One On One wit NANS President Turkish Zone

Welcome to another edition of One on One on Olomoinfo Blog. Today we have the opportunity to meet and talk with the president of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, Turkish Zone, Comrade Evidence Akhayere.

The president will speaking to us on the journey so far as NANS president, challenges, events and others. 

If you have any questions for the president, please drop it on the comment box below. Try to be polite and moderate.  

-Good to have you here with us today Mr. President.

Thank You.

-How are you, the association and everyone involved with it doing? 

The association is doing fine, we are growing stronger and stronger every day though we have had a few challenges but we have overcome as always.

-Not everyone actually knows about NANS Turkish zone and what it is all about. Can you please briefly tell us what NANS is all about? 

NANS Trzone is the umbrella body of all Nigerian students in Turkey, North Cyprus and seventeen other countries. NANS Trzone is the bridge between the Nigerian student in the zone and the Government back home, most importantly here in Cyprus where there is no Nigerian embassy. There are lots of things that NANS does for Nigerian student as a matter of fact NANS is the caretaker body of Nigerian student in Cyprus and Turkey.

-In few words, how would you describe the journey thus far as it concerns NANS since you assumed position as the president (*biggest challenge and success). 

The journey has had its ups and downs as well as its challenges but I can say that in the short period of my regime I and my team have been very successful.

-No organization truly succeeds without the support of those it represents, so how has the co-operation of the Nigerian students ‘community in the Turkish zone been thus far. 

We have had full cooperation from Nigerian students across the various universities in North Cyprus and Turkey, as well as support from the various leaders of the universities. Definitely there would always be that one person who is always negative but I don’t want to mention names at least for now.

-Are you satisfied with the responses and enthusiasm from the universities concerning issues that affect Nigerian students? 

For now I would say averagely, though some universities management have been hundred percent supportive others are still coming behind.

-Does the NANS structure have an easy accessibility platform for Nigerian students to communicate with the leaders of the organization? And how effective is this? 

Yes we have a Facebook account, Twitter and a website all of which are very active.

-Every now and then, we hear of Nigerians having one or two issues with Turkish Cypriot authorities, how have you been able to solve and cope with such issues? 

We have tried our best to educate Nigerian students about the laws of the land as well as proper ways to conduct themselves. We have also tried to liaise with a legal adviser who helps genuine students once in a while.

-Do you think Nigerians in the region are difficult to manage? 

I think humans are the most difficult resource to manage generally it is not particular to any country, whether Nigerians, Turkish, British or Americans.

-Tell us about the toughest issue you have encountered since you became president. 

Every issues have been tough as it comes and requires wisdom and strategy to handle.

-How far about the association’s activities and events so far? Especially the Democracy day event. 

So far we have had three events including the Democracy day which have all been very successful.

-The Independence Day is imminent. What are the plans of NANS to make this historic occasion memorable? 

Nigerians should expect the best of the best on the Independence Day celebration. There are lots of activities lined up, it’s going to be like a carnival of Nigerians on the island we are planning towards it seriously, we have free t-shirts we have a colorful carnival rally music comedy and lots more.

-Do the Nigerian students in the Zone have reasons to be part of the celebration considering the many unresolved issues back home in Nigeria? 

I think this issues are as a results of the political class and their oppression tactics, that’s why all Nigerian youths and student must come out on that day to show the political oppressors that we have a sound mind and we are ready to take our destinies in our own hands.

-I believe that upon the inception of the present NANS executives, there were plans set out to be accomplished. What are the events and programs Nigerian students should be expecting in coming days and months? 

There are a host of other activities which will be unfolding itself as the day goes by.

-Are there plans to project to the global community, the exceptional Nigerian students doing the country proud in this region? And how do you wish to execute that? 

We intend to honour exceptional Nigerian student on the independence celebration which will be aired across Medias in Nigeria. We are also working on a proposal to the presidency of Nigeria in relations to promoting and placing our great minds out here.

-A word of advice to all Nigerian students in the Zone. 

Lastly i would like to advice all Nigerian student to be well informed, respect the laws of the land, study hard, partake in NANS programme and activities and support one another.

-Thanks for your time.

You welcome.