The President of the apex body of the Nigerian Students Organization, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Philippines zone paid a courtesy visit to the Charge d’ affairs ad interim of the Embassy of Nigeria in Manila.
The visit which was made public by Rev Comr. Okoye Chikelue Chris was held on the 18th of April 2024.
In attendance were Mrs Charity Ekeada-Davidson (Head of Chancery, Counselor Political/Education); and Mr Leonard Ekehasomhi Esekhame (Consular)
The engagement was ably led by Rev Comr. Okoye Chikelue Chris together with his executives, including Comr Anyilaran John Toluwani, Vice-President, Comr Uchenna O Collins, ASG/Assistant Secretary General, who also stood in for the secretary-general General – Comr Capt. Idris Idris Fatihu; also in attendance were – Comr Afuecheta Chidinma Stella, PRO; Comr Tobin Spiff Emmanuel, APRO; Comr Iyinoluwa Ayedegbe Deborah, Financial Secretary; Comr Dr Prince Odoh Brendan, Director of Welfare, who also doubled as the representative of the Vice President; Comr Kalu Chioma Jennifer, Women Commissioner and Comr Ugwu Sylvester Afanna PA to the President of NANS Philippines Zone and Comr Ojukwu Leonard M, representing the Stakeholders Council.
Hon. Edward Adeshina Oloje, the Charge d’ affairs ad interim and other staff/diplomats of the embassy – Mrs Charity Ekeada-Davidson Head of Chancery/Counselor Political & Education; Mr Leonard Esekhame, Consular of the Nigerian Embassy; acknowledged the visit and charged Nigerian Students Leaders to remain good Ambassadors of Nigeria in this foreign land of Philippines.
The leader of the association in his speech, tagged: the journey so far – x-rayed the programs, activities and progress reports of the association since his assumption into the office as the president few months earlier – such as the restructuring mandate of bringing the NANS to campuses, school visits/revival/institution of Nigerian Students Association in all the schools, appointment of school and representatives, appointment of more volunteers in the executive council, formulation of the maiden constitution of the association, Hosting if Orientation events, Town Hall meetings, General Assembly, end of football games/tournament, end of the year summit, prayer convocation/thanksgiving in mosques/churches, solidarity course/justice for gruesomely murdered Nigerian Student, hosting of World/International United Nations Education Day on behalf of the SSA on Students Engagement to Presidency of federal republic of Nigeria, boosting of the various social media followers/membership to 800% and several intervention initiatives on some Nigerian Students who are facing social/metal health challenges and fund raising for the association among others.
Discussions were centred on the holistic welfare of Nigerian Students in the country such as immigration issues/visa renewal, school-based liaison officers, clarifications on passport intervention/NIN enrollment issues, accreditation/orientation of admission agents, registration of NANS with SEC, national Secretariat of the association in Philippines, social-mental concerns/Embassy Unity Cup/football tournament/beauty pageant, Nigerian Students day Celebration and recognition of outstanding/eminent Nigerian personalities across the country as our Patrons /Advisers. Additionally, there were substantial deliberations on the professional Licensure Exams/post-graduation status of practice and collaborative network/initiatives with successful Nigerian professionals and business gurus in the Philippines.
Other highlights of the engagement/meeting included – special remarks/advice/insights from the Charge D’Affaires ad interim and other diplomats of the Embassy; detailed interactive sessions, questions and answers, presentations, vote of thanks, Nigerian National Anthem/Pledge, special prayers for the Embassy staff and entire Nigerian students and other citizens of Nigeria in Philippines. The Nigerian student leaders also appreciated the recent dogged efforts and initiatives of the Embassy to revive/resurrect, restore and reunite the largest community of Nigerians in Philippines.
