Foreign
THE Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) says upholding the history of Nigeria remained a good cause to promote patriotism among compatriots.
The President General of NICASA, Mr Benjamin Okoli, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on sideline of activities by the organisation to mark Nigeria’s 62nd independence anniversary.
Okoli said: “Today we celebrate our freedom, our power, our legacy, our resilience, the spirit of Nigeria and our founding fathers.
“We celebrate the spirit of our departed patriots: Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe – Zik of Africa; Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Chief Obafemi Owolowo, Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, Sardauna of Sokoto; and Chief Anthony Enahoro, among others.
“Nigeria is a great nation of over 200 million people of diverse tongues and tribes, yet exist as indivisible nation.
“Nigerians have traveled through rough roads of nationhood in great strength and continued to evolve despite challenges face.
“Our history is blessed with good causes that will continue to evoke patriotism in the hearts of Nigerians, wherever they find themselves in the world.”
He therefore urged Nigerians in Diaspora to always see themselves as ambassadors, in order to continue to uphold the nation’s integrity, dignity and industry that could make the nation proud.
He commended the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari in efforts to build better Nigeria for compatriots.
“We thank him for doing his best in social development, sustained fight against corruption, security and infrastructural development, we will continue to pray and support his administration to provide democratic dividends to every Nigerian.
“A few days ago in Nigeria, the door was opened for campaign to begin in preparation to presidential election in February 2023.
“We are encouraged with the electoral reforms by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), aimed to produce a free and fair election.
“It is our hope that the best candidate wins, to take Nigeria to the promised land; we encourage every candidate in the forthcoming Nigeria election to play by rules, maintain peace and politics with conscience.
“As we celebrate this year’s anniversary, may God continue to bless Nigeria and protect her; we pray that peace of God that transcends all understanding comes down upon our great nation amen,” he said.
He said that the anniversary was celebrated collectively in company of Mr Andrew Nengak Idi, Nigeria Consul General to South Africa, at the residence of Amb. Haruna Mohammed, High Commissioner of Nigeria to South Africa.
He also said that the event was attended by foreign diplomats from various countries, as well as Ms Angela Thokozile Didiza, South Africa Minister of Agriculture, Land and Rural Development. (NAN)
KN
Tags: Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Alhaji Ahmadu Bello Benjamin Okoli Chief Obafemi Owolowo NICASA Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa Nnamdi Azikiwe
