Strength in Unity: NUSA Kempton Park Ward Inauguration Sets Standard for Nigerian Diaspora Leadership.

By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by saharaweeklyng.com

Introduction.

On Saturday, the 23rd of August 2025, Nigerians in Kempton Park, Gauteng, witnessed a landmark moment as the Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) successfully conducted the election and inauguration of its Kempton Park Ward executives. Held at the prestigious Friedman Stad Hotel, the event was not only calm and peaceful but also entertaining and filled with optimism for the future.

The ceremony drew an impressive presence of national and provincial leaders of NUSA, including the President General, Adv. Smart I. Nwobi, the BoT Chairman, Hon. Ekos Akpokabayen, the Grand Patron, Hon. Ikechukwu Anyene, the Secretary General/Acting Gauteng Chairperson, Mr. Yomi Jola-Michael, his assistant secretary, Hon. Coker, the Deputy Organising Secretary, Hon. Emeka Dibie, and the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President General, Hon. George O. Sylvester.

Their presence underscored the seriousness of the moment, proving once again that NUSA is a union of structure, discipline, and grassroots accountability.

Why the Kempton Park Ward Election Matters.

NUSA is not merely a social association; it is the umbrella body representing Nigerians across South Africa. It advocates for Nigerian rights, mediates in times of crisis, engages South African authorities on issues of police, and fosters unity among Nigerians.

The inauguration of the Kempton Park Ward executives was therefore not just another election. It was a strategic expansion of NUSA’s grassroots structures, a bold statement that Nigerians in Kempton Park will now have direct representation, a closer support system, and a structured pathway to engage with both NUSA leadership and South African authorities.

Kempton Park is home to thousands of Nigerians engaged in trade, academia, business, religious ministry, and the arts. Having a recognized ward structure here is a reassurance that NUSA is present where its people are most active.

Presence of Leaders: A Testament to Unity

The caliber of leaders who graced the event revealed its historical importance.

Adv. Smart I. Nwobi, President General of NUSA, delivered the keynote remarks. He congratulated the newly elected executives and urged them to prioritize service above self. His words reminded everyone that leadership is a responsibility, not a privilege.

Hon. Ekos Akpokabayen, BoT Chairman, one of the most respected financial minds in the Nigerian diaspora, highlighted the importance of accountability, stressing that leadership without integrity is leadership bound to collapse.

Hon. Ikechukwu Anyene, Grand Patron of NUSA, represented the moral conscience of the union. His symbolic role as patron brought a sense of tradition and stability.

Mr. Yomi Jola-Michael, Secretary General/Acting Gauteng Chairperson, along with Hon. Coker and Hon. Emeka Dibie, underscored the administrative strength of NUSA. Their presence confirmed that the Kempton Park Ward is fully integrated into the provincial and national hierarchy.

Hon. George O. Sylvester, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President General, reminded the gathering of the importance of media visibility. Through his work, NUSA ensures transparency, documentation, and a positive narrative about Nigerians in South Africa.

This unity of leadership at all levels (national, provincial, and ward) gave the inauguration a seal of legitimacy and inspiration.

A Peaceful and Democratic Process.

Elections often come with tension, but the Kempton Park Ward election defied that trend. It was orderly, transparent, and peaceful. This calm atmosphere sends a powerful message (not only to Nigerians but also to South African observers) that Nigerians are capable of conducting democratic processes with dignity and respect.

In an environment where migrant communities are often stereotyped or misrepresented, such peaceful processes are crucial in reshaping narratives. It shows Nigerians as builders of democracy, not disruptors of order.

The Role of Ward Structures in NUSA.

Ward structures like Kempton Park are the heartbeat of NUSA’s mission. While the national leadership provides vision and advocacy, ward structures provide direct connection to the people.

The functions of the Kempton Park Ward will include:

Community Representation ~ Serving as the mouthpiece of Nigerians in Kempton Park.

Conflict Resolution ~ Mediating disputes among community members before they escalate.

Advocacy & Protection ~ Standing against xenophobic threats, policeharassmentt and immigration challenges.

