On July 14 2018, the UK, grass-roots Development Initiative (GDI), held its first rally in Woolwich, city centre, UK, with great turn out of its members from different regions within the UK and Northern Ireland. The executive members and guest came to the rally to show solidarity, especially amongst Rivers States indigenes of Nigeria living in the UK. The idea for the rally was to promote and support the current Governor of Rivers State, Barrister Nyesom Wike, bid for re-election in 2019.
According to the exco members, the Governor has been forthright in fulfilling his promises of developing Rivers State, in order to create opportunities for growth with the commissioning of various project since taking office. GDI is a social and political platform geared towards promoting harmonious interaction amongst Rivers States citizens living in the UK, and in Nigeria. The Initiative main aim, according to the exco members at the rally, ‘is to promote and support good governance in Nigeria, by using international models, hence the steadfast support for Governor Nyesom Wike.’ GDI’S unwavering support for Governor Wike, “is purely on merit, says Mr. Obinna Samuel Amadi, one of the exco members and the coordinator of GDI. “The governor’s style of governance is a thorough grass root inclusive, transparent and project driven policies,” Mr. Obinna inferred .
Although the rally is partly to promote and support the Governor’s re-election campaign, it is also a tool used in demonstrating the Initiative vision; which is also to promote the idea of private citizens collaborating with the State Government to invest in human security, growth of the States and its citizens. The rally was a fun-filled event with positive energy vibrating amongst the guest and members- there were food, drinks, and live music by Nigeria very own musician, Modupe; the runner-up of the UK Got Talent, and Rivers State born, UK citizen, Tonye Jumbo, who also is the financial secretary of the Initiative.
In the displayed pictures are some of the exco members who attended and ensured that the rally was a success; the publicity secretary, Mr. Letor Lee; the Coordinator, Obinna Samuel Amadi; the Treasurer, Hon. Tony Kalagbor; the secretary-general, Barr Lawrence Manuchim; the Women Leader, Miss Chinyere Owurre; assistant to the secretary-general, Izzy K. Orlukwu; and duputy coordinator, Dr. Henry Okonu, and many more exco members who were instrumental in organizing the rally.
The next phase of the Grass-root- Development Initiative, will be to continue the support and promotion of Governor Nyesom Wike’s re-election bid- which ultimately will be to encourage Rivers State citizens of Nigeria living around the world to show their support in voting him in for the second term in 2019.
BessJT 