ABOUT

NIDO-Russia is a Chapter of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Europe (NIDOE), the European
arm of a global network of Nigerians in the Diaspora with Headquarters in London. Other continental arms
of the global organisation include NIDO-Americas, NIDO-Asia, and NIDO-Africa. NIDOE-Russia was
established as a forum for Nigerian professionals residing in Russia to participate actively in the
development of Nigeria.

Serving as a platform for Nigerians to network, NIDO-Russia is committed to tapping into the knowledge
and skills of Nigerians in both countries in concert with other Nigerians in the Diaspora for the
development of Nigeria. Since May 2007, when a new impulse was given to the physical establishment of
the Chapter, the Organisation has resolved to continue to strive to greater heights.

The Government of Nigeria — at both the Federal and State levels — recognises NIDO-Russia as the
official platform through which individual Nigerian Diaspora members, their community organisations,
and corporate bodies can channel their developmental efforts to Nigeria. In this capacity, the Organisation
partners with Nigerian community and professional organisations as well as public and private businesses
in focused areas such as Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), professional networking, stakeholder advocacy,
medical missions, and technological and IT skills transfer to Nigeria.

The core vision of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation is to develop an effective, unified platform for
Nigerians abroad to harness their talents, expertise, and resources for Nigeria's national development and
nation building. NIDO-Russia has remained steadfast in this mission through the dedication, sacrifice, and
selfless service of successive leaders and members, producing several leaders who have served the
continental organisation in various capacities, including membership of the Board of Trustees, the
Continental Executive Council, and numerous strategic committees.

The Pioneer Executives:
Dr. Bashir Obasekola - Coordinator / Interim Chairman

Dr. Uche Obua - Secretary

Mr. Rex Essenowo - Member

Mr. Matthew Ilechukwu - Member

The Embassy subsequently notified NIDO-Europe of the initiative, while the Establishment Committee immediately commenced engagement with the continental organisation. Following the completion of the
necessary processes, NIDO-Russia was formally recognised as a Chapter of NIDO-Europe. Dr. Bashir Obasekola was appointed Interim Chairman and Coordinator with responsibility for representing Russia
in the affairs of NIDO-Europe. An interim executive team was subsequently constituted to continue membership mobilisation and institutional development.

The early years presented significant challenges. Membership growth was initially slow, largely because the organisation relied entirely on voluntary service, personal commitment, and self-financing.
Furthermore, some of the pioneer members and interim executive officers subsequently relocated from Russia, thereby reducing the number of active hands available to drive the organisation during its
formative years. Nevertheless, the individuals who remained demonstrated remarkable resilience, dedication, and selflessness in sustaining the Chapter. Despite limited resources, NIDO-Russia maintained
an active presence within NIDO-Europe and the global NIDO community, due largely to the commitment and personal sacrifices of Dr. Bashir Obasekola and other pioneering members.

Aims, Objectives & Membership Benefits:

To encourage partnership amongst Nigerians living in Russia and elsewhere in Europe, with host country public and private sector on economic, democratic and cultural issues in Nigeria.
To serve as technical advisers and partners to the Nigerian government and other corporate bodies on specific matters of business, social, economic and cultural initiatives in the interest of Nigerians and Nigeria.
To in collaboration with the diverse Nigerian organisations promote the spirit of patriotism amongst Nigerians living in Russia and encourage their participation in the affairs of Nigeria
To assist in promoting and enhancing a good image for Nigeria in the international arena.
To create a database of Nigerian professionals in Russia, whose background, experience and contact could help facilitate the development of Nigeria
To coordinate the active participation of Nigerians resident in Russia in the annual Nigerian Diaspora Day/Science and Technology Conference in Nigeria
To facilitate the investment plans of Nigerians in Russia, who wish to invest in the Nigerian economy; and also facilitate Nigerian professionals in Russia, who wish to take up positions in Nigerian Public or Private sector
To encourage and facilitate Nigerian professionals and any other humanitarian organisations in Russia to undertake free voluntary service in Nigeria.

Membership: To become member click on “Become a member” page for details.

Partnership & Collaboration

To encourage partnership amongst Nigerians living in Russia and elsewhere in Europe, with
host country public and private sector on economic, democratic, and cultural issues in Nigeria.
To serve as technical advisers and partners to the Nigerian government and other corporate
bodies on specific matters of business, social, economic, and cultural initiatives in the interest
of Nigerians and Nigeria.

