LAGOS – 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 OrganiSation, Philippines (NIDOPHIL), in collaboration with the Embassy of Nigeria at the Prestigious Vikings Restaurant, Mall of Asia, Pasay City.
The event 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 emphasised 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.
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Other officers are Mr. Okoye C. Christian, Treasurer; Mr. Fred Nosakhare, Financial Secretary, and Ms. Afuecheta Chidinma Stella as Public Relations Officer (PRO).
Outstanding Nigerians who distinguished themselves in various fields in the Philippines were also recognised 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, urged Nigerians to embrace “the right moral principles and values” and work to achieve impossible feats through honour, vision, and unity of purpose.
He admonished Nigerians not to succumb to defeat and despair and to confront their challenges boldly with a mindset of victory.
Concluding, Bishop Marioghae said: “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.”
