Brandon Nigerians mark 63rd anniversary of independence
The United Nigerians in Brandon Association hosted the 63rd independence anniversary of Nigeria in Brandon on Sunday, marking the maiden edition of this celebration in the city.
The event, which took place at the Knox United Church, had a turnout of about 230 attendees, all adorned in traditional attire proudly displaying the green and white colours of the Nigerian flag.
“I never expected such a large crowd to gather for this event. It’s truly remarkable. We are recovering from the pandemic, and I wish we could have secured a larger hall to accommodate more people within the community,” organizing committee member Hameed Omotoba told the Sun.
More than 20 concerned parents, many dressed in black, joined representatives of the United Nigerians in Brandon Association at Monday’s Brandon School Division board meeting to share their concerns about safety and racism in local schools.
The emotionally charged meeting followed the recent attack, described last week by Brandon’s police chief as racially motivated, on Chinonso Onuke, a Nigerian-Canadian Grade 10 student at École secondaire Neelin High School.
Nigerians and their friends attend celebrations at Knox United Church to mark the 63rd anniversary of Nigeria’s independence. This was the first such Nigerian independence event to be held in Brandon, which is home to about 3,500 Nigerians. (Photos by Abiola Odutola/The Brandon Sun)
Omotoba explained that the UNBA was set up to unite Nigerians, help them with accommodations and jobs, and provide support for their integration into the community. He added that, although the group organizes similar events every Jan. 1, this is the first independence event in Brandon. “It’s a significant milestone, marking the celebration of Nigerian independence here in Brandon for the first time,” he said.
“There are approximately 3,500 Nigerians in Brandon, including students at Brandon University and Assiniboine Community College,” another organizing committee member, Abi Obafemi, told the Sun. “It’s a joyous occasion to celebrate our heroes who fought for this independence. Being independent means we’re no longer under colonization. We’re proud that we’re free from such burdens. Nigeria is 63 years old today, and despite the challenges we face, we want to appreciate our hard-won independence.”
Obafemi was also overwhelmed by the turnout, stating, “I’m over-impressed with the attendance. We had over 230 people at the event, including children, youth, and the elderly. It’s a remarkable turnout, and I’m immensely proud to be Nigerian today. The atmosphere was electric, and it’s evident that Nigerians in Brandon are eager to celebrate their heritage.”
She explained that the independence celebration commenced with a march at Princess Park around 1 p.m., setting the tone for the celebration that would follow at the Knox church. She added that in the hall where the event was held, visitors were treated to a visual feast as traditional Nigerian clothing was prominently displayed on the walls, showcasing the rich and diverse culture of Nigeria.
Omotoba added that the maiden edition of the Nigerian Independence Day celebration in Brandon was not just a commemoration of history but a vibrant display of unity and culture.
The event was a success with the support of the UNBA, City of Brandon, Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation and Trinity African and European Store among others, Omotoba said.
One of the children waves the Nigerian flag at the event.