By Alltimepost.com
As a people with the numbers to affect elections in the United States of America Nigerian Americans have been urged to wake up and push for the acquisition of political strength so as to become relevant in the political dispensation of the free world.
United States-based Community Leader/Activist and Chairman Council of President, Edo National Association Worldwide, Barrister Dickson Iyawe gave the advice recently in his keynote address at a fundraising event organized by the Nigerian International Humanitarian Foundation of New England in Lynn, Massachusetts.
“We have a lot of Nigerians who have become naturalized citizens. We also have children of voting age in our families who are also citizens of the United States. We have the numbers to affect an election.
“However, we are not able to do that because we are not organized. Every election, I see a lot of Nigerians going to the polls.
“While this is commendable we must harness this strength of ours to benefit organizations like NIHFNE.
“We must not only vote, we must engage the candidates and their campaigns. We must present them with our agenda and seek a partnership that will live forever.
“We must volunteer to help out with campaigns, carry placards and help to strategize and bring out the votes not only in the Nigerian community but also in the entire African community. We must do the dirty work to gain relevance. Our voices must be heard.”
Barrister Iyawe remarked that NIHFNE was a unique organization because of its founding principles fashioned to cater specifically “to our children.”
He commended the humanitarian efforts of the organizers of the event and urged others to emulate their gestures.
“The great thing about NIHFNE is that this organization is formed to cater to all children irrespective of race, color, creed, or religion.”
“NIHFNE has been doing great work in our community including the cleaning of local parks and playgrounds and serving lunches at My Brothers Table in Lynn, Massachusetts.”
He praised the organization for its partnership with other organizations like the Haitian Action Orphans Mission (H.A.O.M) and the Lynn YMCA to give toys to children of all ages especially at Christmas.
“They have also adopted Uyiosa orphanage in Benin City, Nigeria. This year, one of the goals of NIHFNE is to raise funds to provide orphans and children in need with basic medical needs among other activities that they are already involved in,” he said.
“The challenges that face our children and young people today are enormous, Children all over the globe suffer from hunger and diseases and this is just one step in helping to cure the threat of hunger and disease,” Iyawe noted.
He called for the support of NIHFNE in a concerted effort to eradicate hunger and disease among children, adding: “Children are a blessing and gift to this world and we must do everything in our power to protect this gift.”
“They are our leaders of tomorrow and NIHFNE is doing its part to not only protect this gift but to ensure that they rule this world and become better citizens someday.”
Barrister Iyawe remarked that by its humanitarian activities the organization was shining a positive light not just on Nigerians but on all of America.
“It is great to have events like these and raise funds to support our children internationally and here in the United Sates.
There is a shining light in all of us and the young ladies of NIHFNE have tapped this in themselves to help children,” he remarked.
He went further to say: “There is no greater example of selflessness, than the desire to help the needy.
“This is what we will take with us everywhere even after we are gone from this world, quoting Mother Theresa: “At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received how much money we have made, how many great things we have done.
“We will be judged by I was hungry and you gave me to eat, I was naked and you clothed me, I was homeless and you took me in…..”
In her welcome address, the Executive Director of NIHFNE, Mrs. Omo Idusuyi appealed for funds to pursue the organization’s humanitarian endeavors, saying that the task ahead of them was enormous. She thanked those who came to support the event.
The event was attended by various personalities either representing themselves or their organizations, including the Councilor-At-Large, Lynn City Council, Hong L.Net; Lynn School Committee aspirant, Jared Nicholson, other politicians, such as Gately Lorraine, Rick Starbard, Wayne A , Lozi, Maria O. Carrasco and Michael Ouk.
Also present were Robert A Fioccoprile; the president, Benin Club of Massachusetts, Ms. Patience Abbe; Retired Major Leonard Ativie, president, Ideal Healthcare System, Inc., Jacob Unubun of the Esan Association of New England and representative of G-12 of Boston, Dr. Monday Osaigbovo.
Other personalities who graced the occasion were Attorney (Dr.) Rose Egbuiwe, Princess (Mrs.) Judith Enabuele, Mrs. Dala Girolamo, president Dependable Healthcare Services, Inc.; Mrs. Adesuwa Otote, President of Divine Women of Boston; Prince Davies Aiwerioghene, president Phaesphoria African Development Company, Inc.
Mrs. Bridget Ekhator, representing Edo United For Homeland Empowerment, Mr. Emmanuel Okunmwendia, Publisher, Alltimepost.com; business consultant, Ms. Augustina Egbuiwe; Helen Jakpor, Ind. Executive Sales Director with Mary Kay Cosmetics and a host of others were also present at the occasion.
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