64th Nigerian Independence Celebration in the U.S: A Remarkable and Evergreen Affair – National Accord Newspaper

The recently held cultural fiesta in Columbia, United States of America, put together by U.S resident Nigerians to mark 64th Nigerian Independence Day celebration has been described as remarkable and shall remain evergreen in the minds of Nigerians based in the United States in particular and other non-Nigerians that witnessed the celebration.

Grand Knight Emeritus, Sir Tonna Okei, President, South Carolina Organization of Africa Unity (OAU), and one of the brains behind the celebration handed down this remark while speaking with media men at the margin of the celebration.

While appreciating God for the success of the event and members for their sincere contributions and corporation, Okei, who is a worthy Member of the Board of Trustees, Knights of Columbus particularly praised the efforts and contributions of The President of the Nigerian Women Association, Nurse Practitioner Mrs. Stella Okeke (Ada Anioma Columbia) who was the Chief Hostess of this year’s celebration, describing her as a creature blessed with a mixture of selflessness, sympathy and empathy. Okei also appreciated Chief Dr. Sir Eleanya Ogburu (Miri Oma) Neurologist and President of Midland Neurology and Pain.

In his words, the Leaders, members of the Nigerian community and non-citizens of Nigerians that witnessed today’s event are in agreement that by all standards, it is the most well-organized cultural fiesta by any African community in the United States. This excellent event that was perfectly organized has again made Nigerians stand tall in the United States of America. It was a thing of great joy seeing Nigerian men and women flying the Nigerian national flag.

‘’I am, particularly, and must on behalf of the group thank specially, The President of the Nigerian Women Association, Nurse Practitioner Mrs. Stella Okeke (Ada Anioma Columbia), the Chief Hostess of this year’s celebration. She promised in her Inaugural Presidential speech that she was going to give the Nigerian people a good event and she has fulfilled that promise’’

He spoke glowingly about his Agbor culture and the king, and prayed in his Agbor language that Nmor Ri elu ya gozi Dein ne ndi Agbor (may God bless the Dein and the good people of Agbor kingdom). Okei prayed for God and the spirits of Agbor to protect and bless the Agbor King.

‘’I am happy that Mrs. Stella Okeke, who is an Anioma maternally with her brother Pharmacist Julian Orjiakor, joined us in promoting the Anioma culture. I am a proud son of the Dein of Agbor and despite the fact that the whole of Pan Africa is my constituency as the President of the OAU, I am first and foremost an Agbor son. We say in my place, Ani ihian whu ndua, Doo Dein whu gi azun gbodon ohimi (A man’s land is his strength and that long live the King, the Great King who’s back serves as a protection for his people from natural disasters’’

Aside from witnessing traditional hospitality at its best which includes but not limited to cultural dance, presentation of varying Nigerian foods and adequate entertainment of members and guests with different kinds of traditional/cultural dance, food and drinks, the gathering also had an auction session which saw the best of Nigerian attires and cultural artifacts auctioned.

The auctioning was anchored by The President of the Organization of African Unity SC, Grand Knight Emeritus Sir Tonna Okei(Ikuku Oma) and assisted by Mrs. Oluchi Nwodo who was elegantly dressed in a traditional outfit fit for a Queen and glowed in her carriage. Chief Kingsley Emetu (EzembanaEmetu) and Chief Innocent Ntiasagwe (Aka ekpushi onwa) for their part, rallied Nigerians from the South eastern part to the event.

The auction saw the best of Nigerian attires and cultural artifacts auctioned and great Nigerian Men sure stood up to fly the flag well. These Nigerians particularly, President Dave Igiozee of Bendel Community, Chief Okey Agodu (Ezeana Ohuefi), Chief Gilbert Fon, Pharmacist Perry Ukachukwu and Mr. Kelvin Inyangetor MBA.

The highlight of the event was the dramatization of a typical payment of homage by chiefs to the King in Anioma setting. This particular role of the king was performed by Pharmacist Julian Orjiakor, a grandson of Late Eze Orjiakor. He is maternally an Anioma and was proud to showcase this while Sir Okei was the Chief.

At the event, the Chief was seen stopping at intervals to appreciate his Anioma In-laws such as; Lt. Col James Uba Okeke (Rtd of the USA Army and Husband of the Nigerian Women Association. He also appreciated the Mkpotu 1 Nto Nsek Akwa Ibom, Queen G Inyangetor, a two term former President of the Nigerian Women Association.

Mrs. Georgina Chiejile nee Okei was the Nne Egwu of the group, Dr. Toyin Okei(Yeye Asoju Oba) and her children also danced in the Anioma way, Master Okoye and Master Chiejile joined in too. Ezinne Mrs. Fran Onu demonstrated the best of Igbo dancing skills.

The star moment was when Ikuku Oma playing the role of an Anioma Chief danced gracefully with the traditional grace of an Anioma Chief using the Eben to the admiration of all present. He indeed caught the attention of all when he promoted the rich Agbor tradition, paying Homage to the Dein of Agbor before starting the event.

The Committee Chair of the day, Pastor Mrs. Mercy Sanyo who also doubled as the MC thrilled everyone and made sure she kept everyone entertained. The caterer was Dr. Uche Ukachukwu, CEO of Splendid Kitchen LLC and MC Ogunnanike was the DJ. President Mrs. Stella Okee, Engineer Mrs. Florence Ogburu, Queen G, Dr. Burnett Gallman OAU Board Chair and Lolo Lilian Emethu with the Asoju Oba and Yeye Asoju Oba Sir and Dr. Tonna and Toyin Okei later took a group picture. It was indeed a night the people of Columbia will never forget.