By Yetunde Bada
Every year on Oct. 1, Nigerians all over the world celebrate their Country’s independence from British colonial rule. In this light, Nigerians in British Columbia under the aegis of Nigeria-Canada Association of BC (NCABC), currently led by Mr. Soye Brown, celebrate the country’s Independence Day with fanfare across major cities in Canada.
However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 celebration was marked virtually, on Zoom and Facebook.
CFUV 101.9 spoke to NCABC PRO, Mr. Mike Iwerima. He said the celebration, though low key, was to reflect on the quality of life and how well the immigrant community had blended with its host. During the event, he streamed goodwill messages from Nigerians and friends of Nigeria, showed Nigerian businesses in BC, the nation’s history, and cultural displays among other features.
The Chairman of the Local Organizing Committing for the event, Mr. Solomon Iwegim told CFUV 101.9 FM ``Nigerians are peaceful, fun-loving, smart and hard-working people who contribute immensely to their host communities. The theme for this year’s unique Diamond Jubilee Independence celebration is ‘TOGETHER’, highlighting the strength that lies in unity and diversity.
At the event we will seek to promote local businesses, and salute Nigerians who have contributed (and are still contributing) positively to Canada’s growth, as well as global development.
``Just to mention a few among the pack, we have Baraladei Daniel Igali, a freestyle wrestler, Olympic and Commonwealth Games gold medalist for Canada. In 2007, he was inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame and later, the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame in 2012.
``We also have Dr. Eva Idanwekhai MD. Chief Medical Director and founder of Canadian Medical Centre, Surrey BC. He is an Examiner with Medical Council of Canada, and also Examiner in Family Medicine with the University of British Columbia (UBC).
``Also worthy of mention is Gloria Onyeoziri-Miller, an author and professor in French, Hispanic and Italian Studies at UBC since 1994, and the only blind faculty member at UBC.
``Prof. Ireh Iyioha: an author, multiple award winner and currently an Assistant Professor at the University of Victoria, here in BC. Amongst other awards, she received the 2018 Stars of Alberta Award from the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta and the Minister of Culture and Tourism for exemplary leadership in service and improving the overall quality of life of Albertans and the community.
``We have Professor Godwin Eni (Rtd), the first Director of Rehabilitation Services at the University Teaching Hospital in Vancouver, Canada where he managed and integrated three autonomous units. He is also listed in “Who’s Who in Black Canada”.
``The list is endless and shows much promise for us. We wish all Nigerians, a happy celebration, and best years ahead’’