History of NUS
The Initiative
The seed of what has now become the Nigerian Union today was planted in 1973. It took the initiative of a handful of Nigerians at the time to create a body aimed at creating a semblance of home far away from home, in the form of an association or Union. This initiative was spearheaded and driven by Mr Vidal Wilson and Dr Bafunke Adedoyin. Both of whom are currently one of the oldest Nigerians in our community to day.
The Baby Steps
As they are now in their late 80s. The organization created was christened; The Union of Nigerians in Stockholm. The mantle of leadership fell on them; this probably couldn’t have been more auspicious! Mr Vidal Wilson became the president while Dr. Bafunke Adedoyin assumed the position of the Secretarty. Thus started the journey of the Nigerian Union! Like a toddler just learning how to walk, the union took its baby steps and started its sojourn in the world.
The Rejuvenation
However, like every new venture, it had its challenges and became dormant after a few meetings. Until a pivotal moment in time when Mr Salimonu Kadiri then picked it up the shelf and tried to give a new lease of life to it. It took the selfless effort and courage of Mr Kadiri back in the winter of 1976, 28th of Feburary to be precise, to call on Nigerians to gather together and rejuvenate the platform for Nigerians to congregate again. At this meeting, which was presided by Mr Kadiri Salimonu, there were about 24 citizens in attendance. He eventually became the secretary of the organization while Mr Godfrey Ofoezie was appointed or rather voted the president.
The Objectives
The purpose of the meeting was actualized and the Union became formerly known as The Nigerian Union of students in Stockholm. The main objectives of the Union were: To promote the interest of Nigerians residing in Stockholm To provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and for social and cultural contact among Nigerians resident in Stockholm To project and promote the image of Nigeria in every possible manner, in particular socially and culturally To afford Nigerians resident in Stockholm a forum for coordinating their interests and activities with those of their compatriots in Sweden, Scandinavia, Nigeria and other parts of the world To further understanding, respect and amity between Nigerians and other national groups.
Nigerian Union in Sweden
The Union had this name until sometime in 1984 when it became known as: THE NIGERIAN ORGANIZATION IN STOCKHOLM. In June 1990, the Union adopted a new name as Nigerian Union in Stockholm under the presidency of Mr. Godfrey Ofoezie and Mr. John Ibegbulem as the Secretary. However, with the consensus of the members in 2014, the association was explicitly renamed Nigerian Union in Sweden. Its aims and objectives are still the same till today. The Union has since lived up to its mantra and has made enviable strides as a beacon that unifies Nigerians.
Culture, Tradition and Democracy
It has also had its fair share of challenges, however on account of numerous achievements and progress, the Union still stands tall among its peers as an ideal organization with a true taste of culture, tradition and democracy. Since the inception of Nigerian Union in Sweden, the association has engaged in several cultural performances, seminars, and workshops which have enriched the cultural mosaic of the Swedish population and the entire Nigerian community at large.
The Re-branding Enterprise
More recently, the Union embarked on a re-branding enterprise and it is well on its course to becoming a melting pot of the different cultures that makes the country a truly diverse and unique land, though tongues and creed may differ but united by a common purpose and vision. It is on this premise that the motto of the union got changed to …”together we grow!” and a new logo was launched in 2022.
AIMS
1. To act as a common forum through which Nigerians, Swedes and other nationalities in Sweden
can discuss matters of mutual interest to human harmony and progress.
2.To serve as venue for social and cultural interaction between Nigerians and other nationalities in
Sweden.
3. To promote cordial relations between the people of Nigeria and Sweden in the field of education,
commerce and industry.
4. To maintain good contact with the Nigerian and Swedish authorities.
5. To act, when necessary, as a link between members of the Union and the Swedish authorities.
6. To promote and encourage solidarity at all times amongst members.