Canuk membership hits 100 for first time ever in the run-up to AGM

NIGERIA'S diaspora community in the UK has added 16 new members to its ranks bringing the total number of organisations in the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK (Canuk) to 100 for the first time in its history.

Established in 2005 as an umbrella organisation for all Nigerian associations in the UK, Canuk represents the entire community both before the UK government and the high commission in London. To represent the community effectively, Canuk needs to register as many bodies as possible to give it maximum reach.

As Canuk prepares to hold its 2022 annual general meeting (AGM), its executive committee has approved a string of new applications. These admissions are part of a radical growth plan aimed at getting membership up to 200 by May 2023.

Associations that have just been admitted to the Canuk fold include the Nigerian Students Societies at the University of West London and the University of Roehampton and Youth Against Crime not Crime Against You. Also joining are the Delta Steel Company Technical School Old Students Association UK and the Ariomaghwa Ladies Association of Nigeria, UK branch.

Regional organisations that have just joined Canuk include the Nigerian Association in Northern Ireland, the Nigerian Community in Coventry, the Nigerian Community Association Bristol and Nigerians in Kent. Others include the Nigerian Community in Hertsfordshire, the Nigerian Community in Birmingham and the Nigerian Community in North London.

Professional bodies who are now Canuk members include the Association of Nigerian Event Planners UK, the Association of Nigerian Charities in the UK and the League of Nigerian Imams and Scholars. Two State-based organisations have joined in the Council of Oyo State Indigenes and the Rivers State Women's Association.

Titi Danso, Canuk's general secretary, said: "When Canuk was founded, it was envisaged that there were about 200 different Nigerians organisations in the UK should come under its umbrella. It is our aim as an executive committee to reach and surpass that number, so every Nigerian in the UK feels represented.

Doyin Owoeye, Canuk's social secretary added:  "All these new members will get off to a flying start by enjoying our array of programmes from this year that include our annual general meeting (AGM) on May 21. They will also get to participate in the Nigerian cultural festival in August, an independence day lecture in October and an end-of-year party in December."

For the first time ever, the 2022 AGM will be taking place upon The Thames Princess boat on the Rivers Thames in London. Holding on May 21, the event is being sponsored by Providus Bank of Nigeria whose managing director will be in attendance to address delegates and also share some of the bank's services ,which includes the opening of accounts and the issuance of bank verification numbers (BVN).