A cross-section of all the delegates of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Europe at their just concluded AGM in Krakow Poland on November 7-10, 2025
The Continental Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation, Europe (NIDO-E), Cllr Harold Ogunfemi, has reiterated his unwavering commitment not only to serve NIDOE but also to serve his fatherland, Nigeria.
Cllr Ogunfemi made the declaration in his address at the 2025 Annual General Meeting/Business Summit of NIDOE in Krakow, Poland between November 7-10, 2025.
The event which attracted a mammoth crowd of members incredibly demonstrating the support for the current administration of Cllr Ogunfemi, has the theme: “Fortifying Our Foundation, Fulfilling Our Mandate: Constitutional Order and Strategic Partnerships for a New Era of Diaspora Impact”
Cllr Ogunfemi while speaking on what he called a Grateful Acknowledgment, thanked his group and pledged to serve them diligently saying, “One year ago, you bestowed upon me and the current Central Executive Council a sacred mandate to lead our great Organisation. The confidence and support I received from across all 23 Chapters, often in the face of significant pressure, was not merely an electoral victory; it was a powerful affirmation of our collective desire for progress and unity.
“I remain deeply moved by the solidarity, wise counsel, and encouragement that have been the bedrock of our first year. I reiterate my unwavering commitment to serve you with fidelity and to harness our collective expertise for the advancement of our Organisation and our beloved homeland, Nigeria.
While speaking on the future prospect of the organisstion he said, “Having been elected in a period of crisis, our leadership understood that our primary task was to restore stability and rebuild trust. The progress reported today represents the seeds of a “Renewed Hope” that we planted together.
“Our prospects are exceptionally bright. They are built on the solid foundation of a reactivated membership, a functional committee system, a proven track record of impactful projects, and a series of strategic partnerships that expand our reach and influence. Our future success hinges on our continued unity, our adherence to our constitutional order, and our unwavering commitment to cooperative action,” Ogunfemi stated.
Cllr Ogunfemi who stated that he is building on the commendable legacy of his predecessor, Dr Bashir Obasekola, whose footsteps he said he is following with diligence, prudence, and a clear-eyed focus on sustainable progress, enumerated what the new administration has achieved in one year which includes, Institutionalizing the groups Impact
“This past year has been defined by a deliberate shift from ad-hoc initiatives to a structured, committee-driven model of governance—a cornerstone of our promised constitutional order.”
Other recorded achievements of the group include the Activation of Statutory Standing Committees: “For the first time in our history, we have successfully established seven functional Standing Committees, mobilising over forty dedicated volunteers. This is not merely an administrative achievement; it is a testament to our membership’s passion and a strategic move to decentralise leadership, foster inclusivity, and leverage our vast internal expertise. The committees—spanning NGOs, Health, Education, Hospitality, Business, Legal, and Fundraising—have become the engines of our progress, and I extend my heartfelt appreciation to their leaders and members for their exceptional service.”
On what he called Landmark Projects & Strategic Partnerships and what the group stands to gain, he said the “Diaspora Week 2025” was a historic demonstration of NIDOE’s capacity, arguably the most productive in over two decades. “We witnessed an unprecedented mobilisation of members in Nigeria, leading to record-breaking fundraising and impactful project delivery. Key initiatives include:
ICT Infrastructure & The Bridge Program: Our flagship project at the University of Abuja has moved into a strategic second phase, collaborating with the Federal Government on the “Bridge Program” to connect diaspora expertise directly with national development needs.”
Cllr Ogunfemi excitedly commended the Bilateral Health Collaboration between NIDOE and Nurses Across the Borders International. “Nurses Across the Borders and NIDOE facilitated a high-level meeting with the Hon. Minister of State for Health, resulting in an inter-ministerial committee to formalise a partnership for a digital migration platform for healthcare workers—a $500 million infrastructure offered at no cost, poised to replicate the success stories of the Philippines.”
On Targeted Humanitarian Interventions, he said ‘Through our “No Child Left Behind” program and other outreach efforts, we delivered critical support—including medical services, educational materials, vocational grants, and sustenance—to internally displaced persons and vulnerable communities in the Federal Capital Territory.
“Expanding Our Collaborative Footprint: We have moved beyond transactional partnerships to strategic alliances with entities such as NIDO Worldwide, the National Assembly, the University of Abuja, and leading international NGOs. Each Memorandum of Understanding has been meticulously vetted by our legal team to ensure value and protection for NIDO-Europe.”
Other Practical milestones by the association include the institution of Scholarship Schemes. He said that NIDOE has provided sponsorship to secondary school students sitting for their WAEC/NECO Exams in the six geo-political zones of Nigeria; Supported Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Project; Donations of food items and household utensils were also supplied to these Nigerians suffering the brunt of the incessant killings by extremists.
Speaking on the Inter and Intra-Organisational Collaborations by the group, he said “During the year, NIDO-Europe also initiated and strengthened partnerships with several reputable organisations and institutions. For the first time in our history, NIDO-Europe identified and engaged NGOs within the Organisation to harness their expertise and experience for greater impact in Nigeria. This approach proved highly effective. In the past, we worked with external NGOs whose reach was limited to a few states; today, through internal collaboration, our impact extends much further across the country and today NIDOE is proud to announce its outreaches to the following organisations: NIDO Worldwide (NIDOWW); NIDO Americas; National Assembly; Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs; University of Abuja; Gosima Group of Companies; Emerging Abuja; Nurses Across Borders International; NCMCS; OSIYE, and Clevenard.
He spoke about the Medical Outreach to the inhabitants of Gwarimpa and Gwagwalada Areas of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja-where Free Medical services and Drugs were provided to more than 2000 Nigerians in both communities through the collaboration of NIDOE and Nurses Across the Borders, the
Education Support and Outreach-in partnership with the University of Abuja, which launched an ICT Empowerment Project for Nigerian Youth. In addition, the Germany Chapter of NIDOE donated two modular ergonomic dental chairs to the Dentistry Faculty, a gesture fully funded by members and logistically managed by the organisation.
Cllr Ogunfemi stated that these accomplishments underscored a clear truth that when a people are focused, united, and strategically aligned, their capacity for homeland development would be immeasurable.
Cllr Ogunfemi who deeply appreciated members and the Central Executive spoke on how the organisation has been able to navigate challenges, and emerged stronger. “Resilience in the Face of Adversity
No journey of significance is without its trials. This year, our Organisation’s resolve was tested by an internal challenge from a separatist group that sought to illegitimately claim our identity and assets through the cloning of our platforms and misrepresentation at UK Companies House.
“I am proud to state that the unity and strength of our membership rendered these efforts futile. The courts have delivered a decisive ruling, affirming the legitimacy of our election and the current executive.
“Let me be unequivocal: legitimacy within NIDO-Europe is derived solely from the sovereign will of our members, expressed through our constitutional electoral processes—not from fraudulent entries on a digital portal. We are working diligently with the relevant authorities to rectify all public records and are pursuing all necessary legal avenues to secure our organisation and hold the perpetrators to account.
“This episode, while disruptive, has ultimately fortified our institutional resolve. It has not deterred us from our mission, and it will not distract us from our strategic objectives,” he said.
The AGM was attended by delegates of all the 23 Chapters in Europe and the United Kingdom.
