Nigerians from across the U.S. on Saturday converged on the City of Linden, in the State of New Jersey, to hold conversations on the way forward for their homeland.
The conversation was organized by a U.S.-based Nigerian organisation, Lord and Nike’s, as part of the activities to commemorate Nigeria’s 61st independence anniversary.
The event featured conversations about Nigeria, Nigerian musical performances, fashion parade, and an award ceremony, among others.
Leading the conversation, the Consul-General of Nigeria in New York, Amb. Lot Egopija, paid tribute to Nigerians in the U.S. for their immense contributions to the growth and development of their homeland, through their expertise and resources. “We all think about our great country, probably think about what has gone wrong with us,” he said.
“It is cumulative of the laissez-faire attitude that has led us to where we are. But, we must consciously now come out of that and progress for the best wherever we are. “Please, continue to give your utmost best, not because people are looking at you, but because you want to better the society. “We all know what is good, but somehow, we fail to do them and some of us have accepted to follow the bandwagon”, he said.
Egopija said the Consulate-General in New York would continue to improve on its services across the board and also put good structures in place to ensure the sustainability of the services. “As government leaders in the U.S., we must do what we have to do to deliver the best services to our nationals. I urge Nigerians to continue to channel their skills and resources to build the country”, the Consul-General added.
Founder, Lord and Nike’s, Mrs Olanike Awoleye, said the event, which was the sixth edition celebrating the annual Nigeria Independence Day, was aimed at showcasing Nigeria’s diverse and rich cultures, particularly, the Igbo and Delta cultural heritage. Awoleye said culture had a way of showcasing the beauty, diversified values and heritage of a particular people, noting the natural endowments of fertile land, rich mineral resources and the human capital of the most populous black nation on earth. “A gathering like this shows us how Nigerians can think big and invest in the future of Nigeria while living peacefully even with our cultural differences,” she said.
“The gathering is to also celebrate God’s faithfulness over Nigeria and to rebuild the hope of Nigerians at home and abroad on the dream of a greater Nigeria. “It is also to recognise Nigerians, who are raising Nigeria’s flag higher in America, by making marks in their chosen fields, to foster mentorship and promote the Nigerian brand,” Awoleye said.
