16th September, 2017
Mr Chima Umealo, the President of Abia Union in South Africa, says the group has commenced the collation of members’ data living in that country.
He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Johannesburg on Saturday that the process began a year ago and was still on-going.
Umealo said that the union embarked on the collation exercise in line with the federal and state government`s policy of collating the data of Nigerians in the Diaspora.
“ The Federal and state governments have implemented a Diaspora data collation initiative.
“ The union has keyed into this and has commenced a compilation of the data of Abia indigenes living in South Africa for developmental purpose.
“ Without a correct data of people at home and in the Diaspora, it will be difficult to implement some developmental programmes,” he said.
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The president, who said that the union had been repositioned, added that it organised the first Igbo food festival in South Africa which attracted the attention of investors in the hospitality business.
He said the festival, which held in November last year, showcased assorted Nigerian delicacies and preparation processes.
“ Many South Africans and investors from other countries became interested in Nigerian food,” he said.
Umealo further said that the union would partner with the Abia government to build a modern bus stop in Aba.