Nigerians in St. Louis (Missouri) Celebrate National Day

Nigerians in St. Louis (Missouri State) in the United States of America celebrated the 18th Annual Nigeria Day last weekend. Under the auspices of Nigerian Cultural Association of St. Louis, Nigerians in their different and colourful attires trooped to the St. Louis Science Centre exploradome to showcase their rich culture.

The St. Louis community was heavily represented at the ceremony with many of them joining their Nigerian counterparts to dance to melodious Nigerian highlife music of Baba Ken Okulolo led African Music Source of Oakland, California.

Speaking at the occasion, Nigeria's Ambassador to the United States, Professor Jibril Aminu represented by the Head of Information Service Centre, Embassy of Nigeria, Washington, Mr. Frederick Kehinde Martins enjoined all Nigerians resident in the United States to be law-abiding and contribute positively to development at home. Professor Aminu advised them to continue to promote Nigerian cultural values and to participate in the Nigerians-In-Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) and Volunteer Service Scheme (VSS) initiatives of the present administration.

Speaking earlier, the President of Nigerian Cultural Association of St. Louis Mr. Olayemi Oluokun called for concerted effort by Nigerians abroad to invest in their fatherland to solve unemployment and prayed for a free, fair and peaceful election next year.

The association through the President and Chairman Advisory Board Dr. Sam Nwaobasi expressed deep appreciation to the Ambassador for sending a representative to the occasion a gesture they considered a practical testimony of his genuine concern for the welfare and activities of Nigerians resident in the United States.

The Association presented a plaque to the Ambassador and it was received on his behalf by his representative Mr. F.K. Martins.

Members of the St. Louis community who graced the occasion include Margaret R. Gottheb of United States Department of Commerce, Mr. Bob Bakula of Chem-Solv, Inc. and representatives of St. Louis Regional Arts Commission.

Nigeria Information Service Centre

October 10, 2002