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Nigerian Independence Day Celebration in The Hague.

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Author: Comrade Sunny Ofehe
Posted to the web: 10/13/2006 12:16:47 AM

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION BY THE NIGERIAN EMBASSY NETHERLANDS.


It was glitterati all the way as Nigerian Embassy in The Netherlands rolled out the red carpet and hosted guest to a dinner buffet at the prestigious Crown Plaza Hotel in Den Haag, to celebrate Nigeria’s 46th year independence anniversary;

Resplendent in her casual traditional Nigerian attire, the chief host, Professor (Mrs.) Mary Lar, Nigerian Ambassador to The Netherlands, stood to welcome guest with a warm handshake and a charming smile, she was ably assisted by her Deputy Mr. Nicholas Davies who himself was dressed in a flowing blue agbada.

The invited Guests represented a colorful spectrum of the multi-diversity for which the Nigeria society is famous, in attendance where Nigerians in Diaspora, the Diplomatic corp., Dutch nationals, business and civil liberty organizations, well wishers and so on, amongst those present where Mr. Wahab Ishola, Victor Rammer , Toju Eyesan and a lot of others. Guests were treated to a wide variety of Nigerian cuisines, ranging from half rare lamb to yam porridge; eba to an assortment of famous Nigerian Soup  tastefully prepared by the renowned African Restaurant & Catering Services “Ultimate Services” in the Hague.

The ambiance was positively charged as wine, beer and soft drink flowed freely and couples after couples took to the dancing floor moving their bodies to the rhythm of timeless Nigerian musical melodies playing sweetly from state-of-the-art musical sound system while in the back ground was an enlarged screen image projector which displayed Nigerian proud histories and triumph.

Evelien Weller, Programme Officer of Pax Christie was especially beautifully and expressive, as she interacted with Nigerians of all works of life, discussing with them and making suggestions. Looking at the radiant faces of diners she was quick to reaffirm the popularly held belief that Nigerians are the happiest people on earth.

Also present was the president of the HNDC Comrade Sunny Ofehe, his wife Dorothy and two lovely boys Kelvin and Spencer, they quickly settled to their dish of Porridge as Mr. Ofehe had to do a job of making introductions.  Mr. Atigari a Nigerian free-lance journalist was also very visible as he chatted with one group after another.

The High-point of the ceremony was the presentation of gifts and commendations to the embassy’s driver for the past twenty-nine years by the ambassador Prof. Lar, she praised his dedication to duty and wished him well in retirement. Mr. G.K. Kwabena is a native of Ghana, but has worked with the Nigerian Embassy in Netherlands for almost Three decades.

The organization of the ceremony was impeccable but was not surprising owing to the effort that had been put into the event planning by the embassy officials under the watchful eyes of Mr. L. M Hamidu, Minister Economy and Consular matters with the Nigerian embassy and his lieutenant Mr. A. J Ebipador, second secretary. The atmosphere was easily nostalgic and a tribute to the famous cliché “There is no place like Home.

Nigeria regained her independence from British colonial rule 46 years ago on October 1st 1960 and since then have seen a bitter past of; Coup d’ tats , massive corruptions, secessionist attempts, disgraceful and unlawful extra-judicial murders before eventually, a democracy which only just conducted a successful civilian to civilian transition. Unfortunately, even though the country has come a long way since independence, a lot still needs to be done, the democracy which was bought and secured on the blood of our great national heros like Ken Saro wiwa must be preserved and guarded jealously, this can only be achieved through an effective, free and non -violent opposition apparatus, which is free to criticize and check the excess of power.  It is the duty of all Nigerians to build a healthy and sustainable democracy which is adherent to the international tenets of a modern and effective civil society; freedom of press and association, an independent and efficient judicial system an unprejudiced legislature and an even handed and accountable executive system and above all respect for human life and freedom.

As the Nigerian embassy in The Netherlands join Nigerians world over to celebrates her 46th  year independence, Nigerians must always remember that there is unity in diversity and our country will always continue to  be a reflection of our lives and culture, we have no other sovereign geographical boarder by which we are defined but by our country called home, The Federal Republic of Nigeria. God bless Nigeria.
 

Comrade Sunny Ofehe

President/Founder

Hope for Niger Delta Campaign (HNDC)

The Netherlands.

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