By Peter Ejiofor
The new leadership of Nigeria Union South Africa (NUSA), says it will strive to position the Nigerian community in an enviable height and restore Nigerians’ dignity in South Africa and beyond.
The newly-elected President of the union, Mr Collins Mgbo, made the assertion in a statement emailed from Johannesburg on Friday in Lagos.
The NUSA new Executive Committee was elected early in November for a three-year tenure.
Mgbo promised that NUSA would work in tandem with Nigerians everywhere to change the country’s negative narrative and the stigma on Nigerians in South Africa and across the globe.
“Together, we can get rid of bad leadership or maladministration in our country of origin and eliminate corruption in governance in the continent.
“Together, we can restore the confidence of the locals as we all know that some locals see some of us in the negative light and one of our responsibilities as community leaders is to identify the root cause of the negative vibe and create a platform for reconstruction, forgiveness and social cohesion,’’ he said.
He recalled that through sacrifices and commitment, the union had been able to reach out to Nigerians, especially in times of crisis and one of note was the ability to provide food packages to over a thousand Nigerians and South Africans alike during the heat of the pandemic lockdown.
“The resources were made available by fellow Nigerians like you whom we approached with the challenge and they answered our call for humanity to provide for the most vulnerable in our midst.
“In the past, we have mediated with stakeholders such as the Department of Home Affairs, South African Police Service, South African Human Rights Commission and community leaders among others to work hand in glove to provide necessary services to the community.’’
He expressed the belief that with the help of members of the union, the leadership could create even a better society, appealing to them to stick with it to build and create the community they desired in the next three years.
Mgbo, who sought the support of Nigerians to achieve the laudable programmes of NUSA, recalled that the union is a non-profit organisation established over a decade ago to support and promote unity among Nigerians in South Africa.
“It’s also to support and promote growth among Nigerians in areas of trade, commerce, education and culture, to promote love and unity among Nigerians and the host community.
“To create an environment which must be conducive for social cohesion between Nigerian citizens and the host community, to advance and project the corperate image of Nigerians, to support and promote healthy relationships between Nigerians and South Africans and other nationalities resident in South Africa.
“To educate and encourage Nigerians in areas of profitable investment, and employment opportunities available to immigrants in South Africa, to promote respect for law and order, and realisation of a law-abiding society in South Africa.
“To promote and protect the fundamental human rights of Nigerians and other residents in South Africa as enshrined in the charter of the United Nations Organisation, and the Africa Union irrespective of creed, race, sex and ideology,’’ he said.
The NUSA president disclosed that membership of the Nigerian Union includes but is not limited to Nigerian citizens resident in South Africa, legitimate spouses of Nigerians resident in South Africa, and children of Nigerians resident in South Africa.
He added that honorary membership might be conferred on non-Nigerians who demonstrated tangible interest in the development and progress of Nigeria and the union in particular.
“This administration is loaded with programs that would bring development to our community like sports, creative arts, scholarships, youth development, business opportunities, talent hunt and exhibition among others.
“I would like to use this opportunity once again to appeal to you to open your doors for us when we knock at it for your support morally, financially and otherwise.
“We can’t do this on our own and if you expect us to deliver the best, please impregnate us with unequivocal support, form partnerships with us and you will not just be recognised and appreciated, God will bless you beyond measure in return.’’
Mgbo said the Nigerian Union South Africa would remain the beacon of hope and anchor of strong alliances between the Nigerian government and Nigerian citizens living in South Africa as well as a bridge between certain South African institutions, organisations and departments.
He said that to achieve the union’s laudable initiatives, there must be understanding, commitment and synergy between the leadership of NUSA and the community of Nigerians in the Republic of South Africa like the Jewish Community, Indian Community, Chinese Community, and other African communities doing great things.
The statement said the immediate past president of the union, Mr Adetola Olubajo, advised the new executive not to allow their internal disagreement to be known to people outside and always put community first. (End)
