NLI’S Fundraising Dinner in NY
Dear Friends,
This past Saturday, August 15th, NLI had its first Inaugural Dinner at the New York Marriott East Side Hotel. Prof. Olupona, the Chairman of the dinner organising committee, opened with a speech about NLI and Leadership role we all have to play, this set the tone for the main speakers – the first being Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on the Iraq Compact and Other Issues. He was followed by Mr. Aganga who gave an overview of NLI – our projects and initiatives, seminars and areas where funds are needed. Mr. Ribadu followed shortly with a speech on his leadership and all he had to do to get the job successfully done. This motivated the mostly young audience who had a lot of questions for all speakers. Senior Fellow, Dr. Olu Obaro, who flew in from London the night before gave the Vote of Thanks and wrapped up the evening nicely. Prof Gambari was particularly impressed with the Initiative and wondered why someone in his position had not heard about NLI until now. He said he would like to get involved and promote NLI at the UN and international community. He will write to share his thoughts later
later.
We hope you all can share in the splendid experience next year as all who came enjoyed themselves and went away as ambassadors for/of NLI. They all wanted to be members of NLI and participate in
the next Senior or Future Leaders Seminar. They will no doubt help spread the
message.
I would especially like to thank the planning committee that helped in making this event as successful as it turned out to be:
Kunle Deru – May 2009
Olaolu Egeonu – May 2008
Segun Ajayi – May 2008
Rotimi Ajibola – May 2009
Prof. Jacob Olupona – SL 2006
We would also like to say a Big Thank You to Chief Gboyega Delano for providing us with Ilora Beauty products for our dinner guests.
Pictures from the Dinner will be available online next week.
Sincerely,
Tumi Ajibola
