Nigerians in the Philippines celebrated the nation’s 64th Independence Day in a grand style in Pasay City, Metro Manila.
During the celebration, the rich cultural heritage and hospitality of Nigeria were propagated in speeches, video presentations, diverse dances, and other relevant creative displays that captivated the Philippines dignitaries, who graced the occasion.
The classy and well-planned event was hosted by Nigerians in Diaspora Organization, Philippines (NIDOPHIL), in collaboration with the Embassy of Nigeria at the Prestigious Vikings Restaurant, Mall of Asia, Pasay City. The celebration attracted a large number of Nigerians from all facets of life.
In his keynote address, Hon. Oloje Adeshina, Charge D’Affaires, Embassy of Nigeria, Manila, gave a brief history of Nigeria and emphasized the vast resources of the West African nation.
He later inaugurated the newly appointed NIDO executives, namely: Bishop Tony Marioghae as President, Mr. Ajayi Ayodele, Vice President, Dr. Francis Kayode Ashipaoloye, Corporate Secretary, and Mr. Mohammed Abubakar Danjuma as Auditor. Other officers are Mr. Okoye C. Christian, Treasurer, Mr. Fred Nosakhare, Financial Secretary, and Ms. Afuecheta Chidinma Stella as PRO.
Outstanding Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in various fields in the Philippines were also recognized and presented awards by the Nigerian Embassy to encourage hard work, and excellence and to promote high moral standards among Nigerians living abroad. Some members of the newly constituted NIDO executives received various awards.
NIDO President and one of the award recipients, Tony Marioghae, in his speech, told Nigerians to embrace the right moral principles and values and work to achieve impossible feats through honour, vision, and unity of purpose, urging them not to succumb to defeat and despair and to confront their challenges boldly with a mindset of victory.
“For many years,” Marioghae said, “Nigerians in diaspora Philippines have been divided, disillusioned, discouraged, and sometimes defeated by painful circumstances they feel powerless to overcome. We must sacrificially work together in unity to achieve our collective aspirations and redeem our lost glory. The nefarious activities of some misguided elements among us must never be allowed to define and defame the noble deeds of the silent majority. Through positive ventures, we can change the negative media image into admirable testimonies everywhere. Only good deeds can neutralize negative stereotypes. Respect is never demanded – it must be earned.
“The task ahead,” he said, “is more significant than titles and entitlements. A crown does not make a king, but a noble character and vision defines outstanding leadership. Our administration will make Nigeria and Nigerians proud by showcasing the best of Nigerians through targeted empowerment programs. Our tent is big enough to provide
the moral and mental protection that our people need and broad enough to reach out to the oppressed and protect them within the confines of the Philippine legal system. The days of intimidating and harassing innocent Nigerians are over.”
“A new era has begun. No one will be left behind in this tedious path to greatness and victory. The desire of the majority will be achieved by accommodating the concerns of the minority. We will be the servants of ALL and lords to none. Therefore, I urge all Nigerians to forget about the ugly past, march into the glorious God-given destiny ahead of us, and make Nigeria proud again. We can’t step into the future by holding hands with the past.”
Bishop Marioghae concluded his speech by echoing the words of Martin Luther King Jr. “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.”
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