It is my pleasure to welcome you to our 1st ever Online AGM, and we hope that next year we will be able to meet not only online but also physically at a central location in the Province.
This year has been a successful year for us in terms of awareness, relationship building with the government and other multicultural organizations, advocacy about immigration policies in the province and creating a strong working relationship with other Nigerian associations across Canada and Nigeria High Commission in Ottawa. This would not be possible without the hard work and perseverance of the Executives, the Adhoc committee who worked tirelessly to give us NCANB, Dr. Patrick Omotosho, the Chairman of the BOT and his entire team.
Our first and most important relationship is always with our members, building and maintaining relationships with government, decision-makers, NGOs and partners crucial to our success. As a not-for profit associations, our goal in 2022 is to continue to provide value added events, support our entrepreneurs, students, more representation for our people, engage the government at all levels to bring about change to some already existing immigration policies and set new ones that will enable less visible minorities take leadership roles in Government and private sector.
We have made tremendous progress and there are still room for more. We need to bolster old relationships and nurture new ones. I plan to that and It is my hope that you will do the same.
Below are some of the highlights of the 2021 year:
- BOT and Exco consistently met to find ways to deliver value adding services to our members
- Introduction of NCANB to Government of New Brunswick and relevant ministries, Relationship building with multicultural associations across New Brunswick
- Meet and Greet session With Hon. Minister for Families, Children and Social development of Canada. Hon Ahmed Hussen
- 10th Feb, Information Session for Newcomers Marking Black History Month with YMCA, Saint John Newcomers Centre
- June 12 Democracy Day Seminar: Technology, a Disruptive Tool for leadership, Good Governance and Change
- We have been able to distribute 10 computers donated to us from the FAN and additional 10 have been pledged with a literacy program coming up in 2022 for our young ones
- We celebrated Nigeria’s Independence Day on October 1st across the 3 major cities in New Brunswick with Members of parliament in attendance. We plan to make this a yearly event
- On October 1st, we and 3 other black organizations signed a Youth Outreach program with funding of over $2,220,621.00. The program is supervised by John Howard Society of New Brunswick. We encourage participation of our members to be able to get the benefits and contribute to make this a success.
- In October, we opened a new office (Secretariat) fully furnished now at 140 Joyce Avenue Moncton, E1A 4V9 and one of us work from the office.
- We had our first Tax Awareness/Information Session Ably supported by Biola Alo, Yemi Sadiku and John Adebisi.
- We have built a new website for the association which will accommodate most of our activities with less human interventions.
- We assisted in Setting up/Facilitating NIN Centres across New Brunswick.
- In October, we were able to get some top Federal Ministries to open discussion on Black Policies and Management positions for Blacks in New Brunswick. This is gaining traction and opening room for more blacks across other sectors.
- Information/Orientation Sessions for Newcomers.
Projects Planned but Cancelled due to Covid Restrictions
- Intercity Sporting Activities.
- Family-oriented summer social activities in the Province to connect with members and our host communities.
- End of Year Gala Nite.
Projects Pending and upcoming next year
- Passport Intervention
- Computer Literacy and advocacy
- Creation of a Passport renewal centre in New Brunswick to serve Atlantic Region.
. - Youth empowerment and leadership workshop for youth across New Brunswick.
- Create more opportunities for blacks and visible minorities by engaging the government of New Brunswick and other stake holders in coming up with beneficial policies that seek to empower everyone.
In Closing, it has been my honour to represent NCANB as President in the last 1 year. I look forward to more rewarding years ahead.
Regards,
Adebayo Ogunleye
President, NCANB
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