It was a glamorous day that will ever remain fresh in the minds of Nigerians in Cote d’Ivoire as they celebrate the 64th Independence Day in grand style.
Regardless of what was happening in Nigeria, the Day was celebrated at the Stade Champroux de Marcory with about 30 schools in attendance. The schools mainly owned by Nigerians did a March Pass while the representative of the Nigerian Embassy, Mr Paul Obi alongside with the President of the Nigerian Community in Cote d’Ivoire, Chief Michael Emeka Onwuchelu took the salute.
The Day was filled with funfare. After the March Pass, the schools displayed their creativity in other areas while some proved to the audience that they have not forgotten their heritage with their cultural displays.
Meanwhile, while appreciating the people that graced the occasion, Chief Onwuchelu commended the awardees for their immense contributions to the development of Nigerians in Cote d’Ivoire. He disclosed that if not for them, it would have been difficult to achieve anything in the Community while urging them to continue to do more.
Also on ground to celebrate Nigeria Independence Celebration Day were the members of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, who also added colour to the occasion with their elegant dresses, costumes and band.
The Day climaxed with 16 deserving and worthy sons and daughters of Nigeria including traditional rulers, elder statesmen and other notable individuals being honoured for their commitment and contributions to the development of the Nigerian Community in Cote d’Ivoire.
Those honoured include: Oba of Abobo, Alhaji Muritala Lasisi Ogundiran; Oba of Yopougon, Alhaji Yahaya Adesina; Oba of Koumasi, Alhaji Mashood Akanfe; Oba of Port Bouet, Chief Sunday Oyedele; Alhaji Lamine Ibrahim, Seriki of Treichville, and Chief Amb. Joseph Ajah Onah.
Others are Alhaji Azeez Sabitu, Alhaji Musa Oyedele, Alhaji Semiu Adedeji, Mr. Patrick Obinna, Sir Hyacinth Ohachusim, Chief Emeka Daniel, Chief Moses Ndibe. Chief Emmanuel Asuzu, Elder John Adisa and Madam Elegunde Dorcas, the Legend of Marcory.
Some schools who did well in their March Pass and other activities were also honoured with awards. For the football tournament, awards were given to the Most Valuable Player, MVP, Highest Goal Scorer and others while trophy was presented to the eventual winner of the football tournament.
