By Milton Tella – High Commissioners, Ambassadors of various African countries in the UK, representatives of the Commonwealth Secretary General, representative of UK Minister for Africa, representatives of the Director General of the Commonwealth Foundation, representative of the Secretary General of International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and Africans in the diaspora gathered at the IMO HQ in London on Wednesday 27 July 2022 to celebrate the Africa Day 2022.
The African Union (AU) High Commissioners and Ambassadors in the UK decided to vary the date for this year’s celebration. Africa Day is usually celebrated on the 25th May every year.
In his opening remarks, His Excellency Estefanos Habtemarlam, Dean of the African Union Heads of Mission in London said, “The theme of the African Union Day 2022 is “Strengthening Resilience in Nutrition and Food Security on the African Continent. It is well known to all of us that Africa faces some developmental challenges, including food insecurity and increasing malnutrition. It is up to us to liberate ourselves from chronic dependency. Africa has so much potential. We have both the human and technical resources to secure a brighter future for our entire people. Instead of fighting each other, we can transform Africa into an economic powerhouse.”
The Chairman of the organising committee of the African Union Day London 2022, His Excellency, Sarafa Tunji Isola the High Commissioner of Nigeria to the United Kingdom, in his Vote of Thanks said, “What we have on display today is an African spirit. United we stand, divided we fall. What you have seen here today is the power of unity, and we have to sustain this African spirit.
The theme of next year’s African Union Day celebration will be anchored on business networking to ensure the full involvement of the Diaspora community in the United Kingdom.
Nigeria’s Diaspora market alone in the UK is worth £7billion and when added to that of all other Africans in the UK, the much-expected inflow of investments and networking into the continent can be achieved.”
The theme of the African Day in the UK this year is Nutrition, Food, Security and Wellness. Seun Oke, Vice – President of the Association of Nigerian Wellness and Fitness Professionals UK, and Isi Inyang, Co – founder of Trade and Investment Consultants Limited both delivered brilliant presentations.
The Organising Committee composed of Ambassadors of Nigeria, Morocco, Namibia, Gabon, Tunisia, supported by some lieutenants from various African embassies in London took charge of the Africa Day 2022 celebration making sure that the colourful event truly represented the rich and vibrant nature of people of the continent with the exhibition of its cultural uniqueness through food, arts and crafts.
Committee members included: Dr Cyprian Heen (Nigeria), Mr Kabir Nasidi (Nigeria), Ms Ubong Ekpo (Nigeria), Mrs Zinnatu Ahmed (Nigeria), Mrs Remi Onasanya (Nigeria). Mr Yared Tesfay (Eritrea),Mr Marouan Abousif (Morocco), Ms Sara Haufiku (Namibia) and Mr Kadri Mahmoudi (Tunisia).
A large turnout of African diplomats, representatives of the British government and Africans in the UK in attendance enjoyed music, plenty of food, exhibition of products and arts & crafts from different African states.
Tsungai Tsikirai and Band provided authentic African jazz and contemporary music. Tsungai is an award-winning Zimbabwe singer, songwriter. In 2014, she was awarded best music female artist at the ZIMMA Award. Also, in 2015 Mporiro Festival awarded for her contribution to contemporary music.
Tsungai performed with 2 backing-vocals, drummer, keyboard, guitar, bass Guitar) at the Africa Day 2022 in London.
The evening was compered by Journalist & Broadcaster Julianna Olayinka of Channels Television UK who did an excellent job.
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