Declares For The Position Of Chairman

As the news of the election for the position of Chairman of the Nigerian In Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) hots up in the UK; One of the most prominent candidates for the position of Chairman Mr Taslim Gbaja-Biamila sat with journalists to help them in understanding what he plans to do for Nigerians in the Diaspora if elected.

-Can we meet you?
By way of introduction, I am Taslim Gbaja-Biamila, a legal practitioner and a housing law specialist.
I am the Vice-Chairman of Nido and previously served as the General-Secretary of the organisation. I am also a
Councillor and a School Governor at a Primary School in Maidenhead. I am also a Trustee at a Trust Fund and the
first black President of the Rotary Club of Maidenhead Thames.

-Tell us a little about Nido.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (Nido) was formed in 2001 – 2001 with a vision to harness the tremendous skills, exposure, expertise and knowledgebase of Nigerians living outside Nigeria with a view to using this as a resource base to promote socio-economic and infrastructural development back in Nigeria.

-Why are you running for the Nido chairman?
Thank you for asking this question. I am running because l believe that Nido has to change and reposition itself and I am the person to bring about that change. As a community leader, I have the attributes, skills and experience to take Nido to the next level. I am the current Vice-Chairman and previously served as Gen-Secretary and I believe this has given me good insight into the workings of the organisation. Nido has done well from its creation but l believe it can do much more.

-How do you rate the finance and expenditure of Nido UK?
Much needs to be done to improve our finances. At the moment the only income that we have are the fees paid by the membership. We do not have an annual budget and this explains why there are issues surrounding accountability
and carrying the members along. As we have planned activities such as “ a week in Nigeria”, we need to explore how we can generate more income.

How would you improve on the mismanagement of funds in Nido?
Improving the management of funds with the organisation will require careful analysis, strategic planning and implementation of effective financial practices. Here are some of the steps that I would take to address the mismanagement of funds Assess the Situation: I will conduct a thorough review of the organisation’s financial practices, processes, and systems to identify the areas where mismanagement is occurring. Look for patterns, discrepancies and areas of inefficiency.

Create a Budget: I will develop a comprehensive budget that outlines the organisation’s anticipated income and expenses. This budget should be realistic and based on accurate data. Regularly review and update the budget to reflect changing circumstances.
Implement Financial Controls: I will establish strong internal controls to prevent unauthorised spending, fraud and misappropriation of funds. This may involve multiple levels of approval for expenses and conducting regular audits.

Monitor an Analyse Spending: Regularly track and analyse expenditures against budget. Identify any variances and take corrective action as needed.

Prioritize Spending: l will allocate funds to priority areas that align with the organisation’s goals and objectives.

Communication and Transparency: I will foster open communication about financial matters within the organisation. I will ensure that all stakeholders are aware of the financial situation and are involved in the decision-making.

Diversify Revenue Streams: I will reduce our dependence on a single source of income by exploring and developing multiple revenue streams. This can help create a more stable financial foundation and mitigate risks.

Continuous Improvement: Establish a culture of continuous improvement within the organisation. Regularly assess and refine financial processes to adapt to changing circumstances and evolving best practices.

Seek Professional Help: if the mismanagement of funds is severe, I will consider seeking assistance from financial consultants, advisors or auditors who can provide expertise and recommendations.

Learn from Mistakes: I will take a constructive approach to learning from the past mistakes. Use financial mismanagement incidents as opportunities to refine processes and prevent similar issues in the future.

Remember, improving fund management is an on-going effort that requires commitment, collaboration and a willingness to adapt and learn from experience.

-What do you have to say about a week in Nigeria?
A week in Nigeria is a great initiative which affords the members the opportunity to carry out humanitarian work.

As chairman, I will embrace and develop it. I will propose that a week in Nigeria should be held twice a year thus give those who were not able to travel in July the opportunity as well.

-How do you intend to move Nido forward?
Moving an organization forward involves strategic planning, effective leadership, and a focus on various aspects of improvement. Here are some key steps to help guide your organization towards progress:

Set Clear Goals and Vision: I will define a clear and compelling vision for the future of the organization. Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals that align with this vision.

Strategic Planning: I will develop a comprehensive strategic plan that outlines the organization's objectives, strategies, and action plans. Involve key stakeholders in the planning process to ensure a shared understanding and commitment.

Leadership and Culture: Foster strong and visionary leadership that inspires and motivates employees. Cultivate a positive organizational culture that encourages innovation,
Effective Communication: I will establish open and transparent communication channels within the organization. Keep all stakeholders informed about the organization's progress, challenges, and changes.

Partnership and Collaborations: I will explore opportunities for partnerships, collaborations, and strategic alliances that can enhance the organization's reach and capabilities. Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate achievements and milestones along the way to boost morale and maintain momentum.

-Where do you see Nido in the next two years?
Where do l see Nido in the next two years? I see an organisation that is open, transparent and accountable and l believe that my manifesto, if implemented, will set Nido in the right direction. Under my chairman we will refocus and rebrand Nido itself.

-How do you plan to make sure Nido touches the lives of every Nigerian?
Ensuring that a company positively impacts the lives of all its employees involves creating a supportive andinclusive work environment that values individual well-being, growth, and satisfaction. Here are some strategies to consider:-

Develop a comprehensive strategic plan that outlines the organization's objectives, strategies, and action plans. Involve key stakeholders in the planning process to ensure a shared understanding and commitment. I will embrace corporate social responsibility and sustainable practices to contribute positively to the community and environment. I will also celebrate achievements and milestones along the way to boost morale and maintain
momentum.

What is your greatest hope for Nigeria?
My greatest hope for Nigeria is to see a progressive, fair, rule of law abiding, growth focused and egalitarian society. A society where every Nigerian is treated equally, fairly based on equity and good conscience. I hope for a Nigerian that will be the pride of Africa and the hope of the Black race worldwide. That Nigeria is what we in NIDO believe and will work to see become a reality. I believe that the good people of Nigeria are resilient, strong and will work towards such a great nation. With the help of the Diasporas through NIDO we shall continue to work in synergy with all Nigerians to make Nigeria great again.