Salutations to each and every one of you, respectable men and women. The national executive committee (NEC) for the academic year 2021–2022 is profoundly appreciative of the opportunity offered to fully serve NUGS–CHINA to the best of its ability. It is inspiring to witness a group of young people come together to fight for a just cause.

It goes without saying that genuine leaders demonstrate respect for oneself, respect for others, and responsibility for their actions. Leadership, according to William Arthur Wood, should be based on motivation rather than intimidation and on teamwork rather than dominance. These fundamental beliefs influenced my ultimate action as the first Female National President of NUGS-China. The road has been arduous, yet with vehemence, energy, commitment, and desire to serve, I gave it everything I had to keep the torch of unity ablaze and the emblem soaring. I’ll also complement each of my fellow executives for their leadership skills.

I would want to extend my profound gratitude to the Ghana Embassy in Beijing for their assistance, advice, and the fruitful interactions we have had over the course of the given period of time. I also want to thank my predecessor Mr. Collins Sey, the National President for the academic year 2020–2021, who played a crucial part in making sure the NUGS–China website wouldn’t go down at any time. I don’t consider your dedicated contribution to the performance and development of NUGS-CHINA. Best wishes, Mr. Collins Sey. I also want to express my appreciation to the other former national executives for their varied and unselfish contributions.

In order to ensure that we can do the best for the Union, my administration assumed office full of optimism. In the aftermath of COVID-19, significant progress was achieved toward attaining the major of our objectives. Without the chance for in-person meetings, the administration for 2021-2022 was conducted entirely online. The inconvenience didn’t stop us from continuing as students, though. The group remained committed and was ready to put in a lot of effort to meet our goals. More inventiveness, creativity, productivity, and superior problem-solving skills were encouraged throughout my administration.

Among the standout initiatives for the 2021–2022 administration, the Entrepreneurship Clinic (EC) stood out as it urged participants to create novel concepts that aimed to advance at least one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Its objective was to generate students who were the best in their fields and who also had an entrepreneurial mindset. It also aimed to help them come up with creative ideas that would benefit Ghana and the rest of the African continent. The 2021–2022 annual national report contained a summary of our modest accomplishments.

Not all of us, as students at various levels in various professions, may have the opportunity to stumble onto revolutionary research to get the fame and fortune it comes with. Giving up is not an option; instead, we can put in a lot of effort in both our academic and extracurricular pursuits and develop every aspect of our personalities so that we can make our family and our nation proud.

Please remember that knowledge is not confined in just one person, consequently, our incoming NEC should be prepared to study and seek advice as necessary. Recognize your areas of weakness and use your strengths to overcome them in order to get your desired outcome. Always maintain your composure and work as a team. It’s inevitable that not every choice you make will be favorably received by the membership, but let’s not let that stop us from taking steps to protect the welfare of our cherished members. I will like to ask of our dear members to be active participants in the group rather than merely a cynical observers. The critical observer simply waits in the background as others work to develop the group. Focus on constructing solutions for the Union’s shortcomings to improve it growth and development. Acknowledge that insults and derogatory words can tear down rather than strengthen up a person, and that the leaders of NUGS-CHINA are students and individuals just like you who need your love, support, motivation, and encouragement.

At times, being at the top can be lonely, restless, and wonder why you signed up for this. You will frequently encounter these psychological obstacles. However, you will also meet others who will inspire you and value what you are doing. These people will make helpful recommendations that will aid in your decision-making. There will be ups and downs, but remain optimistic and give your best in every circumstance. I hope the upcoming year is successful for you. I sincerely apologize to anyone I may have upset while performing my duty. It wasn’t done on purpose.

I personally want to give God praise for giving us all life. I appreciate your qualities, my fellow outgoing NEC members. It’s clear that you were completely committed to helping NUGS-China. Likewise, I’d like to take this platform to share my gratitude for everyone’s selflessness,
including the provincial coordinators, chapter executives, and school representatives. I’m also very appreciative to all of my wonderful friends that called in the middle of the night to check on me. To conclude, I would address all Ghanaian students studying in China and other parts of the world with a call to unity. Let us carry the national anthem everywhere we go. Let’s show the world our culture, education, and aptitude. Thank you.

LONG LIVE GHANA
LONG LIVE NUGS-CHINA
IRENE KORKOR NYENGOR AGBENU
2021-2022 National President, NUGS-China