion call to all Nigerians in the United Kingdom, especially NANC members. Come and let us give a hand to better the future of our children.
With one Love and togetherness,
Lanre Fakunle, the President
NANC 2019[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]