Six new associations join Canuk in run-up to December 17 end-of-year dinner

NIGERIA'S diaspora community in Britain has received a significant boost after the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK (Canuk) welcomed six new members into its ranks.

Founded in 2005 to serve as the umbrella body of every Nigerian organisation in the UK, Canuk is set up to embrace all manners of associations, be they cultural, state-based, regional, student, sporting, alumni associations or professional. As part of this drive to bring every Nigerian in the UK under one tent, Canuk's current executive committee has set about boosting its membership by recruiting associations with a gusto.

At an emergency meeting last night, the Canuk exco approved the membership applications of the Nigerian Community in East London, the Nigerian Community in Exeter, the Brent Nigerian Community Association, the Nigerian Community in South Wales, the Isoko Ladies League International UK and the Diaspora Organisation Worldwide.  All of them will now become full members once they pay their registration and annual membership fee.

Ayo Akinfe, the Canuk chairman, said: "When Canuk was formed, it was envisaged that there were about 200 Nigerian associations in the UK. We are looking to hit this figure of 200m, so are going about this with all our energy, hence why we have admitted these new six in addition to the seven associations we welcomed last month.

"All these new members will be presented with official welcome letters at our end-of-year gala dinner on December 17. After they have been formally introduced to the Canuk family they will also have the privilege of taking pictures with his Excellency the high commissioner Ambassador Sarafa Ishola, who is just as passionate as us about building our community."

Doyin Ola, Canuk's social secretary, added that taking place at the Regency Banqueting Suite in Tottenham, the three course dinner will involve entertainment, a raffle draw and plenty of dancing. Pointed out that the dress code is upmarket with a touch of green, she urged guests to bring their dancing shoes along with them.

Judy Akuta, Canuk's welfare secretary,  pleaded with everyone attending to take the precaution of a rapid flow test 36 hours before Friday. She added that the welfare committee would have kits available on the day to hand out to anyone who forgot to take a test and would also be handing out facemasks and providing hand sanitizers.