Reported by Henry Bakare
The Nigerian Community Italy which has been moribund in the last three years, suddenly came to life over this last weekend. Thanks to the Rowland Anyaehiechuukwu Ndukuba newly elected executive which promised to revive the community – that promise is gradually coming to fruition.

The newly elected executive body to pilot the affairs of the Nigerian Community Italy under the aegis of the National Union of Nigerian Associations in Italy, NUNAI, was inaugurated over the weekend at a colourful ceremony in the Emilia Romagna city of Bologna. Led by Mr Roland Ndukuba, members of the 10-persons strong executive one after the other took the oath of office.

Present as guest of honour at the event was the Nigerian Ambassador to Italy, his excellency Omini Mfawa Abam as well as some members of the diplomatic corp, including S.O. Bello, the head of the immigration section at the Nigerian Embassy, Rome.

Representatives of Nigerian Communities/Associations under NUNAI graced the occasion with their presence. Italian organisations and establishments also sent representations to the event. The outgoing executive members of NUNAI was led to the event by the secretary Mr Douglas Osawaru who represented outgoing president Mr Samson Iriakanu alias Samson Hodge.

The event kicked off with the rendition of the Nigerian and Italian national anthems, which was followed by an opening prayer by Mr. Clement Okunoghae. The president of Nigerian Community Bologna Mr Charles Owro then formally welcomed guests to the city.

The outgoing president Mr Iriakanu in his speech read by Mr Osawaru, thanked the community for the opportunity to serve and the electoral committee for conducting a free and fair election. While outlining the achievements made by the outgoing executive he appealed to the incoming one to carry every member association and Nigerians along in the execution of its mandate.

On the heels of that speech, the electoral committee administered the oath of office on the new president Mr Roland Ndukuba. Thereafter all documents were officially handed over to him.

Leaders of the affiliate unions of NUNAI with Ambassador Abam at the event
In his speech, the president, Mr Ndukuba thanked the outgoing executive, members of the Nigerian community and the electoral committee for making it possible to have a free, fair, credible and trouble-free election. He also thanked the Embassy and members of the diplomatic corp for their support to the community.

He stressed the readiness of his NUNAI led executive to implement their electoral promises to Nigerians in Italy. The time to move Nigerians in Italy ahead, according to him is now.

“This is the time to reunite Nigerians and all Nigerian associations who may have been left behind in many areas,” he declared.

He promised to set up different committees to look into various issues that need to be attended to, he also promised in his speech to bridge the gap between Nigerians and the Embassy and help to facilitate the resolution of consular issues Nigerians felt they are not satisfied with.

While promising that Nigerians would sing a new song under Ambassador Abam, he appealed for their cooperation for the envoy and the Embassy. He also promised to build a very strong relationship between Nigerians in Italy and the Italian government in collaboration with the Embassy.

He also promised to raise the number of affiliated Nigerian communities/association to NUNAI from 25 to at least 30 within the three years of the new executive.

Ambassador Abam while addressing the gathering, thanked Nigerians for their efforts to come together and to give Nigeria good image, he promised to work with every Nigerian in Italy and advised everyone to be law abiding

A 10 member executive was elected on May 15, 2021 in the city of Reggio Emillia in an election that was well contested and conducted. Ndukuba overcame two of his opponents at the election to clinch the position of president.
Members of the new executive include:
1. MR. ROLAND INDUKUBA – President
2. Mr. AMOS OTEKU – 1st Vice President
3. MRS. PATINCE AIWERIOBA – 2nd Vice President
4. MR. DAVID FRANCIS General – Secretary
5. DR. PATRICK GUOBADIA – Ass. Secretary
6. MR. KINGSLEY OMOBUDE – Financial Secretary
7. MR. BRUCE IDAHOSA – P.R.O.
8. MRS EVELYN AGHON – Treasurer
9. MR. PATRICK OHIA – Assistance Financial Secretary
10. MR. MIKE OPUTTEN – Welfare Officer
Highlights of the event included displays by Akwa Ibom cultural group, Nzuko Ndi Igbo cultural group from Bologna and Ogene group from Padova. Singer Africa China was presented at the event while upcoming young Nigerian poet, Zikora Udeozo rendered a moving poem at the event.

Members of the organising committee who made the event possible include Mr Charles Eke, the president of the Nigerian Community Verona, Mrs. Doris Okafor, the vice president of the Nigerian Community Bologna, Mrs Vivian Osuya, Mrs Florence Arikhan and Mrs Janet Abegunde