Otunba Dele Bashiru-Kaka, has been elected chairman of the Nigerian Community Greater Manchester (NCGM), with his administration promising to focus on youth development, members’ welfare and greater financial transparency.
Bashiru-Kaka succeeds Otunba Abiola Kumoye and has called for unity among members following the election.
In a statement issued after the election, the new chairman said his administration would seek to move beyond divisions associated with leadership contests and focus on what he described as practical improvements for Nigerians living across Greater Manchester.
“Our administration will be anchored on a united leadership rooted in quality, inclusivity, and a shared unity of purpose,” Bashiru-Kaka stated.
What the new chairman is promising
The new administration says youth development will be one of its priorities.
According to the statement, NCGM plans to develop mentorship and career networks aimed at helping younger members gain access to professional and employment opportunities.
The administration also plans to review welfare support for older members, although the statement does not specify the current size of the welfare programme, how it is funded or what changes are being proposed.
Another priority is closer engagement with Nigerian institutions and international diaspora organisations.
Bashiru-Kaka said his administration would seek stronger working relationships with the Nigeria High Commission, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and other diaspora organisations.
The proposed governance reforms include financial audits, performance measures and channels through which members can provide feedback to the organisation.
Wider role of diaspora organisations
Nigerian community organisations in the diaspora can play a role in helping migrants maintain cultural ties while providing social, professional and welfare networks.
They can also serve as a channel between Nigerians abroad and institutions in Nigeria.
For NCGM, stronger engagement with Nigerian government bodies could potentially improve access to consular information and diaspora programmes.
But the effectiveness of such partnerships will depend on what formal arrangements are established and what practical services members receive.
What happens next?
The immediate challenge for the new leadership will be turning its broad agenda into measurable actions.
Members will be looking for details on how the proposed youth and welfare programmes will be funded, how financial audits will be conducted and published, and how the leadership will measure its performance.
NCGM describes itself as an organisation established to promote unity, cultural identity and socio-economic advancement among Nigerians in Greater Manchester.
Whether the new administration delivers on those objectives will depend less on the promises made after the election and more on the policies, financial disclosures and services it puts in place in the months ahead.
