Dear members and friends of ANCD:
I am writing to express my very strong appreciation to all of you for coming together to celebrate the just concluded 25th (Silver) Anniversary of the founding of ANCD and the 58th anniversary of Nigeria’s Independence. I want to thank all members of the Planning Committee for the very aggressive and innovative ways that the event was pulled together. Special thanks to Mr. Folusho Erogbogbo for helping to organize and post ANCD Video on the Facebook. Please go see this video! Indeed, based on the overall level of positive reactions that we received both from the membership and from our guests, it seems quite appropriate to pronounce the event as a great success, except for a few internal items of concern that I will address below:
At the last October 14, 2018, General Meeting during the discussions of the Silver Anniversary outcomes, there were two outstanding issues that were not completely resolved—the question of fund-raising (donations) and the matter of venue where we will have the 2019 Annual Gala.
I want to address these separately in this message, beginning with the question of fund-raising: Where-as it appeared that the door was left open to members to respond more positively to the need to donate cash to augment the low level of funds so far generated at the day’s event, people who were present at the meeting remained silent. Unfortunately, as ANCD President I do not think that the matter should be left to rest in that manner. If we all feel that something need to be done to help the Association’s financial standing, then I want to call on all members to make their donations by sending them to the Financial Secretary as soon as possible.
Please note that the donation discussion at the meeting was spurred up by one of our non-member supporters who sent-in $200 to ANCD through another member. The question is: do we expect our outside supporters to love ANCD more than the membership does? Please send in your free-will donation as soon as you can. Again, as your President, I am sending in my own check for $1000.00 (One Thousand Dollars). Thank you for all your support.
The other issue of concern is where we will have the event in the year 2019. As we speak, some members are out there working to resolve this question. Please join me in thanking them for volunteering their time and effort to work on the matter. Also thanks to those members who openly pledge to work with the Planning Committee next year, especially at the 2018 Christmas Party on December 22nd.
FESTIVAL OF NATIONS—NOVEMBER 4, 2018
The final part of my message here is about the upcoming celebration of Festival of Nations. As discussed at the last meeting, this Annual Event will take place on November 4th, 2018, starting from 9:00 AM for those of us who must go set up. All others must be there latest 10:30 AM. Please wear traditional clothing. You need to have tickets to enter. Please call me for your tickets. Also, call me to pick up your FON Raffle stubs with the money. Congratulations to our Festival Queen Chidera Anameze. She will lead ANCD Parade Team at the Festival. Thanks to her and her family!
Dr. Bassey E. Essien, ANCD President