Diaspora Group honours Lesotho’s high achievers, strengthening Nigeria-Lesotho ties
NIDO’s Annual Awards celebrate PM Matekane, Ministers and Police Chief for transformative leadership
MAKOKO MAEKA
MASERU – In a vibrant ceremony that underscored the deepening ties between Lesotho and its Nigerian diaspora community, the Nigerians in the Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) recently showered key figures in the Matekane administration with prestigious awards for outstanding performance and transformative leadership.
The event, held on November 22, saw Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane receive the pinnacle Award for Good Governance and Leadership, setting the tone for an evening that celebrated tangible progress and accountability.
NIDO, a global network of Nigerians living abroad, has established chapters worldwide to foster professional development, promote investment in host countries, and serve as a bridge for international cooperation.
The organisation’s presence in Lesotho is a testament to the small but significant Nigerian community in the country, which includes entrepreneurs, academics, and professionals contributing to the local socio-economic fabric.
The relationship between Lesotho and Nigeria, though geographically distant, has been historically cordial, rooted in shared Commonwealth membership and a mutual commitment to African development. NIDO’s awards ceremony represents a modern, grassroots-driven evolution of this relationship, moving beyond formal diplomacy to recognise and encourage excellence within Lesotho’s public sector.
The night’s highest honour, the Pinnacle Award for Good Governance and Leadership, was bestowed upon Prime Minister Matekane.
NIDO patron, Dr Akinagum Fidelis Esenjor, lauded the Prime Minister as a “Talk na do PM,” a leader who delivers on his promises.
“We are impressed with the pace of progress Prime Minister Matekane has made in restoring the entire administration to stability and progress within such a short time,” Dr Esenjor stated.
“We still recognise that he has not done all the nation needs, but he very much looks on course to in the coming years. He needs commendation to do more.”
The Minister of Public Works, Neo Matjato Moteane, was hailed as ‘The Champion of Road Building’ for his transformative impact on the country’s infrastructure. NIDO officials pointed to the highly visible road works, rehabilitation projects, and new constructions in Maseru and other districts.
Professor Fajana, another speaker at the event, singled out the road from Masianokeng to Roma as a prime example. “It is not just a rehabilitation but a tremendous new road. It is not an easy road now but in the next six months it may take less than 20 minutes to drive from Roma to Maseru – all thanks to Minister Moteane,” he said, thanking the minister on behalf of the Roma community.
In the face of a volatile global diamond market, the Minister of Natural Resources, Mohlomi Moleko, was recognised with the Award for Excellence in Resource Diversification. NIDO commended Minister Moleko for his diligent work in discovering and developing new and varied resources, a critical initiative aimed at boosting Lesotho’s economic resilience and reducing its reliance on a single commodity.
The drive for transparency was also in the spotlight, with the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Chairperson, ‘Machabana Lemphane-Letsie, receiving an award for her sterling work. Dr Esenjor highlighted her non-partisan dedication to accountability, noting that her efforts were so rigorous that they transcended national bias.
“We have recognised Mrs ‘Machabana for good governance and accountability. The Nigerians in the diaspora did not need to be Basotho to recognise her sterling work,” he said.
“She even goes to South Africa to confirm and validate some invoices.”
He further cited an example where her investigations led to a Nigerian national vacating government quarters after his contract had expired, calling it an “excellent example of her dedication.”
The Commissioner of Police, Advocate Borotho Matsoso, was awarded for Public Order and Traffic Management. NIDO President, Dr Pius Isidiho, praised the Compol for ensuring a visible police presence in strategic areas and for revolutionising traffic control.
“Compol has really energised the police service to be a ‘triple robot’ – a move that doubles what the robot was doing in easing traffic,” Dr Isidiho remarked.
“Truly, countries with similar traffic congestions should learn from the Lesotho Mounted Police Service.”
In his acceptance remarks, Minister Moteane, who also spoke on behalf of the premier, expressed his appreciation for NIDO’s gesture.
He admitted he had initially believed the diaspora group’s interests were confined to academic circles and was pleasantly surprised by their keen observation of national development.
To this end, the minister extended an invitation for deeper collaboration, stating he would appreciate NIDO’s suggestions and input on issues of national importance, including youth empowerment programs and the sustainability of local businesses.
The ceremony also celebrated cross-cultural entrepreneurship, honouring Nigerian businessman Aloysius Okwochukwu Anasiudu. He was recognised for championing the renowned Nigerian Apprenticeship Model in Lesotho, where he grooms young Basotho for a year or two before fully furnishing and establishing them in their own businesses.
Having already successfully mentored four individuals, the model was highlighted as one with great potential for local adaptation to tackle youth unemployment.
The event, therefore, was more than an awards night; it was a powerful affirmation of bilateral friendship and a forward-looking partnership, where a diaspora community actively participates in and encourages the growth story of its host nation.
