By Yetunde Bada

Vancouver deputy police Chief Howard Chow praised the Nigerian Canadian Association of British Columbia (NCABC) for bringing a rich culture to Canada last weekend.

Chow was speaking in a goodwill message he gave at the Nigeria at 60 virtual anniversary celebration on Oct. 4, which has more than a million views.

``I would like to congratulate all Nigerians living in Canada on this auspicious occasion. Nigerians bring a rich and diverse culture to Canada. Enjoy your day and congratulations,’’ Chow said.

In another goodwill message, Ghanaian Heritage Association of British Columbia President, Alex Quaist, said other Africans are interested in the story of Nigeria ``because when Nigeria rises, Africa rises and when Nigeria falls, Africa falls.’’

Quaist also made reference to the famous Nigerian jollof and Ghanaian jollof, a popular dish of both nations, saying both tasted good.

Quaist recalled a twitter `war’ in both nations over who had the better dish. This attracted the attention of Richard Quest of CNN, who traveled to both countries to verify. He adjudged both good.

NCABC President, Soye Brown congratulated the Nigerian community for making the entire African continent proud, following the event.

``Today you all did yourselves, Nigerians and the entire African, community proud by successfully pulling off the first virtual Independence Anniversary celebration among any Nigerian Association in Canada,” Brown said. ``The event was also the first of its kind among countries' Associations in British Columbia. Your attendance of and participation at the event was greatly cherished. “

Brown had some thanks to share as well.

“I want to thank members of the Exco for their hard work and sleepless nights of planning,” he said. “Your efforts were rewarded with an outstanding success in the remarkable attendance and enjoyment of the event.”

Nigeria gained independence from British colonists on Oct. 1, 1960.