Professional Database

To create a database of Nigerian professionals in Russia, whose background, experience, and
contacts could help facilitate the development of Nigeria. To coordinate the active participation
of Nigerians resident in Russia in the annual Nigerian Diaspora Day/Science and Technology

Partnership @NIDORussia

Professional Database

@NIDORussia

Investment & Career Facilitation

To facilitate the investment plans of Nigerians in Russia who wish to invest in the Nigerian
economy; and also facilitate Nigerian professionals in Russia who wish to take up positions in
Nigerian public or private sector. To assist in promoting and enhancing a good image for
Nigeria in the international arena.

Email: info@nidorussia.com

Humanitarian Service

To encourage and facilitate Nigerian professionals and any other humanitarian organisations in
Russia to undertake free voluntary service in Nigeria. In collaboration with diverse Nigerian
organisations, promote the spirit of patriotism amongst Nigerians living in Russia and
encourage their participation in the affairs of Nigeria.

Email: info@nidorussia.com

Period One: Formation & Establishment (2001–2007)

CHAPTER HISTORY

The origins of NIDO-Russia can be traced to March 2001, when the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, paid an official state visit to the Russian Federation at the
invitation of President Vladimir Putin. The three-day visit marked the first official visit of a Nigerian Head of State to Russia and culminated in the signing of the Declaration on Principles of Friendly
Relations and Partnership between the Russian Federation and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, thereby laying the foundation for renewed economic, educational, and military cooperation between the two
countries.

As part of the visit, President Obasanjo met with Nigerians resident in Russia. During the interaction, he expressed admiration for the achievements, educational attainments, and professional
accomplishments of members of the Nigerian diaspora community. He reiterated his vision of mobilising Nigerians abroad into organised platforms through which the Government of Nigeria could engage
diaspora professionals and harness their expertise, networks, and resources for national development. The President encouraged Nigerians in Russia to unite in pursuit of Nigeria's development and informed
them that he had directed Nigerian diplomats and government officials to support the establishment of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) across different regions of the world. The message was
warmly received and became the catalyst for subsequent developments in Russia.

From the presidential visit, the Embassy of Nigeria in Moscow identified a number of influential and accomplished Nigerians resident in Russia and invited them to a consultative meeting aimed at
encouraging the establishment of a NIDO Chapter in Russia, similar to developments already taking place in North America and a decision to establish a continental body with chapters in Europe. The meeting was convened on 20 October 2001 on behalf of the Ambassador by the then Minister (Education, Consular and Immigration), Mr. Stephen Makanjuola. The gathering was well attended and unanimously resolved to establish a NIDO Chapter in Russia.

Following detailed discussions on the objectives, structure, and benefits of the organisation, a Local Establishment Committee was constituted under the leadership of Dr. Bashir Obasekola. The Committee
was mandated to liaise with the NIDO-Europe Headquarters in London, raise awareness among Nigerians resident in Russia regarding the aims and objectives of NIDO, and conduct an intensive membership
drive.

TM : #NIDORussia

Dr. Ayo Ojajune Administration (2007–2009)

Dr. Ayo Ojajune — Chairman

Engr. Frank Ibeme — Secretary

Dr. Bashir Obasekola — Director of Operations

Mr. Rex Essenowo — Public Relations Officer

Architect Yinka Olatoye — Financial Secretary

EXECUTIVE MEMBERS

Period Two: Consolidation & Continental Engagement (2007–2009)

CHAPTER HISTORY

A new phase in the Chapter's development commenced in June 2007 with the election of Dr. Ayo Ojajune as substantive Chairman.
Under Dr. Ojajune's leadership, NIDO-Russia strengthened its participation in continental activities and ensured sustained representation in major NIDO programmes and events. In recognition of his contributions, Dr. Ojajune was appointed to the Board of Trustees of NIDO-Europe in 2008 during the continental leadership of Dr. John George. Several members of NIDO-Russia were also appointed to various continental committees, reflecting
the growing influence and credibility of the Chapter.

In accordance with the provisions of the NIDO-Europe Constitution at the time, Dr. Ojajune relinquished his position as Chapter Chairman upon his appointment to the Board of Trustees of NIDO Europe.
Consequently, in April 2009, Dr. Bashir Obasekola was elected Chairman of NIDO-Russia, marking the beginning of a new executive team dedicated to advancing the Chapter's mission.

NIDO Russia - TM Protected

Our Team

Dr. Bashir Obasekola Administration (April 2009)

Dr. Bashir Obasekola — Chairman

Engr. Frank Ibeme — Secretary I

Dr. Cyril Ohiara — Secretary II

Mr. Rex Essenowo — Director of Operations

Mr. Patrick Egwakhide — Assistant Director of Operations

Architect Yinka Olatoye — Financial Secretary

Dr. Abayomi Samuel — Treasurer

Dr. Yusuf Isa Makarfi — Public Relations Officer

The transition between these two administrations reflected the Chapter's growing institutional maturity and its increasing integration within the broader NIDO-Europe continental structure. The appointments of Chapter members to continental committees during this period demonstrated the credibility and influence that NIDO-Russia had earned through consistent participation and dedicated service.

