African Voice correspondent, Baba Gee reports on how the Nigerian Community Leeds (NCL) celebrated Nigeria@60 independence anniversary with a colourful and well attended Zoom event on Saturday 03 October 2020.
The virtual party hosted by DJ Abass had participants joined from across the world, including Nigeria, USA, Canada and various locations across the UK. They were all dressed in all their finery as for a physical party. The atmosphere throughout the event was convivial and jolly; Nigerian Community Leeds was determined not to have their spirits dampened by recent events locally and at home.
Mr Kayode Alabi kicked off proceedings with a short prayer followed by a beautiful rendition of the Nigerian anthem by Miss Mirabel Ukpabio. Mrs Victoria Ajayi, Chair of Nigerian Community Leeds then gave a short inspiring speech to welcome the celebrants. She gave a brief history of Nigerian Community Leeds, which was very well received. She entreated the participants to help Nigerian Community Leeds realise their dream of having Nigeria House Leeds by donating generously there and in future.
Dr Abiye Hector-Goma gave a history of the Nigerian state from 1914 to 2020, including the various social, economic and geopolitical upheavals along with a complete list of the presidents from 1960 to 2020. This presentation was one of the highlights of the party as it was very informative for young and the not so young alike.
The inaugural meeting that led to the formation of Nigerian Community Leeds took place in 1998 and recognition of the event, Madam Thessy Asaboro, who hosted that meeting, was given the honorary title of “Mother of NCL.” There was a ‘shout-out’ to all the past chairpersons of NCL whose dedication and selfless service has made NCL what it is today.
These were Mrs Funke Rotowa, Chief James Aboaba, Dr Valentine Obasuyi, Ms Moji Karim-Obebe, Mr Vincent Uzoma. Dr Abiye Hector-Goma. Mr Sam Leigh, Mr Osahon Ogieva, Mr Lanre Fakunle, This was followed by a photographic display of the various activities that NCL engages in annually such as Leeds African Cup of Nations (LACON), the supplementary school Excel@NCL, Health Talk, visits to the seaside and others.
NCL celebrated with Dr & Mrs Akande of Felkris Ltd, a pharmaceutical chemist in Bradford, the 28th anniversary of their wedding. There was also a ‘shout-out’ to the representatives of the various Nigeria Communities in the UK including Nigerian Community Wakefield, Nigerian Community on Teeside (NICOT), United Nigeria Welfare Association, Birmingham, Nigeria National Community, London, Nigerian Community Association Kent & Medway, Nigerian Community Association Aylesbury, Leeds African Communities (LAC), Yorkshire Igbo Union and Edo Union Leeds.
Another exciting and much-loved activity during the party was the quiz conducted on Kahoot.it, which involved testing the knowledge of the participants about various aspects of Nigeria. Baba Gee won the quiz, with Agbor Kingdom and Bola as first and second runners-up. All the winners used pseudonyms but could not hide their real identities to receive their prizes.
The evening’s activities included dancing to various genres of music, and it was so enjoyable that participants were reluctant to log off at the end of the event. Babatunde Gbolade gave the vote of thanks, and Mrs Evelyn Onokwu said the closing prayers. All in all, an enjoyable and memorable event.
Please donate towards realising the dream of Nigeria House Leeds at https://donate.kindlink.com/nigerian-community-leeds/2011
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