Adetola Kayode
Fifty-six years ago, precisely on October 1, 1960, Nigeria
gained its Independence from the British government. Thanks
to the foresight of its founding fathers: Obafemi Awolowo,
Nnamdi Azikiwe and Ahmadu Bello.
Time again to roll out national colors and attires and
reflect on the past years, where Nigeria is and the
possibility of moving forward. Different kinds of
celebrations are held in and outside the country to
commemorate this day. A lot of activities took place in
Nigeria, United Kingdom, The Netherlands, New York,
Washington DC among other cities of the world to honor and
showcase the unparalleled love Nigerian citizens have for
their country.
For the Nigerian Community in Arizona, United States the day did not go unnoticed as it started with a fitness/ work out session, a football match and rounded off with a Night of Cultural Elegance and Entertainment. Gaily dressed for the national day celebration, Men, women, children and friends of Nigeria gathered to celebrate and extol the virtues of the Giant of Africa. It was a night of reminiscing over when they lived in their Fatherland and the resilient-never-say-die attitude of compatriots.
Despite all of these positive disposition, they are not unaware of happenings back home, where for the first time in over three decades, the country is going through a form of recession and they can only hope that things will get better soon.
Do you know:
• Nigerians are the most educated immigrants in the
US
• 60% of Nigerians in the US have college degrees, this
is far above the American national average of 30%
• A Nigerian family, The Imafidon have been named
officially as the smartest family in the UK.
• The World’s fastest super computer was designed by a
Nigerian, Philip Emeagwali, a world renowned inventor
and scientist.
• The designer of Chevrolet Volt Jelani Aliyu is a
Nigerian
• Nigeria played a leadership role to help stop
apartheid in South Africa
• Nigeria played host to 2 former Presidents of South
Africa, Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki, who sought
asylum during Apartheid and also boycotted Olympics to
show solidarity
• Nigerian Politicians and Musicians campaigned
endlessly against apartheid
• Nigeria spent billions and lost soldiers in Liberia
and Sierra Leone while helping to end wars in those
countries
• In 2003, Nigeria restored the elected President back
in power when there was a coup in Sao tome and
Principe
• Nigeria gave monetary gift to Ireland during Nigeria’s
oil boom
• The movie industry, Nollywood is competing second
place in the world with US’ Hollywood
The Night was characterized with a parade of traditional
wears, dance, songs and of course the sumptuous meals which
comprised of Nigeria’s assorted dishes. There was a parade
of the culture, fashion, songs and dance of some of the
ethnic groups in the country.
The 56th Anniversary cake decorated in the country’s
colours, Green and white, was cut alongside Nigeria’s
birthday mates at the event.It was also a night to honour
one of their own, a Medical Doctor Olumide Onishile, who is
doing great in his field, for the Nigerian community and
making them proud. The night ended with the people rocking
the dance floor and dancing to music hits from Nigeria and
making waves all over the world.
There’s so much more to celebrate, Nigeria has all of the
potentials to make the nation great again, that green gene
that makes us excel must be deployed at home, on the soils
that brings forth great fruits either in the form of crude,
agriculture or otherwise.
Though our tribes and tongues differ, let us continue to
honour and uphold the virtues that make us stronger together
so generations and generations yet unborn can pass on this
legacy, while other people of the world will strive to
identify with thus great nation through and true!
