NIDO: ENGINE OF NATIONAL
REAWAKENING AND DEVELOPMENT
Brief remarks by: Professor Tunde Adeniran, Ambassador of Nigeria to Germany
At the Launching of NIDO Branch in Germany Berlin, Saturday 14 May, 2005
“Ladies and Gentlemen, In accepting the invitation which also requested me to give a pep talk at this occasion, you may wish to note that it did not take me a second to figure out the theme of this brief remark. This is so because, with modesty and sincerity, I have, in one way or the other, been involved in the coordination of some of the activities marking each step of the establishment of NIDO and its cells in various countries. Those who are interested in the programme should, as a matter of urgency, contact the Embassy for further information”- Part of Professor Tunde Adeniran Ambassador of Nigeria to Germany at the Launching of NIDO Branch in Germany in 2005
Mr. Chairman,
Members of the Committee (NIDO, Germany)
Distinguished Invitees
I feel greatly honoured to be invited to this ceremony marking the launching of NIDO (Germany). Let me first of all express my sincere appreciation to those who have actively contributed to the organization of the various events. It is, no doubt, a practical and
brilliant demonstration by the members of the local organization to confirm that with collective efforts, dedication and conviction, great things could be achieved.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In accepting the invitation which also requested me to give a pep talk at this occasion, you may wish to note that it did not take me a second to figure out the theme of this brief remark. This is so because, with modesty and sincerity, I have, in one way or the other, been involved in the coordination of some of the activities marking each step of the establishment of NIDO and its cells in various countries.
It is also true that, in consideration of the spirit of this momentous occasion, I was obliged to reflect on the core objective of the organization i.e. an organization which would serve as impetus to reawakening our national consciousness as well as our energetic passion for Nigeria’s development. With this frame of mind, you will undoubtedly appreciate why the topic of my short speech is entitled “NIDO – Engine of National Reawakening and Development”. In a
deeper reflection, this title is not an empty concept. Neither is it a dream. It derives from a well-thought out idea which flows from the appraisal of Nigeria’s recent past, its woes and a renewed clarion for rededication and pragmatic action to achieve Nigeria’s future of hope, of unity, of justice and prosperity as well as of enduring harmony.
I wish to recall that, about five years ago, I accompanied President Olusegun Obasanjo to London when the NIDO branch was launched in the United Kingdom. I was also privileged to be with Mr. President when the foundation for a United State branch was laid.
Both chapters are growing steadily in strength and with remarkable success. Today, I am delighted to witness, in the company of these distinguished invitees and fellow Nigerians, the launching of the German chapter here in Berlin.
As an integral part of NIDO (Europe) the chapter in Germany will no doubt be guided by its deliberate activities which underline the objectives of NIDO (Europe). The goals include the following:
(i) promotion of the spirit of patriotism, regular contacts and networking amongst members;
(ii)serving as technical advisers, partners and catalysts of development policies, social and economic programmes;
(iii) providing, on request from Government, NGOs and other interested bodies, professional services and advice capable of advancing the interest of Nigeria and our peoples on social,
economic and cultural projects;
(iv) promoting the good image of Nigeria in the international arena through ethical and legitimate means;
(v) encouraging and assisting Nigerians who wish to return to Nigeria permanently;
(vi)assisting in discretely discouraging skilled Nigerians from emigrating from Nigeria and thereby forestalling the current wave of brain-drain.
The effort of the Federal Government to harness the know-how, expertise and, indeed, the practical and measurable experience of Nigerians resident abroad for the purpose of our national
development is very unique in the hierarchy of the official policies of the present Administration. It is unique in the sense that, for the first time, it recognizes that Nigeria’s development in all spheres of life could be further enriched and result-oriented if our brothers and sisters who, benefiting from other experiences in their respective countries of sojourn, could be given the opportunity to participate in Nigeria’s development.
It is also unique in the sense that Nigeria, through its Technical Aid Corps (TAC) program, has two decades ago put in place programmes through which she annually sends our young professionals to less fortunate developing countries to assist them in the field of education, sports, medicine/nursing, law etc. While the TAC programme was designed to be foreign-oriented in its service delivery, our NIDO is oriented toward domestic activities. What the
two organizations share in common, however, is the fact that they are both home-grown.
In the same vein, as NIDO programme is being conceptualized and put into implementation, the Administration of President Obasanjo has equally launched the Nigeria National Volunteer Service (NNVS) designed to bring professionals abroad to serve for a period of their choice and in the area of their respective competence in Nigeria.
The programme should be considered as complementary to achieve NIDO’s objectives and NOT as its rival organization. To this end, I wish to implore you all, individually and collectively to assist in informing your members of the attributes of this programme which provides, amongst others, the opportunity of serving our fatherland in multifarious fields. Those who are interested in the programme should, as a matter of urgency, contact the Embassy for further information.
Part of Professor Tunde Adeniran, Ambassador of Nigeria to Germany´s address at the Launching of NIDO Branch in Germany in 2005
