The International Association for Community Development (IACD), headquartered in Glasgow, Scotland, has offered full membership to Ambassador Victor Asije.
In a welcome letter signed by its Chair and Sub-Saharan Africa Trustee, Daniel Muia, the organisation warmly received Asije into its global network of community development practitioners.
Part of the letter reads: “Dear Victor, we are delighted to welcome you to the International Association for Community Development (IACD). IACD is an international not-for-profit, non-governmental organisation committed to building a global network of people and organisations working towards social justice through community development.”
Reacting to the development, Asije expressed delight at the offer of membership in the organisation, which is accredited to the United Nations.
He noted that IACD remains the only global multi-disciplinary network for professional community development practitioners.
According to him, it has become increasingly important for countries to share international standards and best practices that can strengthen community development efforts across the world.
“It warmed the cockles of my heart to be offered membership by this globally relevant organisation, IACD. My joy is not unconnected with the saying that where your treasure is, there also will your heart be,” he said.
Asije added that the association is committed to promoting participatory democracy, sustainable development, economic opportunity, equality and social justice through the organisation, education and empowerment of people within their communities.
The ambassador dedicated the honour to God Almighty, as well as to his late father, Double Chief Vincent Imonikhe Asije, and his mother, Madam Janet Ayeikumen Asije.
He also recalled how his parents’ involvement in community self-help initiatives during his childhood inspired his passion for grassroots development.
“As a little boy, I watched my father participate in clearing farm and river roads, maintaining market spaces, and taking part in communal security activities, while my mother was always involved in sweeping market places and cleaning the church,” he said.
Asije noted that his background later influenced his work as a journalist at the Nigerian Observer in Benin City between 2002 and 2007, where he reported extensively on community development, agriculture, business and environmental issues.
He added that his contributions to environmental reporting earned him the National Merit Award of the Forestry Association of Nigeria in 2006 for commitment to reporting forestry and environmental issues.
Reflecting on the recognition, Asije said the honour continues to remind him of the need to remain actively involved in promoting community development wherever he finds himself.
He disclosed that despite his other engagements, a community in a Local Council Development Area in Lagos State nominated and appointed him Public Relations Officer of its Community Development Association in 2024.