In continuation of her “Let us build” campaign, the leadership of Nigeria Dialogue has released the time table for a series of Gala Nights to be hosted in North America in September, 2014. The events which will take place in the four cities across North America – Atlanta, Houston, Maryland and Toronto is part of the global campaign led by the organisation aimed at promoting good governance in Nigeria by actively engaging Nigerian citizens about the state of the country and framing the key issues necessary for building the nation.
The Nigeria Dialogue gala night is an opportunity for professionals, entrepreneurs, philanthropists and celebrities to enjoy a night of entertainment, networking, fine dining, games and dancing while working to support a worthy cause targeted at the fatherland. The event will raise awareness for Nigeria Dialogue projects and to raise funds to support them while also availing attendees with other opportunities for collaboration.
Speaking on the events, Nigeria Dialogues founder and Chief Executive, Bankole Eniola stated that “We are indeed a generation forged in the crucible of scarce resources but bound by a collective aspiration to build a nation with unlimited opportunities, a nation in which you can wish upon a star irrespective of who you are; a country where what defines you as a Nigerian is your contribution to our collective experience irrespective of where you come from in the polity. We are the generation that has embraced the diversity of the many parts because we know the sum of the parts is not greater than the whole. We are Nigerians and we are ready to actualise the potentials of our country. We are the generation that will define what the next hundred years of our existence as a nation would be. Let us Build is hence a generational call to all well-meaning Nigerians to break from the negative mind-set that has stunted our past and begin to do something.”
The schedule of the North America series of Dinner nights as released by the organisation shows that the Atlanta Gala Night will hold at The Ritz-Carlton, 181 Peachtree Street North East Atlanta on the 12th of September from 7-11pm. This will be followed by Houston event billed for The Houstonian at 111N Post Oak Lane on 13th September from 7 to 11pm. Nigerians and friends of Nigeria in Maryland can join the event in their city at Hyatt Regency Baltimore on 20th September from 7.-11pm while the Canada event which will double as a town Hall meeting will hold at 55 Gould Street Ryerson University Toronto on 27th September from 4-7pm.
Among the Special guests and speakers already confirmed for the event include seasoned professionals who have held various leadership positions in Government as well as in the private sector. They include Prof Pat Utomi, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, Dr Sam Amadi, H/E Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, Hon Abike Dabiri among others.
Highlighting the projects Nigeria Dialogue is currently undertaking which includes, “Leadership for Next Generation”, a community focused project, “The New School”, targeted at improving Education and “The Politics of Issues” focused on the 2015 general elections, the media coordinator Adesope Olajide stated that “It’s not ignoring the enormity of the tasks ahead or the roadblocks that stand in our path as we try to reclaim the future of our nation. It’s not sitting on the sidelines or shirking from a fight. This hope is that thing inside us that insists, despite all the evidence to the contrary, that something better awaits Nigeria if we have the courage to reach for it and to work and fight for it. This hope is the bedrock of the ‘New Nigeria’”
Nigeria Dialogue is a nonpartisan organisation focused on raising a new generation of Nigerians who are committed to solving our problems; a generation tired of passing the buck and willing to fix the problem wherever they find themselves. Details on the event and the other activities of the organisation is available on the web site http://www.nigeriadialogue.org/
