Nigerians from all over Malaysia gathered in Limkokwing University Plaza to commemorate their country’s 54th year of independence.
The celebration was held on 17 October and it was attended by a representative of the Nigerian High Commission to Malaysia, Mrs. Janet Olisa.
Nigerian gained its independence from the United Kingdom on 1 October 1960, and the country had been recording a steady economic growth ever since. Currently there is a large number of Nigerian students studying in Universities around Malaysia, hence the Independence Day celebration which is held annually, signified an important community get together.
The cheer filled event started with singing of the Nigerian National Anthem with the country’s flags on the stage. It was followed by a prayer and a special ‘independence song’ by the Nigerian Choir, which is made up of both students and Nigerian expatriates living in Malaysia. Nigerian students in their traditional attire shared background information about their country, talking about their culture and traditions.
The night went on with Nigerian traditional music and dance, poetry, and dramas. Nigerian student models took to the runway parading various traditional fashion styles, which usually incorporate the use of a traditional cloth known as ‘ankara’, and the uniquely tied women’s headgear, known as a ‘gele’.
Nigerian artists, the likes of Dabenja, Mr Eric, Teddy Rallyx, and Victor had also graced the event and provided entertainment for the evening.