By FORTUNE ABANG

The Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation, Americas (NIDOA) on Tuesday expressed regrets over the passing of Dr Raymond Sowemimo, its Houston Chapter president.

This is contained in a joint statement by Dr Victor Ubani, Chairman NIDOA Board of Trustees (BoT), on behalf of NIDO-Americas, Dr Eromonsele Idahosa, Chairman, NIDOA-USA Board of Directors, Mr Christopher Anukwu, Public Relations Director, NIDOA and Mr Danladi Husaini, President, NIDOA Belize.

“NIDO Americas regrets to announce the death of Sowemimo, its Houston Chapter president and a former Assistant General Secretary NIDOA-USA, and NIDOA Board of Trustees member.

“Sowemimo, 69, was a patriot par excellence. He saw NIDO as a strategic tool for the development of Nigerians at home and abroad.”

The organisation in the statement, said Sowemimo was until his passing the CEO of AvalonHealthcare Service and Avalon Medical Career Academy, which he established in 2001.

It also revealed he was recipient of numerous recognitions for community services, which include the 2017 Outstanding Texan Award and the 2018 Presidential Award.

“He was at various times the President of African Cowboy Association and several Nigerian associations; such as Egbe Omo Yoruba Association of Houston and the Nigerian American Forum.

“In 1995, he led the Nigerian community in Texas to host Nigeria’s former Head of State, President Olusegun Obasanjo, Chief Bola Ige and Prof. Wole Soyinka in Houston.

“He was a philanthropist who routinely spread kindness through ‘The Raymond Sowemimo’ Foundation programme, a 501(c3), Non-Profit Organisation,” it added.

The organisation further extended condolences to the family Sowemimo left behind, restating he would be sorely missed.

It listed planned programmes by the organisation to mourn Sowemimo’s passing to include wake/viewing on May 1, at McCoy and Harrison Funeral Home, Houston, and celebration of life on May 2, at 10a.m. at the Whitelife Baptist Church, Houston. (NAN)