Nigerians living in Rwanda have expressed gratitude to their host country saying it offered them a second home, a place to thrive and an enabling environment to contribute to mature growth.
This affirmation was made on Wednesday, October 1, during the celebration of the country’s 65th Independence Day. The event brought together hundreds of people including Nigerians, Rwandans, diplomatic corps, and friends from other communities, featuring Nigerian cuisine, cultural music and dance which saw Nigerians and Drummers from Burundi.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Garba Wali, president of the association of Nigerians in Rwanda, said the celebration is not only about the passage of time but also to reflect the remarkable journey of “a nation that stood resilient, hopeful and determined in the face of trials and triumphs alike.”
“From literature to science, sport to technology and entrepreneurship, Nigerians have made their mark with distinction. Our cultural industries, such as Nollywood, have become a global symbol for our identity, while our intellectual innovators and professionals continue to shine in every corner of the world. Yet, we must acknowledge that our journey has not been without formidable challenges”, he said.
“As we celebrate this milestone, it is important to express our deep gratitude to our gracious host country, the Republic of Rwanda. Rwanda has offered Nigerians a home away from home, a space to thrive and an enabling environment to contribute to mature growth. The bond of friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and Rwanda continues to grow stronger, and we are deeply appreciative of the hospitality, peace and solidarity extended to us here”, he noted.
The remarks were echoed by Ibrahim Zanna, Nigeria High Commissioner to Rwanda. “I must thank both the government and the people of Rwanda, who have been fantastic hosts to our people. Nigerians come to me, the community are so happy that they have been integrated.”
Mrs. Mispa Awasum, one of the participants, shared her excitement to join her fellow Nigerians and other African communities that were part of the 65th Independence of Nigeria.
“ As a Cameroonian, Nigeria and Cameroon, we practically have our independence on the same day. So, this actually is a double celebration for me. And wonderful one again celebrating in Rwanda, a place I call home.”
Coming back to the theme of this year’s Independence anniversary: “All hands on deck towards a greater nation”, Ambassador Zanna urged the Nigerian community to unite towards a greater nation. “What makes Nigeria great is our people [who we are], our culture, our music, our dressing, that is what makes us unique.”
He appreciated the contribution of Nigerians to financial, educational and other sectors of Rwanda’s economic development.
He said: “We have quite a number of our citizens that are doing so well. We have two Nigerian banks, Access Bank, Guaranteed Trust Bank, also adding to development here in Rwanda.”
“There is this technical assistance scheme that Nigeria has had for over 30 years helping the South-South cooperation where we assist countries with technical assistance in terms of capacity, manpower. For Rwanda here, we have about a total of 28 professors and PhD holders who are paid for by the Nigerian government under the technical aid assistance program, lecturing in Rwandan universities.”
Rtn, Kelechi Anyanwu, the Vice President of Nigeria’s in Rwanda, who’s business activities involves facilitating businesses into Rwanda, extended advice to African’s to believe in unity and accept each other as brothers.
He Emphasized on the need why African should not need visas to travel to another African nation. “There’s urgent need for all African’s to come together as one to become powerful globally, economically and otherwise. The zeal to achieve greatness starts with us – One African spirit.”
The community of Nigerians living in Rwanda donated mutuelle de santé for 100 family members of Nyarugenge district as a way of supporting the community health insurance scheme.