Empowerment Programs ~ Organizing workshops, training, and youth initiatives for Nigerians.

Cultural Promotion ~ Hosting cultural festivals that showcase Nigerian heritage, strengthening identity while fostering integration with South Africans.

By empowering grassroots voices, NUSA ensures that no Nigerian feels abandoned in South Africa.

The Challenges Ahead.

While the event was a success, the new ward executives inherited enormous challenges. Nigerians in South Africa continue to face pressing issues such as:

Immigration hurdles and documentation delays.

Police profiling and harassment, often based on nationality.

Xenophobic tensions in some communities.

Economic instability is affecting migrant businesses.

The need for youth mentorship to prevent involvement in crime.

The task before the new leadership is therefore not ceremonial but deeply practical. They must be proactive, innovative, and courageous in tackling these realities.

A Call to Leadership.

In his charge to the new executives, President General Adv. Smart I. Nwobi reminded them:

“Leadership is not about titles or recognition; it is about service, sacrifice, and the courage to act when others remain silent.”

This statement encapsulated the vision of NUSA to raise leaders who are accountable, compassionate, and resilient in protecting Nigerian dignity abroad.

NUSA’s Broader Mission.

The Kempton Park Ward inauguration fits into the broader vision of NUSA, which includes:

Advocating for Nigerian rights across South Africa.

Building strong diplomatic bridges between Nigeria and South Africa.

Promoting unity in diversity among Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, religion, or social status.

Coordinating emergency response for Nigerians in distress.

Enhancing Nigeria’s image abroad by encouraging law-abiding conduct and excellence among Nigerians.

Over the years (since 2008), NUSA has been the first responder during crises, whether in xenophobic outbreaks, legal battles, or welfare cases. The addition of stronger ward structures ensures this mission continues at a faster and more efficient pace.

Summing Up: Unity as a Way Forward.

The Kempton Park Ward election and inauguration marked a new dawn for Nigerians in Gauteng Province. It was not just a gathering; it was a statement of unity, democracy, and progress. With respected leaders in attendance and newly elected executives ready to serve, Nigerians in Kempton Park can now look to the future with confidence.

As NUSA continues to strengthen its grassroots structures, the union stands taller as the legitimate voice of Nigerians in South Africa. The message is clear: Nigerians are UNITED, ORGANIZED, and READY to CONTRIBUTE POSITIVELY to their host country while never forgetting their homeland.

The inauguration of the Kempton Park Ward will be remembered not just as an election but as a milestone in the journey of Nigerian diaspora leadership; a reminder that when Nigerians come together in peace and unity, no challenge is insurmountable.

Published by saharaweeklyng.com

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has intensified its investigation into Abdullahi Bashir Haske, the founder of AA & R Investment Group, who has been declared wanted for alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering.

Haske who is a close ally of NNPC Limited Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, is also linked to the controversial organisation of a lavish NNPCL management retreat in Kigali, Rwanda, where five private jets were allegedly chartered to fly top executives to the luxury event.

The wanted oil magnate was previously detained and had his passport seized by investigators, but sources told our correspondent that he managed to escape the country using another travel document.

In a public notice signed by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the Commission urged anyone with useful information on Haske’s whereabouts to contact its offices nationwide, security agencies, or reach out via its official helplines and email.

The manhunt comes amid wider controversy surrounding alleged fraudulent contracts linked to Haske and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

According to EFCC sources, over $56 million has been traced to different accounts linked to Haske within the last three months alone.

A civic group, the Coalition of Nigerian Patriots for Good Governance, recently accused the NNPCL leadership under Ojulari of awarding a ₦5.7 billion consultancy deal to Haske without due process.

The group described the award as “a loot in broad daylight,” questioning why an obscure firm with no verifiable track record was handpicked for such a contract. It further condemned what it called reckless spending by NNPCL executives, citing both the controversial Kigali retreat and the secretive consultancy deal.

