Nigerians in Washington Celebrate Independence Anniversary

Nigerians resident in the Washington area and its environ were treated to an Independence Anniversary reception by the Nigerian Embassy in Washington.

The reception which was well attended took place in the newly completed and beautiful Nigerian Chancery building on International Drive Court, Vanness, Washington, D.C.

Among those who graced the occasion were the Honourable Minster of Transport, Chief Ojo Madueke and Director General, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Malam E.L. Rufai, members of the diplomatic corp, the business community and many admirers and friends of Nigeria.

In his remarks at the occasion, His Excellency The Ambassador of Nigeria to the United States, Professor Jibril Aminu, called on all Nigerians and the international community to support the development of the democratic process in Nigeria. He stressed that in a pluralistic society such as we have in Nigeria, democracy must be steadily nurtured for it to take firm root and that in the process hard lessons will be learnt.

He reiterated the commitment of the government of President Olusegun Obasanjo to pursue the tenets of the true democracy and sustainable economic development through free enterprise as well as individual liberty through enhanced values, education and progress. He extolled the remarkable improvement of the stature of Nigeria in the comity of nations since her return to democratic rule and especially the improved relations with the United States and concluded that Nigeria has indeed found her rightful place in the international community.

Professor Aminu expressed the appreciation of Nigeria to the United States Government for the cooperation and assistance the country has continued to receive from various departments and agencies of government and from non-Governmental Organisations in the United States and assured all that the government of Nigeria will support America, at all times in the war against terrorism and the quest to promote international peace.

He enjoined Nigerians residing in the country to positively project the image of their country by refraining from criminal activities and participating in the Nigerians In Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) initiatives. Professor Aminu assured them of the present administration's commitment to build a strong, prosperous and vibrant country and call for their support.

Guests were treated to sumptuous Nigerian meals while all danced to melodious Nigerian music provided by the Liz Ottah Band.

A Nigerian artist, Ibiyinka Alao who recently won a United Nation's organization poster competition exhibited some of his works at the occasion.

Nigeria Information Service Centre

October 3, 2002