Transition Period 2

Period Three: Growth, Expansion & Institutional Maturity (2009–Present)

CHAPTER HISTORY

The third phase commenced with the emergence of Dr. Bashir Obasekola as Chairman in April 2009. Membership expansion became the central focus of his administration. Drawing upon his extensive
experience and network as former President of the Nigerian Community in Russia, Dr. Obasekola successfully attracted a larger number of Nigerians into the organisation. Membership expanded beyond
Moscow to other cities across the Russian Federation where Nigerians were making significant contributions in academia, business, and professional practice. Under his leadership, NIDO-Russia experienced
substantial growth in both membership and outreach.

In 2014, Dr. Obasekola was elected Continental Vice Chairman of NIDO-Europe. His contributions to the unity, stability, and advancement of NIDO across Europe and globally earned him widespread
recognition and respect. His elevation further enhanced the standing of NIDO-Russia within the continental structure, resulting in increased representation of Chapter members on various committees and
projects. Throughout this period, NIDO-Russia maintained a strong presence at Annual General Meetings and other continental events.

i) 2009–2014

Dr. Bashir Obasekola leads membership expansion beyond Moscow to cities across
Russia. Elected Continental Vice Chairman of NIDO-Europe in 2014.

ii) 2014–2020

Mr. Rex Essenowo elected Chairman. Strengthens organisational structure, increases
member engagement, and reinforces commitment to homeland development. Elected
Continental Financial Secretary of NIDO-Europe in 2020 and re-elected in 2022.

iii) 2020 – Current

Mr. Uwem Sampson assumes office. Elevates visibility, expands investor partnerships,
organizes business missions to Nigeria, sponsors annual football competition, and secures
legal registration of the NIDO-Russia trademark in the Russian Federation.

Following the completion of Dr. Obasekola's tenure as Chapter Chairman in 2014, Mr. Rex Essenowo was elected Chairman of NIDO-Russia. Mr. Essenowo continued the momentum of membership
expansion and project development. Despite prevailing challenges, his administration strengthened the Chapter's organisational structure, increased engagement among members, and reinforced
NIDO-Russia's commitment to homeland development initiatives. His leadership and dedication were further recognised at the continental level when he was elected Continental Financial Secretary of
NIDO-Europe in 2020 and subsequently re-elected in 2022.

History @NIDORussia

Our Team

Hon. Rex Essenowo Administration (April 2014 - 2020)

Member of the Executive Council:

Hon Rex Essenowo — Chairman
Mr. Joshua Olasehinde - Vice Chairman

Engr. Sola Aiyetan — Secretary I
Dr. Chris Ugbalo - Public Relation Officer

Dr. Donatus Okpara — Secretary 2/ Director of Operations

Dr. Samuel Abayomi — Financial Director
Arch. Kehinde Oluremi - Welfare officer

Dr. Andrew Suberu — Public Relations Officer

This was the beginning of Expansion and growth after the transition period.
While intensifying Chapter's growing engagements in activities with the Continental bodies, NIDO-Europe and others.

Under the administration a project committee was established and Regional Directors/ Coordinators were appointed, so as, to widen membership inclusion, and as well, improve engagements with companies and organizations in the regions .

Below are some of the major activities during the Period:
2015 - The First ever Russia - Nigeria Business Summit in Moscow (Curtesy of H.E. Amb, Chief Asam Asam, SAN)
In July 2015, NIDO Worldwide was established in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, and structured, during the Diaspora Week in Nigeria, for unified coordination of organizational policies, strengthening of leadership, wider cooperation and coordination of activities.
- 2016 - Oil & Gas Summit, Moscow with many delegates from Nigeria
- 2017 - Nigerian Business & Investment Summit in Dortmund, Germany
- 2017 - The administration also contributed, working with the continental bodies, oversaw the drafting and review of the Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) Establishment Bill and the subsequent passing of the Bill twice at the National Assembly (NASS), which was later accented into law by Vice President, His Excellency, Prof. Remi Osinbajo (SAN, GCON).
- 2016 - 2020 - Partnership and organization of Business Conferences with the Institute of African Studies (Russian Academy of Sciences - RAS)
- The administration of Rex Essenowo also partnered with the Nigerian Embassy in Moscow in organizing several events, including the formation of the FIFA World Cup 2018 working Committee, organizing the reception of the Nigerian National team, The Super Eagles and High profile Nigeria delegates to Russia during the FIFA World Cup, hosted by Russia