At the heart of the EFCC’s deepening probe are suspicions of money laundering, bulk cash transfers, and questionable transactions tied to NNPC EnServe Ltd., a subsidiary of NNPCL’s Upstream Directorate.

While the Commission continues its search, civil society groups have vowed to sustain pressure, insisting that accountability is owed to Nigerians “at a time when over 200 million people live in multidimensional poverty.”

THE AFRICA GIANT IS RISING – COMMISSIONED WAGL

By Prince Adeyemi Shonibare

In Ulsan, South Korea on August 18, 2025
Nigeria took a very bold stride in its journey toward energy independence and continental leadership as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu commissioned WAGL Energy Limited’s 40,000 cubic metres Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) vessel – MT Iyaloja (Lagos) – in Ulsan, South Korea.

The vessel, jointly owned by NNPC Ltd. and Sahara Group under their joint venture WAGL Energy, expands the company’s LPG shipping fleet capacity to 162,000 CBM, joining MT Africa Gas, MT Sahara Gas, MT BaruMK, and MT Sapet. This milestone establishes WAGL as one of Africa’s most formidable indigenous LPG fleet operators.

For decades, Nigeria depended heavily on foreign-chartered LPG vessels, spending an estimated $70–80 million annually on freight charges and middleman premiums. With this commissioning, Nigeria stands to save at least $50 million each year, funds that can be redirected into domestic gas infrastructure, energy affordability, and social development.

A Break from the Past

Speaking on behalf of President Tinubu, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, described the commissioning as a symbol of Nigeria’s determination to rewrite its energy story.

“Nigeria is no longer content with being a raw material exporter. We will lead Africa in clean and sustainable energy solutions. This commissioning breaks barriers that kept our nation dependent and ensures our resources work for our people,” President Tinubu declared.
The vessel, named in honour of Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, the late mother of the President, reflects both cultural symbolism and economic intent.

Industry Voices

Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., represented by Mr. Olalekan Ogunleye, EVP Gas, Power & New Energy, highlighted the vessel’s strategic impact:

“The MT is a game-changer. It strengthens our ability to deliver LPG to Nigerians at affordable rates while saving our economy millions of dollars previously lost to foreign chartering.”

Mr. Temitope Shonubi, Executive Director, Sahara Group, said the vessel proves Africa can bridge its own energy gaps:

“This commissioning is progress you can measure — in savings, in access, and in independence. It demonstrates that Africa has the capacity to take control of its energy future.”

Mr. Mohammed Sani Bello, Managing Director of WAGL Energy Ltd., revealed ambitious expansion plans:

“Within two years, we will add both a Small Gas Carrier and a Very Large Gas Carrier (VLGC). These assets will consolidate Nigeria’s position as Africa’s clean energy hub.”

10 MAJOR BENEFITS TO NIGERIA & AFRICA

1. Annual savings of $50m+ from reduced foreign-charter costs.
2. 162,000CBM LPG fleet capacity, one of Africa’s strongest.
3. Cleaner energy access, reducing kerosene and firewood reliance.
4. Affordable LPG prices for Nigerian households.
5. Nigeria as West Africa’s LPG hub for trade and distribution.
6. Forex preservation by ending excessive foreign freight payments.
7. Industrial competitiveness with cheaper gas for manufacturing.
8. Job creation across shipping, logistics, and retail networks.
9. Investor confidence in Tinubu’s energy reforms.
10. Continental progress through wider African access to cleaner fuels.

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The commissioning of MT Iyaloja (Lagos) is not merely a maritime event. It is a strategic declaration of intent — that Nigeria will not remain trapped in cycles of dependency and inefficiency.

With projected annual savings of over $50 million, Nigeria now holds the tools to drive down household gas costs, expand industrial capacity, and reposition itself as Africa’s clean energy giant.

The task ahead lies in ensuring these benefits reach the Nigerian people: lower prices in the markets, steady gas supply for industries, and clean cooking fuel for rural households.

If momentum is sustained, this vessel could be remembered as the turning point when Nigeria, long an oil giant, finally rose as Africa’s clean energy power.