REPORT OF THE FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF CENTRAL ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIANS IN THE
UNITED KINGDOM (CANUK) HELD ON 28 JANUARY 2006

The First General Assembly of Central Association of Nigerians in the UK (CANUK) was held at the Nigeria High Commission, London, on 28 January 2006. The Assembly was attended by 53 voting delegates from CANUK member associations.

2. The Keynote address on the occasion was delivered by the Nigeria High Commissioner, Dr. Christopher Kolade, CON who enumerated the significance of the on-going efforts to mobilise the teeming population of Nigerians within a united community forum. Making a donation of a computer and a printer to the new Executive Committee, the High Commissioner expressed the hope that the new umbrella association will address the issue of better image for Nigeria in the United Kingdom.

3. The Chairman of the Interim Executive Committee/Electoral Group, Professor Victor Ayeni of the Commonwealth Secretariat presented the report of the Interim Executive Committee and submitted the membership list as well as the result of the elections into the Executive Committee positions. The General Assembly, in its turn, confirmed both the List and the Elections Result.

4. Following the dissolution of the Interim Executive Committee, the General Assembly proceeded to elect the Chair of the Association among the two candidates, who contested for the position. These were: Mr. Abimbola Robert Afolayan (from the Association of Nigerian IT Professionals) and Dr Mark Abani (from Ebonyi State Union). The former polled a total of 15 votes, while the latter candidate scored a total of 36. Two ballots were voided. Consequently, the Seesion Chair declared Dr. Mark Abani as the duly elected Chair of CANUK.

5. Considering the outpouring of support for his nomination, the appointment of the Nigeria High Commissioner, Dr. Christopher Kolade as Patron of CANUK was confirmed by the General Assembly.

6. The entire members of the Executive Committee were presented to the General Assembly, while the Chair delivered the acceptance speech on their behalf.

7. The General Assembly, thereafter, deliberated on draft Programme of Activities for 2006 and decided that the Executive Committee should map out its priorities as deemed necessary, including the registration of the Association. They also decided on the following issues:

(a) An amount of £50.00 as one-off membership fee for each delegate to the General Assembly;
(b) An amount of £50.00 as annual subscription fee for each delegate to the General Assembly;
(c) The executive Committee to proceed with registration of more members in line with the Constitution of CANUK; and
(d) The List of Associate and Honourary Members presented to it for confirmation.

8. The motion for adoption of the Report of the Interim Committee/Electoral Group on the foregoing issues was moved by Mr. Omusa Baba Ohyoma, delegate from Nassarawa State/1st V.Chair and seconded by Mr. Christian Onuorah of the Igbo Unity Organisation.

9. On the issue of annual contribution, the General Assembly agreed that the Executive Committee can institute a formula by which member associations with special circumstances can be granted rebates.

10. Finally, Professor Victor Ayeni in his capacity as the Sesssional Chair commended the exemplary contributions made by the Nigeria High Commissioner towards the successful launch of the inclusive Nigerian community forum. He also extolled the role played by members of the Interim Committee as well as the entire delegates for their dedication and cooperation, which facilitated the success of the General Assembly session.

Secretariat, CANUK Electoral Group
28 JANUARY 2006