Dear Members,
Please find the minutes below, and a copy has been linked to this email for your records.
Thank you
General Secretary, ANNS
ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIANS IN NOVA SCOTIA (ANNS)
MINUTES OF GENERAL MEETING
Date: Sunday, May 31, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Zoom (Online)
Executives in Attendance
President – Philip Okunaiya
Vice President – Adaugo Nwakuna-Njaka
General Secretary I – Muyideen Alagbe
General Secretary II – Felicia Okpala
Financial Secretary I – Franklyn Anoje
Financial Secretary II – Rita Ibrahim
Welfare Officer I – Chiazoka Ikebata
Treasurer – Victor Ani
Members in Attendance
Rita Ibrahim, Omolara Ajimati (Tobiloba Ajimati), Chijioke T, Adedamola Ajayi, Samuel Jirgba,
Macauley, Tekena, Google Pixel 6a, Olawale Matti, Agunze Azuka Onwuka, Promise Okoi,
Frankie Ekedum, Samuel Okpala, Blessing Orajiaka, Bilikis (Bilikis Banire), Cyprian, Ifeyinwa
Mbakogu, Elizabeth, Chidimma Nwachukwu, Emeka Ogbonna, Kehinde Adekunle George, Ugo,
Oche Agwuchi, Mitchelle Defounga, Kemi Olu-Olorunda, Moses Odinaka Ugwoegbu, Mukaila &
Islamiyat Salaudeen, Rosemary Osasere, Priscilla, Ifo Ikede, Sherifat Onabanjo, Olu Aye, Faith
Ogochukwu Moneke-Ukadike, Grace, Toun Oluwole, Beverly, Emmanuel Taiwo, Oluwafemi
Adebiyi, Adaugo Njaka, Richard Ojeabulu, Elizabeth Obisesan, MB, Olanrewaju, Adhley Daniel,
Gift Madusha, Chima Ivoko, Titi Damiro, Stanley Orajiaka, Kelechi Miracle, Bunmi Adeleye,
Muyideen Soluade, Thelma Ani.
AGENDA
● Call to order / Opening Prayer
● Adoption of Agenda
● Approval of the Minutes of the last General Meeting
● Financial Report
● Presentation of the Asset register
● Financial Audit Matters
● Bye-Law Committee
● Children Summer Camp
● Membership - Zeffy Platform adoption
● Youth Debate - Mock House of Assembly
● Nigeria Festival Week
● Correspondence
● AOB
● Closing
1. Call to Order / Opening Prayer
The meeting was called to order by Muyideen Alagbe, the General Secretary I, at approximately
3:00 pm with an opening prayer led by Franklyn Anoje.
2. Adoption of Agenda
The meeting agenda which had been communicated over a week ago, was again shared with
members via the Zoom chat. A motion for adoption of the agenda was moved by Macauley
Okoro and seconded by Franklyn Anoje.
3. Approval of Minutes of the Last General Meeting
In the absence of no amendments, Agunze Azuka Onwuka moved for the adoption of the
minutes and was seconded by Samuel Okpala.
4. Financial Report
The Financial Report was presented by Franklyn Anoje.
Highlights:
Opening Balances – April 1, 2026
● CUA Checking Account: $40,043.25
● Fixed Deposit: $22,718.04
● Equity Share: $5.00
● CIBC Checking Account: $1,531.27
Total Opening Balance: $64,297.56
Revenue Received:
● Workplace Initiative Grant – first tranche: $2,736.00
● Donations and dues: $400.00
● Workplace Initiative Grant – second tranche: $2,736.00
Expenses Incurred (May)
● BBQ venue booking – $105.07
● Stakeholders’ meeting refreshments – $156.00
● BBQ venue insurance – $97.50
● Storage facility payment (up to November) – $1,261.99
● Meeting venue security deposit – $215.00
Total Expenses: $1,835.56
Closing Balance - $68,344.00
Discussion:
A question was raised by Tekena regarding the projected budget for the 2026 BBQ event.
