The Giwan Hall of Radisson Blu Hotel in Doha was filled to the brim with elegantly dressed Nigerian expats and other guests on October 16 to celebrate the 55th anniversary of the country’s independence. This event was organised by the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation-Qatar (NIDO-Qatar) with Lulu Hypermarket and Gulf Warehousing Company as sponsors. There are more than 7500 Nigerians living in Qatar, mostly of who are professionals in the fields of oil & gas, medicine, engineering, health & safety, education, hospitality, academia etc.
The event organised to mark the Independence Day of Nigeria which falls on October 1 — was an occasion for the Nigerian expats to demonstrate unity in diversity as represented by various ethnic groups in the country. Individuals and groups showcased their typical traditional heritage and culture for the audience, which included diplomats from Liberia, Swaziland, Benin Republic and the Gambia.
On this 55th anniversary of independence, the keynote speaker was HE Enoch Duchi, Charge D’Affaires of Embassy of Nigeria in Qatar. Throughout his presentation, Duchi challenged his fellow Nigerians to remember that they are in the Diaspora- and must come together to support the change agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari.
“I congratulate you all fellow Nigerians, brothers, sisters and friends of our dear country!
“We should be good ambassadors of Nigeria in our host country Qatar and
Amadi Nwokocha, President of Nido-Qatar in his keynote speech said: “The celebration of Nigeria @ 55 is an opportunity for critical reflection of our journey so far, and a rededication to the ideals of our founding fathers, so that their labour will not be in vain.”
Amadi said the current Executive Council of NIDO-Qatar was elected in June 2015, and commenced work to deliver the mandate of its members. He said the key challenge has been to restore the image and dignity of Nigerians in Qatar.
“We appreciate that this task cannot be accomplished overnight and therefore have undertake some strategic initiatives in this process.
“We have embarked on initiation of the development of comprehensive database of Nigerians resident in Qatar; rebranding of the organisation through redesign of the logo and rebuilding of the website.
“Also, we have opened regular engagement between the organisation and officials of the Nigerian embassy. Relations with the embassy officials have been greatly enhanced,” Amadi added.
The new logo and website of the organisation will be launched soon according to the official.
The evening included a bountiful buffet table of Nigerian foods and special cultural dances – including the Yoruba Dance Group that stole the thunder with their dance steps. The group led by Bisi Bello, an official of the association danced to the admiration of the crowd who cheered their dance steps as they rhythmically moved and swinged their backside lower to the earth on the dance floor. What followed next was the spraying of Qatar Riyals to dancers as it was placed on their fore head while dancing away at the event.
Madam Gloria’s “God bless Nigeria” music captivated guests who stood up to applaud the woman who over the years had entertained Nigerian residents in Qatar selflessly.
Emmanuel Nnanyelugo’s ( Push) “Yeye Boy” soundtrack was greeted with applause and BGY’s, a Yoruba music band entertained through the night with their talking drums and DJ Walexy mixed the latest jams.
There was a raffle draw and winners emerged to take home Iphone 6 plus, Ipad Air 2 and laptop with other consolation prizes for best dancer, kids and for artists.