A Nigeria Union in South Africa inaugurates women

Officers of Women league of Nigerian Union in South Africa

By Mike Mbonye

Nigeria Union in South Africa, on Saturday in Johannesburg, inaugurated the Women League, Gauteng Province chapter.

Mr Adetola Olubajo, the newly-elected President, Nigeria Union (NUSA), who inaugurated the League, urged women members to initiate projects that would further cement the relationship between Nigeria and South Africa.

Olubajo, a former Secretary-General of the union, took over from Mr Ikechuckwu Anyene, a lawyer, at an election conducted on Sept. 2.

“I urge you to initiate projects and programmes that will bring our country and South Africa together. In this way, there will be a synergy between the countries.

The president tasked the women to take advantage of the existing ties and bond between the countries through marriage by their citizens to strengthen and build unity and peace.

According to Olubajo, who hails from Odogbolu in Ogun, the union is determined to protect the welfare of Nigerians in South Africa by ensuring that the various communities are united.

He said: “I urge you (women) to mobilise your spouses and ensure that they belong to the union.’’

“NUSA belongs to all Nigerians. The women league has the task to mobilise all women, including South Africans married to Nigerians, to become members.

“We will forge ahead and achieve greater results as a united body.”

Mrs Chidilim Chukwuma, the President of the League, said they would ensure the integration of both countries by promoting their rich cultures.

“We want to be the voice of women here. We live in a society where Nigerian women in South Africa are voiceless and are treated as second class citizens.”

Chukwuma said the league would bridge the gap through culture-sharing with the host country and integrate South African women married to Nigerians into Nigeria’s culture.

In his remarks, Mr Mathew Okafor, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the union, urged the women league to be good ambassadors of their country and do everything within their powers to consolidate the good relationship between the two countries.

“I say this because all women will be looking up to you to deliver,” he said.

NUSA’s objective is to support and promote healthy relationship between Nigerians and South Africans and other nationalities in the areas of trade, commerce, learning and culture.

NUSA has also launched massive campaigns against drug and prostitution. (NAN)