The Finance team clarified that:
● only fixed and immediate expenses had been incurred so far (venue and insurance);
● the full event budget is being developed by the BBQ Committee;
● the comprehensive budget will first be presented to Exco before being brought before the House.
5. Presentation of Asset Register
The Asset Register was presented by Victor, Treasurer.
The Treasurer noted that:
● the current document remains work in progress;
● assets are being categorized into IT assets, furniture, consumables, and storage inventory;
● some items remain in custody of both current and former executives and are still being reconciled;
● additional details such as asset tags, serial numbers, purchase dates, cost values, and locations will continue to be updated.
Items referenced included:
● laptops
● printers
● mobile phones
● chairs
● tables
● projector
● storage inventory and related materials
Discussion:
The President emphasized the importance of maintaining an accurate asset register to support
continuity between administrations and ensure accountability over association-owned items.
Action Point:
Treasurer to continue reconciliation and submit an updated and more comprehensive Asset
Register when completed.
6. Financial Audit Matters
Rita Ibrahim presented on the audit requirements contained in the ANNS Bylaw relating to
annual audited financial statements.
Key Issues Raised:
● ANNS bylaws currently require annual audited financial statements to be presented at the AGM.
● ANNS has historically not had externally signed audited financial statements.
● A CPA designation alone does not qualify a person to sign off audited financials unless they hold the relevant public accounting license.
● Hiring an external audit firm would attract significant cost beyond current financial capacity.
Options Presented to the House:
1. Engage a qualified licensed public accountant within the community if available.
2. Amend the bylaw to reflect a more realistic governance requirement.
3. Hire an external audit firm at cost.
Outcome:
Members agreed that the issue requires further review and consultation.
Action Point:
Finance Team and Bylaw Committee to further review the audit clause and bring
recommendations forward.
7. Bye-Law Committee
The President provided an update on the formation of the By-Law Review Committee.
Highlights:
● Six members had already indicated interest.
● Interested persons include lawyers, past presidents, and experienced former
committee members.
● The committee remains open to additional volunteers.
● Formal recognition of members will be made at a subsequent meeting.
Mandate:
The committee will:
● review the ANNS bylaws comprehensively;
● identify outdated or impractical provisions;
● receive feedback from members;
● recommend amendments.
Timeline:
Target is to produce a revised bylaw by December 2026.
8. Children Summer Camp
Update provided by the President, as the General Secretary II was unable to speak due to work
engagement.
Highlights:
● The Summer Camp will hold in August 2026
● Proposed as a Monday–Friday full-week program
● Program is intended to be educational, engaging, and value-driven for children
● Venue arrangements were still being finalized at the time of the meeting
Further communication will be issued once venue and dates are confirmed.
9. Membership – Zeffy Platform Adoption
This was presented by the General Secretary I.
Members were updated on the adoption of Zeffy as the Association’s membership and dues payment
platform.
The platform is expected to support:
● membership registration and validation
● payment processing
● improved record keeping
● streamlined communication with members
Members were encouraged to complete registration and onboarding as details become available.
10. Youth Debate – Mock House of Assembly
Update presented by Titi Damiro.
Highlights:
● Appreciation was extended to parents and volunteers supporting the initiative.
● The youth participants completed practice sessions successfully.
● Final mock debate rehearsal had taken place the previous evening.
● The physical visit to the House of Assembly was scheduled for Wednesday, June 3,
2026.
Children would participate in a mock parliamentary debate, taking roles such as:
● Speaker
● Government
● Opposition Members
The initiative was commended for building civic awareness, confidence, and leadership interest
among ANNS youth.
11. Nigeria Festival Week
The President introduced Sherifat Onabanjo as Chair of the Nigeria Festival Week 2026
Committee.
Sherifat reported that:
● an 11-member committee had been constituted;
● the committee had already begun planning activities;
● venue sourcing remains the immediate priority;
● several venues had already been contacted without success.
