To mark the 49th independence anniversary of Nigeria, Nigerians in Sierra Leone are set and ready to celebrate in grand style.
Addressing journalists on Friday, at his Jomo Kenyatta Road Office in Freetown, President of the Nigerian National Union (NNU), Abel T Onomake said that the anniversary marks another milestone in the history of Nigeria since they became independent on the 3rd October 1960 from the British.
He said that, Sierra Leone and Nigeria have the same history of decolonizing by the British in 1960 and 1961 respectively.
Onomake stated that, the occasion will give them the opportunity to do a stock taking of what they have been doing as a union and also rededicate themselves to render services to the Sierra Leonean community.
The NNU President maintained that it will also help them to create a people’s platform that will be geared towards undertaking micro projects that will be beneficial to the Sierra Leone community.
He explained that the theme of the anniversary “Walking Together” will shape the cooperation between the people of Nigeria and Sierra Leone.
Already, he reiterated that the lined up activities have started with Friday prayers at the Hausa Mosque in Sackville Street followed by Church Service on Sunday at the Sanctuary Praise Church.
He stated that on 1st October, they will organize a television discussion at SLBS TV on Sierra Leone – Nigeria relationship, followed by other activities that will end on the 3rd October.
Onomake reiterated that the celebration will be used to re-brand the image and misconception people had about Nigerians.
The 3rd October celebration, which is the “Nigerian Solidarity Trek”, he said will market their culture and give them the opportunity to say thanks to their sponsors.
However, he stated that they are facing two challenges in the country; the bad perceptions and stigmatization of Nigerians.
By Abibatu Kamara
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