Welcome again to the year 2016. Whereas the year 2015 was a great year; I am sure that 2016 will be even greater as we can all expect. After all the year-end merriments that began with the Veterans Day, the Thanksgiving Day and its accompanying Black Friday sales leading to the Christmas and new year celebrations, and the just ended MLK Memorial Day celebrations, it is now time for the Association of Nigerians in the Capital District (ANCD) to restart its engines marching forward, under the new Executive Council. Thanks to the outgoing Executive Council and the Advisory Board members for their support.
The call to march forward does not mean that ANCD will be functioning as a “stand-alone” organization. It means that, with the Executive Council leading the way, we will be marching on as brothers and sisters toward the goals and objectives of ANCD. We will work together for the benefit and interest of ANCD members. At the top of the goals of our organization will be protecting the reputation and prides of our own dear native land, the welfare of our members and well-wishers. the needs and good health of our communities, and the overall purposes for which ANCD was formed, including uniting all Nigerians in the Capital District of Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Schenectady counties.
As the drum major (or the Town Crier) of the organization, the Executive Council is aware of the enormous tasks and challenges associated with the effort needed to achieve the stated goals and objectives in order to move ANCD forward. But that is why I, as the President, want to appeal to all members for your cooperation in working together.
Thanks to Mr. Dare Adelugba, the new PRO, for launching this ANCD Newsletter and for making the space for President’s Message. I encourage all members to use the Newsletter to share ideas and suggestions. The PRO is still soliciting families to host meetings. Many thanks to those who have hosted and those who will do so in the future. The way forward for ANCD is to show the light so that our children can see the way and follow our good examples. Thank you for your attention!
Dr. Bassey E. Essen, ANCD President
(518) 669-4574