How Nigerian Embassy Officially Celebrates Country's Independent Golden Jubilee

By ANH                                                                       

Apart from the Jum’aat Service which was not observed perhaps due to misunderstanding and lack of communication between the coordinator and the Mosque, all the events lined up to mark the one-week Golden Independent Jubilee ran according to plan.

African News Hungary gathered that the Imam behaved as if he was not aware that Nigeria was going to hold its golden independent jubilee prayers at the mosque. The photographer who was covering the prayer session was seen being questioned by the congregation.  

But a member of the golden jubilee committee said that the Imam knew about it. “We informed him in advance,” he said. “But something went wrong with the coordination of that particular event”.

The second day event however seems to be the exact opposite of the opening ceremony. The Sports Fiesta rekindled the spirit of togetherness missing during the Jum’aat prayers. From the egg race to the football match in which the Buda Juniors Int’ FC defeated the Nigerian side by 13-2, it was joy as Hungarians and Nigerians were seen mingling, cracking jokes and discussing.

The church service held on Sunday at the International Church of Budapest was attended by a few Nigerians where the Choir of Redeemed Christian Church of God performed.  

The seminar, which took pace on Wednesday at the Hungarian institute of International Affairs, provided a forum for exchange of views in an effort to “strengthen bilateral task” between Hungary and Nigeria with the ultimate objective of consolidating the existing business and, or  to explore new partnership for the expansion of economic to benefit the two countries and their people.

If you may have been wondering where the Nigerians in Hungary were due to the poor turn out, perhaps one should have tarried a little and waited for the Gala Night which definitely pulled crowd than other events.

Yet a Nigerian observed, “It seems Hungarians are more than Nigerians in a Nigeria’s party” he said.

The Gala Night featured different shows by different groups showcasing Nigeria’s cultural heritage in mode of fashion parade, dance and songs. Young and not so young were seen displaying an atmosphere of satisfaction.

Onix Jamsreel energised the floor and the audience throughout the night, especially the "Sweet Mother" rendition while the Ebony Group treated the guests with Wazobia Show, fashoin parade, Atilougu and Apepe Dances. Mass Choir was performed by the New Covenant Church.

Nigeria: Past, Present and Future was presented by Mr. Sami Charles who was described as a King by Mr. Adedotun Adepoju, CDA a.i. Nigerian Community president, Mr. Felix Omoregbee made some remarks while Mrs Grace Chia-Sani, Minister gave vote of thanks.

During the one-week activity, African News Hungary in its own little way to contribute to the Nigeria @50 celebration, talked to Nigerians. The reaction is mixed depending on whom you talk to. Whilst some Nigerians, especially the youths and those who appear to have ties with the authorities believe there is every reason to party and party, some believe Nigeria at 50 should have been greater than it is now hence reflection rather than jamboree. And there are some who said they did not even care – at all.

The  golden independent jubilee, according to our sources gulped a total of about N16 billion. In deed, the greatness of Nigeria may not be in the areas of technology, good governance, youth development, provision of basic infrastructure; but in its diversity of opinion and that indomitable Nigerian spirit to survive. What a great people!