2018 - Resuscitation of the Russia - Nigeria Business Council and subsequent Agreements with Abuja Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Visit of the ACCI President , Prince Kayode (MON)
June 2019 - The 26th Annual General Meeting of Afreximbank in Moscow and Subsequent Meetings with former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo
October, 2019 - President Buhari visited Russia to attend the Russia - Africa Economic Summit, where over 40 African Heads of States and Governments attended in Sochi; Members of NIDO Russia's Projects committee were also instrumental to the success of the summit.
- In 2020 - Nigeria - Russian Business Forum was hosted in Moscow with many Business organization from Nigeria in attendance (Courtesy: H.E., Amb. Prof. Steve Ugba & Diplomatc Vista).

Members of the Projects Committee who were directors from the regions, representatives of major partners and on Special duties were:

- Dr. Sunday Ayo - Krasnodar region
- Dr. Sunday Emenka - Volgograd & South West
- Dr. Donatus Okpara - 2nds Secretary/ Special Duties
- Dr. Medina Umar - Special Duties
- Hon Uwem Sampson - Pskov & Kaliningrad regions
- Dr. David Olasehinde - Ekaterinburg & Ural region
- Dr. Andrew Suberu - St. Petersburg & Leningrad regions
- Mr. Edmond Ozio - Sochi & Sevastopol
- Dr. Tony Chiebo - Tambov Region
- Dr. Chukwujekwu Ejike (President & Representative of Nigerian Community)
- Dr. Bashir Obasekola - Continental Vice Chairman(NIDO Europe)

Transition Period 3

The Uwem Sampson Administration: A New Era

CHAPTER HISTORY

The current era under the leadership of Mr. Uwem Sampson, who assumed office in 2020, represents a
significant chapter in the history of NIDO-Russia. Leveraging his experience as a businessman, philanthropist,
and former Rotary Club leader, Mr. Sampson has elevated the Chapter's visibility and expanded its network of
partnerships with investors and business stakeholders in both Russia and Nigeria.

Under his leadership, NIDO-Russia has organised numerous business missions to Nigeria and hosted
conferences highlighting investment and commercial opportunities between the two countries. Recognising the
unifying power of sports, the Chapter introduced and continues to sponsor an annual football competition
involving Nigerian football teams and associations across Russia. The initiative has strengthened community
cohesion and enhanced the visibility of the Organisation.

Mr. Sampson has effectively utilised both Russian and Nigerian media platforms to promote the activities of the
Chapter while also strengthening relations with the Embassy of Nigeria in Moscow. One of the landmark
achievements of the current administration has been the legal registration and protection of the

NIDO-Russia trademark in the Russian Federation. This development reaffirmed the Chapter's legitimacy as
the recognised representative of NIDO-Europe in Russia and effectively curtailed attempts by unauthorised
groups to use the NIDO name and logo.

Key Achievements:

Organised business missions to Nigeria
Hosted investment conferences
Launched annual football competition
Expanded media presence in Russia & Nigeria
Registered NIDO-Russia trademark in Russia
Strengthened Embassy relations

History @NIDORussia

THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
Below are the members of the Executives

Mr. Uwem F. SAMPSON

Chairman

Tel: +7921-218-8198

Mr. Joshua O. OLASEHINDE

Vice Chairman

Dr. Raymond Ovwigho Ekpobodo

General Secretary

Dr Joshua Orabiyi

EXCO Member

Dr. Andrew Suberu

Public Relations Officer

Dr. Medina Umar

EXCO Member

Mr. Afolabi Ajayi

Events & Welfare Officer

Arch. Kehinde Oluremi

Finance director

Ms. Olufunke Olasode

EXCO Member

THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
Below are the members of the Executives

Mr. Uwem F. SAMPSON

Chairman

Tel: +7921-218-8198

Mr. Joshua O. OLASEHINDE

Vice Chairman

Dr. Raymond Ovwigho Ekpobodo

General Secretary

Dr Joshua Orabiyi

EXCO Member

Dr. Andrew Suberu

Public Relations Officer

Dr. Medina Umar

EXCO Member

Mr. Afolabi Ajayi

Events & Welfare Officer

Arch. Kehinde Oluremi

Finance director

Ms. Olufunke Olasode

EXCO Member

Become A Member

NIDO-Russia is currently being managed by an Administration, which takes care of the day-to-day business of the organisation. Following the results of the election which took place at the Annual General Meeting of NIDO Russia on the 26th of December 2020,

The Board of Trustees