President of Nigerians in Diaspora Organization, Philippines (NIDOPHIL), Bishop Tony Marioghae has assured Nigerians in the Philippines that the organization will ensure nobody intimidates them again in the country as long as they don’t run afoul of the laws of the land.
He gave the assurance shortly after he was elected president of the organisaition at the celebration of the 64th independence of Nigeria in Manila.
Marioghae who is also the president of The Evangelical Ark Mission (TEAM) International; one of the fastest-growing churches in the Philippines said his administration will make Nigeria and Nigerians proud by showcasing the best of Nigerians through targeted empowerment programs.
He said the association can “provide the moral and mental protection that our people need and broad enough to reach out to the oppressed and protect them within the confines of the Philippine legal system.”
Days of intimidation gone
While assuring that the days of intimidating and harassing innocent Nigerians are over, he said, “A new era has begun. No one will be left behind in this tedious path to greatness and victory. The desire of the majority will be achieved by accommodating the concerns of the minority.
“We will be the servants of ALL and lords to none,” he said.
He then urged Nigerians to “forget about the ugly past, march into the glorious God-given destiny ahead of us, and make Nigeria proud again. We can’t step into the future by holding hands with the past.”
Marioghae who received awards along with other Nigerians urged Nigerians to embrace the right moral principles and values and work to achieve impossible feats through honour, vision, and unity of purpose.
He urged them not to succumb to defeat and despair and to confront their challenges boldly with a mindset of victory.
Unity and sacrifice
He recalled that Nigerians in diaspora Philippines have been divided and disillusioned in the past while also calling for unity and sacrifice “to achieve our collective aspirations and redeem our lost glory.”
He told Nigerians that the nefarious activities of some misguided elements in the Philippines must never be allowed to define and defame the noble deeds of the silent majority.
“Through positive ventures, we can change the negative media image into admirable testimonies everywhere. Only good deeds can neutralize negative stereotypes. Respect is never demanded – it must be earned.”
“The task ahead,” he said, “is more significant than titles and entitlements. A crown does not make a king, but a noble character and vision define outstanding leadership.” He said.
Bishop Marioghae concluded his speech by echoing the words of Martin Luther King Jr. “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.”
The celebration
Nigerians in the Philippines celebrated the nation’s 64th Independence Day in collaboration with the Embassy of Nigeria at the Prestigious Vikings Restaurant, Mall of Asia, Pasay City, Metro Manila.
During the celebration, the rich cultural heritage and hospitality of Nigeria were propagated in speeches, video presentations, diverse dances, and other relevant creative displays that captivated the Philippines dignitaries, who graced the occasion.
In his keynote address, Hon. Oloje Adeshina, Charge D’Affaires, Embassy of Nigeria, Manila, gave a brief history of Nigeria and emphasized the vast resources of the West African nation.
He later inaugurated the newly appointed NIDO executives, namely: Bishop Tony Marioghae as President, Mr. Ajayi Ayodele, Vice President, Dr. Francis Kayode Ashipaoloye, Corporate Secretary, and Mr. Mohammed Abubakar Danjuma as Auditor. Other officers are Mr. Okoye C. Christian, Treasurer, Mr. Fred Nosakhare, Financial Secretary, and Ms. Afuecheta Chidinma Stella as PRO.
Outstanding Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in various fields in the Philippines were also recognized and presented awards by the Nigerian Embassy to encourage hard work, and excellence and to promote high moral standards among Nigerians living abroad.
Some members of the newly constituted NIDO executives also received various awards.