Members of the committee:
Members of Committee for Nigerian Festival Week 2026
1. Sherifat Onabanjo
2. Fatimoh Matti
3. Lekan Alao
4. Chidinma Nwachukwu
5. Aisha Mustafa
6. Mukaila Salaudeen
7. Maryam Adebola-Salami
8. Blessing Orajiaka
9. Kehinde Aremu
10. Temitope Fawole
11. Ikechukwu Onwubiko
Venue Support Suggestion:
Ifo Ikede indicated that he has been involved in organizing events across the province and could be contacted for support with identifying a suitable event venue. And Sherifat was very pleased to receive that gesture including the members in attendance.
Members with venue suggestions were also encouraged to reach out to the committee.
The President commended the committee and acknowledged the increasing visibility of Nigerian-led events across Nova Scotia.
12. Correspondence
Correspondence received by the Association was acknowledged by the Chair.
Public Health Mobile Unit / Immunization Clinic Participation
The General Secretary I informed members that the Black Health and Wellness Immunization Clinic had contacted ANNS requesting to participate in the 2026 Summer Barbecue. The organization proposed providing immunization and related public health services during the
event. The House was informed that ANNS intended to respond positively and allocate space for the clinic's participation at the barbecue, subject to final logistics and coordination. No objections were raised.
Agunze Azuka Onwuka reminded the House of an earlier discussion with an NGO, “It Takes a Village,” regarding a potential partnership with ANNS to support members of the community through a grocery distribution initiative.
He explained that the organization had reached out following earlier conversations and expressed interest in collaborating with ANNS to distribute groceries to students and members of the Nigerian community in Nova Scotia. The proposed event is tentatively scheduled for the last Saturday of August, from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm.
Azuka noted that the NGO would provide grocery items, while ANNS would primarily support with securing a venue where distribution can take place. St. Andrew’s Community Hall was suggested as a possible affordable venue option.
The President welcomed the update and acknowledged the importance of the initiative. It was agreed that further communication and confirmation would take place with the NGO before final venue booking and announcement to the wider membership.
Action Point:
The President to contact and continue engagement with the NGO to confirm logistics, date, andmrequirements.
The General Secretary II to follow up regarding venue availability.
13. AOB (Any Other Business)
The President shared plans to introduce impactful learning and engagement sessions as part of future ANNS General Meetings, rather than creating separate events, in order to maximize participation and provide added value to members, with the aim of making meetings not only administrative but also educational and community-building.
He informed members that Ayo Owodunni, Councillor, City of Kitchener, Ontario (a Nigerian professional/community leader) engaged the Executive team to facilitate a special session, focused on leadership, growth, and civic engagement. The President noted that the session is being considered for either the next General Meeting or the July meeting, depending on scheduling and confirmation.
He further mentioned that the MLA for Clayton Park West, Mr. Adegoke Fadare, is also expected to participate in the same session, particularly during conversations around political participation, civic engagement, and representation of Nigerians in public life in Nova Scotia.
Members were encouraged to look forward to the session and make plans to attend.
Members welcomed the idea positively. Bunmi Adeleye also spoke in support of the proposed guest speaker, noting her personal knowledge of him and affirming that he would bring valuable insights to the ANNS community.
The President also took time to acknowledge and appreciate the growing level of volunteerism within ANNS. He recognized the ongoing efforts of members serving across various committees and initiatives, noting the significant work being done behind the scenes to support the Association’s programs and events.
14. Closing
The President remarked positively on the increased level of engagement within the community and encouraged members to continue volunteering and supporting ANNS initiatives, emphasizing that the Association’s growth and success depend on collective participation and shared responsibility.
The meeting was moved for adjournment by Islamiyat Salaudeen and seconded by Tekena at approximately 4:49 pm with a closing prayer by the General Secretary I.
Minutes Prepared by:
Felicia Okpala
General Secretary II
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