By Landing Colley
The Nigerian Yoruba Community in The Gambia on Sunday held a congress to elect new executive members for the association board Constitution demands they hold congress every two years.
This year’s election was overwhelming as all contestants have no opposition. But notwithstanding, the member still went ahead to vote for formality to promote democracy as well as fulfilling the constitutional requirement.
The community also invited some observers to observe the conduct of the election, which among them included Mr Timothy Counselor Officer at Nigeria Embassy; challenged the executive to conduct their duty with utmost diligence and integrity “and carry yourselves as proud Nigerians with peace, love and respect.”
He therefore commended the newly elected executive and IEC for conducting free and fair election.
Dr. Sam Chima Ochulor, President of the Nigerian Community said “to whom moreis given more is expected and as you have been elected today don’t take it as a minor position.”
He also urged the members of the executive to protect the interest of the community and Nigeria at large. And also, to be law abiding citizens that will be able to boost the nation’s confident in them for higher position.
The incumbent President of Yoruba Community in The Gambia who also retains his position, Ajibike Olusegum Mathew, expressed happiness for been reelected as the president saying, “I am delighted to work for my community.”
He added that “the executive members were not oppose because they know the caliber of people in the executive that can move the community forward.”
Mr Mathew explained that the responsibility of the executive is to drive the community activities forward as the day to day activity lies in their hands.
However out of 38 people that voted, five invalid votes were recorded, while thirty voted were valid. The newly executive members included Ajibike Olusegum Mathew – president, Mr. Kehinde Omotowa – vice president, Princess R. Benjamin – generally secretary, Mr. Kolade Adesiyan – assistant secretary, Mr. Wale Fayoyin – financial secretary, Mr Ganiyu Adebayo – treasurer, Mr. Tojubo Taiwo Dos – welfare, Mr. Idowu Shoyombo – P.R.O and Mr Oladimeji Babalola as PROVOST.