By Fortune Abang

Mr Frank Onyekwelu, newly sworn-in  President-General of Nigeria Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) has called on compatriots in that country to work together as a united front for a better future.

A statement by Onyekwelu revealed that Onyekwelu made the call at the inauguration ceremony of NICASA executive held in South Africa.

He said the new executive of NICASA would uphold the interests of members of the association.

According to the new president-general, no individual can perform all the functions of executive members alone and make a success of it.

He added that transformation processes are not always smooth as change involves the disruption of old patterns of behaviour.

“We need to leave behind outdated modes of thinking and act collectively and progressively to have a Nigerian community that is cooperative and that can create for us a better future.

“Do not allow any person or persons to dissuade you or discourage you that it can’t be done. It can be done.

“Nelson Mandela once said `It always seems impossible, until it is done,’’’ Onyekwelu said.

He said the new executive members of NICASA would review and update the association’s constitution where necessary and ensure that Nigerians living in South Africa worked collaboratively to restore the image of compatriots in the southern African country.

He pledged to continue to work closely with the Nigerian High Commission, the Consulate-General of Nigeria in South Africa, and Mr Benjamin Okoli, the outgone president-general of NICASA to serve Nigerians better.

Speaking at the event also, the statement indicated that Okoli praised the new executive for a successful transition to a new set of leaders for the association following an election.

He promised to support the new executive members to ensure their success in taking the association to a higher level.

“I have confidence in the new executive, particularly Onyekwelu.

“He has given me wonderful cooperation throughout my tenure as president-general.

“That contributed immensely to deepening the relationship between Nigerians and South Africans,” Okoli said.

The ceremony was attended by Amb. Haruna Manta, Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, and Mr Andrew Idi, Nigerian Consul General Johannesburg, South Africa.

Also in attendance were the NICASA Provincial Chairmen and Leaders, as well as Presidents and Leaders of All Nigerian organisations. (NAN)

Edited by Cecilia Odey/Emmanuel Yashim