Queen City gets African flair
Nigeria at 50 Celebration coming to Regina Oct. 1
by Frank Elechi, contributor
The most celebrated non-religious holiday in Africa is happening Oct. 1 – the Independence Day of Nigeria.
The excitement is justified.
Nigeria is the most populous nation in Africa, estimated at 140 million people. A great percentage of its citizens are also scattered around the globe. This celebration also allows non-Nigerians the opportunity to experience Nigeria’s cultural heritage. This combination makes Nigeria’s independence a worldwide celebration.
With over 250 ethnic groups, each having unique festivals, music, and dance, Nigeria has a cultural melange that consists of virtually all the native races of Africa. These are just some of the spectacular sights and sensual delights that are usually on parade during the Oct. 1 celebration.
This year Regina will be having its own version of this celebration. The campus club Rivers State Scholars Association (RSSA) plans to stage the 50th anniversary of this event this Friday, Oct. 1 at the Turvey Centre from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m.
Sotonye Igoniko, the chairman of the organizing committee for the Nigeria at 50 celebrations, said that the aim of the celebration is to showcase the cultural heritage of Nigeria and to have a good time. He said that the RSSA decided in 2009 to bring this event to Regina based on suggestions from Nigerian students. He stressed that the celebration is especially for non-Nigerians to come and have a feel of the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria.
According to him, this year’s celebration is an improvement on last year, particularly because it is Nigeria’s golden jubilee and the committee has worked in suggestions from the public. Audiences can expect to see events like traditional dances, fashion parade, and a performance by a live band, along with enjoying traditional Nigerian food.
Samuel Ray, a first-year engineering student at the University of Regina said he is looking forward to an exciting event, based on previous celebrations he’s experienced back in Nigeria. He encourages the entire public to attend this event.
For more information on how to be a part of the Nigeria at 50 celebration, or for ticket information, visit the south residence office or contact Sotonye via his email, sotirobin@yahoo.com.
