To: NIDO’s Board

Cc: Dr. Joseph Igietseme

Subject: Summary of Minutes/NIDO’s Town Meeting

From: Bookie Shonuga/NIDO’s NorthEast Member

Prepared By: Bookie Shonuga

______________________________________________________________

Below you’ll find summary of issues raised and suggested recommendations by participants at the town hall meeting titled “Engaging the Diaspora in Nigeria’s Socio-Economic Renaissance” held by NIDO at the Nigerian Embassy in Washington DC on November 20, 2004. The conference focused on two topics; Strategies for Mobilizing the Diaspora Community in National Economic Development and Restructuring to Better Serve the Nigerian Communities in the Diaspora.
The conference lasted approximately six-hours and it was well attended by over 50 Nigerian government officials and professionals from United States and abroad. Participants expressed their passion and commitment to participate in the process to effect a positive change in Nigeria. Most of the participants demonstrated the winner attitude of the saying “Ask What You Can Do for Your Country, not What Your Country Can Do for you”


Introduction

The conference commenced with the general introduction of each participant followed by a presentation by Dr. Ola Kassim, NIDO’s chairman. The presentation illustrated the political landscape and economic dynamism of industrialized nations such as China, Israel, India and developing countries such as, Mexico, Ghana and Argentina. The afternoon session was turned over to participants who were divided into two groups and each group was asked to deliberate on the agenda topics; Strategies for Mobilizing the Diaspora Community in National Economic Development and Restructuring to Better Serve the Nigerian Communities in the Diaspora. This is the report of the deliberation on the “Strategies for Mobilizing the Diaspora Community in National Economic Development.”
What are the keys Challenges for Mobilization?
Credibility - was raised as a major factor that could impede mobilization. Participants talk about finding strategies to generate trust and attract people’s interest.
Attitude – A serious change of attitude among most Nigerians is necessary in order to begin to envision a change in Nigeria. Nigerians must demonstrate genuine affection toward each and share the notion that they are responsible for the future of Nigeria, only then can they mobilize Nigerians in the Diaspora and attempt to change the way the world view Nigeria.

Leading by example – Leadership that exemplifies the vision of NIDO is crucial to generate loyalty and sustain membership. A leadership of inclusion and delegation but not of micromanaging will prevent power struggle and personality contest.

Transparency and Accountability – Failure to practice transparency and accountability continue to breed corruption and caste a shadow on how the world views Nigerians and Nigerian. NIDO’s leadership should attempt to reverse this ingrained trend by adopting transparent and accountable policies. Security Laws, adequate infrastructure and incentives – are essential to encourage steady private sector development and create enabling environment for foreign investments.Failure to recognize the importance of information flow – The recent action taken by the Nigerian government to shut down the information department at all its embassies abroad is a catastrophic example of how regressive the system is. It is vital that an organization adopt information-sharing attitude and invest in sophisticated infrastructure that facilitate free flow of information in order to succeed in today’s age of globalization,

What are the Proposed Actions?

Commitment to change individuals attitude toward fellow Nigerians will mark the beginning of a new day and help to reawake the spirit of patriotism among Nigerians in the Diaspora. And collectively we can begin to build a positive image for Nigeria and gain the trust and credibility needed to achieve NIDO’s vision.
Affirm NIDO’s role as nonprofit, nonpolitical umbrella organization that serves as liaison between established Nigerian professional organizations in the Diaspora and other institutions for the main purpose of promoting the
spirit, image, and advancement of Nigeria and Nigerians at home and abroad.
Identify and harnessing Nigerian talents and brain power in the west; develop projects that will utilize their specialized skills; facilitate resources that’ll enable knowledge transfer and execution of projects to boost Nigeria’s economy.

Create open line of communications that’ll encourage ongoing dialogue
between the government and NIDO’s leaders to achieve NIDO’s objectives.Identify, consolidate and develop a database of credible Nigerian businesses and organizations in the United States and create linkages between such organizations.

The Nigerian Embassy could be the domicile for NIDO’s database. It is
important to recognize and appreciate the magnitude of work that’s involved in building such a sophisticated database. And if it’s done well it would becomes a product that will generate regular revenue for NIDO and become an unparalleled resource for the Nigerian government and other businesses that are looking to invest in Nigeria. For example the NIDO’s database should include a list of Nigerian professionals who could be recommended for top-notch projects. The quality of management and maintenance of such database is also
very important.

Immediate Steps of Action

Installation of the necessary infrastructure for effective overall operation
of all NIDO Chapters.

Registration of all North America chapters is very crucial.

Establishment of an effective communications system, i.e. Phone, fax mailing address, websites, e-mail addresses for each chapter and direct contact information of key officers is mandatory. Direct access and adequate supply of letterhead is essential to expedite all correspondence.

Development of yearly budgets for each chapter and identification of the sources of funds must be submitted. Transparency and accountability must apply to all funds allocation.

Formation of committees to handle different projects should
be of immediate priority. Committees should include; Media & Public Relations, Care Taker,Project Review, Conflict Resolution, Events & Fundraising, Transparency & Accountability, Progress Report Review (there should be one a PR person in each committee) and a body of PRR to go over the reports submitted by each committee.


Appointed Committees in Each Chapter must

:Develop a list of projects that interest NIDO and a detailed the outline of the criteria for approval including the application process and fees.

Develop a yearly calendar per chapter and submit detailed outline of execution plan.
Coordinate membership and volunteer drives including one fundraiser a year to recruit members and promote NIDO. Coordination of campaign activities to recruit members, raise funds, and promote NIDO.Organize two town hall meeting a year to follow up and keep members informed and develop next steps.

Publish quarterly newsletter to keep members informed and
promote NIDO. (Optional because each chapter would have to raise money to publish)Submit a quarterly progress report to the board.

Conclusion

At the end of the conference, the organizers and participants agreed that this is the most productive conference in that it produced the best of Nigerians who posses the spirit of patriotism, passion and the level commitment that NIDO desires to realize its vision. It is commendable that participants came up with more recommendations and suggestions than problems. This action is unprecedented and it demonstrated the understanding of democracy and civic responsibility. It also affirms that NIDO is an inclusive organization, and not an autocracy.Participants stressed that NIDO must lead by example and through action. That it is important to be prudent and prioritize.
Participants suggest that NIDO select the first feasible project in the next 6 months and start the implementation process as soon as possible to show that it’s ready to produce after four long years of meetings and internal conflicts

.NIDO’s leaders and committees must identify areas of priority and
elect key qualified people to formulate process of implementation and deliver
.Participants recommend monthly meetings by chapters and request that members get prompt updates Special Note: Jumoke & Bookie recommend the following slogan for NIDO