By Hon. Kenneth Chibuogwu Gbandi – Nigerian Diaspora Leader
It is with immense joy, deep respect, and heartfelt gratitude that I join the global Nigerian Diaspora community, friends, and well-wishers to celebrate a truly exceptional leader, mentor, and friend, Hon. (Dr.) Collins Nweke FCPM, DFRA on the occasion of his 60th birthday.
Dr. Collins Nweke, a Global Affairs Analyst, Fellow Chartered Public Manager, former Green Municipal Legislator of Ostend City Council, Belgium has long been a towering figure in Diaspora leadership. As a former Chief Executive and Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Europe (NIDOE), his impact has been both visionary and enduring. His active engagement in consultancy and advocacy for Nigeria and Africa’s socio-economic development has inspired many of us who have followed in his footsteps. Frankly, I cannot imagine any meaningful discourse on NIDO or the Nigerian Diaspora without his name being mentioned. He embodies a rare blend of intellectual depth, analytical clarity, and unwavering commitment to values-driven leadership. His pragmatic approach to problem-solving, professional decorum, and moral compass stand as hallmarks of authentic Diaspora leadership.
I have had the privilege of calling him a senior brother, a mentor, and a trusted friend. Like the finest of our Diaspora leaders, he speaks truth to power, not out of defiance, but out of duty. He builds, rather than tears down; corrects, without condemning. His voice has been one of reason, courage, and principled advocacy.
On this milestone of 60 impactful years, we do not merely mark the passage of time but we celebrate a life of service, of purpose, and of legacy. My own leadership journey within NIDO Europe would have been incomplete without his guidance and example.
As you begin this new chapter, dear Collins, I wish you renewed strength, continued good health, and even greater impact in the years ahead. The Nigerian Diaspora is richer because of you.
Happy 60th Birthday, sir.
With wdeepest respect and admiration,
Hon. Kenneth Chibuogwu Gbandi
Continental Chairman, CEC & Board of Trustees, Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Europe (2016–2020); President, Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Germany (2013–2016);
Deputy National Chairman, Diaspora Engagement, African Democratic Congress
