UK-Nigerian community leader unveils development partnership agenda for Greater Manchester

The newly elected Chairman of the Nigerian Community Greater Manchester (NCGM), Otunba Dele Bashiru-Kaka, has unveiled a development agenda centred on strategic partnerships with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework and other development agencies.

Bashiru-Kaka, who succeeded Otunba Abiola Kumoye, said the new administration would reposition the Nigerian community in Greater Manchester as a stronger platform for mobilising diaspora expertise, investment, technology and human capital for development in Nigeria and within the diaspora community.

The chairman disclosed this while outlining his administration’s priorities, stressing that the proposed partnerships would create structured channels through which Nigerian professionals and entrepreneurs in Manchester could contribute to critical development programmes.

He said the administration would pursue collaboration with NiDCOM and relevant SDG-focused institutions, alongside other development partners, to facilitate investment opportunities, knowledge transfer, youth development and community-focused interventions.

“Our administration will be anchored on a united leadership rooted in quality, inclusivity and a shared unity of purpose,” Bashiru-Kaka said, adding that transparency, constitutional governance and accountability would guide the administration’s engagements with local and international partners.

According to him, the partnership strategy would provide an avenue for the community to move beyond social networking and welfare activities towards measurable development interventions.

A major component of the administration’s blueprint is the promotion of diaspora investment and global partnerships. Through collaboration with NiDCOM, SDG-aligned organisations and other development agencies, NCGM intends to create opportunities for professionals and businesses in Greater Manchester to support sustainable projects and initiatives with impact in Nigeria.

The administration also plans to promote what it describes as “brain circulation”, creating opportunities for young Nigerians to benefit from the knowledge and experience of professionals within the diaspora.

The initiative will focus on education, mentorship, career development, skills transfer and professional networking, with particular alignment to SDGs 4 and 8, which focus on quality education and decent work and economic growth.

Bashiru-Kaka said the administration would also strengthen welfare structures within the Nigerian community, particularly support systems for elderly members of the diaspora.

The proposed welfare programme, aligned with SDG 3 on good health and wellbeing, is expected to promote access to support, care and community-based assistance for vulnerable and elderly members.

Another pillar of the administration’s agenda is institutional reform. Bashiru-Kaka pledged to introduce stronger financial transparency mechanisms, performance monitoring and direct feedback channels to ensure that members have greater visibility into the activities and finances of the organisation.

The governance reforms are designed to support the objectives of SDG 16, which promotes peaceful, inclusive institutions, accountability and effective governance.

The chairman said the new administration would maintain regular engagement with members and stakeholders while ensuring that partnerships with government agencies and development organisations translate into practical benefits.

He emphasised that the proposed collaboration with NiDCOM would be particularly important in strengthening the connection between Nigerians in Greater Manchester and national development initiatives in Nigeria.

The partnership is expected to provide a structured platform for diaspora professionals to contribute expertise, facilitate investment, support youth development and participate in projects aligned with Nigeria’s development priorities and the broader SDGs.

Bashiru-Kaka said his administration would also work with other relevant agencies, civil society organisations, private-sector partners and development institutions to broaden the reach and impact of its programmes.

The NCGM chairman expressed optimism that the new approach would strengthen the organisation’s role as a bridge between Nigerians in Greater Manchester and development opportunities in Nigeria.

He said the ultimate objective was to build a united, transparent and development-focused Nigerian community capable of turning the skills, resources and networks of its members into sustainable social and economic impact.