62ND NIGERIA INDEPENDENCE DAY ANNIVERSARY CEREMONY MESSAGE by OJIE FESTUS EGHOBOR PRESIDENT NIGERIAN CANADIAN ASSOCIATION (aka NCA) GTA CANADA
Your Excellence the Nigerian High Commissioner (NHC), Members of the High Commission, Members of Canadian House of Parliament, (MPs), Members of Provincial
Parliament (MPP) Mayors, Regional and City Councillors present, our esteem Elders, leaders of community organizations and associations, special guest, Ladies and Gentlemen, warm greetings to all and welcome to this ceremony to mark the 62nd Independence of our motherland – Nigeria.
As a people united in purpose, we must act as good ambassadors in whatever situation or capacity we find ourselves and set aside our differences and harness our
energies to the task of nation building.
Today’s Nigerian Independence Day celebration marks the culmination of the journey that began 62 years ago. As we celebrate the achievements of our forefathers for independence, we must not be oblivious to the evils plaguing us as a nation.
As the President of the Nigerian community in the Greater Toronto Area of Canada, I can relate to the
present unpalatable state pf affairs of the nation and I feel your pain, but we can take solace in the hope that Nigeria still exists as one indivisible nation.
The current leadership model and structure may look dysfunctional and Nigeria in a state of stupor, yet at the scent of good governance it would be awakened to takes its pride of place as the giant of Africa, the economic hub of the world and the shining example of progressive governance.
It is an undeniable fact that our leaders have deviated from the path of our founding fathers in nation building because of their reckless, unaccountable, irresponsible, and ineptitude in administering the affairs of the nation. These and more have brought about the agitations for breakup of the country and a loud call for referendum by others to decide the future of the nation.
I use this occassion to call on all Nigerians back home and abroad to wake up to the realities of engaging in the
politics of ideology, selflessness, responsibility, and accountability from all our leaders and political class, as this seem the only way forward.
I want to implore all Nigerians tribe notwithstanding, to join me for a moment of silence in honor of all the victims that have been killed, maimed, raped, displaced through violence, or kidnapped by faceless bandits, who disguise as herdsmen, by Boko Haram and by other nefarious actors supported by the state.
A moment of silence observed
It is very sad that wanton corruption, banditry, kidnapping and armed robbery have become the norm in our land. This is totally unacceptable, bearing in mind that we have a president that was a General in the military who gave Nigerians the confidence that he would tackle these insecurity problems. We call on President Mohammad Buhari, to rise to the occasion and consciously put a stop to these avoidable
challenges, currently ravaging Nigeria.
We are all together in this sea of struggles. We can decide to act alone and sink alone or come together and float as one. Together we’re stronger and better, this is the task before us all.
Leaders of identical vision converge in the summit of their visions even when they are separated from one another by time and epoch, they still commune in shared vision for what is best for
humanity. I therefore want to use this opportunity to task all our community associations and organizational leaders that there is no better time for us all to come together to build a stronger community as the African community in Canada and world yearn for Nigeria leadership.
Embracing the concept that ideas rule the world, the activities of today started as an idea that was acted upon and is become a national memorial because our
forerunners who were committed to the course despite their differences in tribes and tongue but in brotherhood they stood.
In same token, community organizing is not a one-man activity but the collective efforts of many where ideas are birthed, cultivated, and harnessed for the betterment of the membership. I therefore urge us to continue to build on this unity handed to us as we embark on celebrating Nigerian 62 Independence anniversary in
the mist of her present predicaments. Today Saturday October 15, 2022 the Nigerian community in the Greater Toronto Aeea is hosting a gala night not only to commemorate the independence anniversary, but to recognize the achievement of our Nigerian Canadian Association (NCAGTA) founding fathers and to appreciate the effort and labor of all the past and present, dead and alive to upholding and sustaining the association in all circumstances. We urge everyone to
participate, visit our website at www.ncagta.com or follow us on our social media platform to participate in the task of building and organizing the community for our next generation. Once again, I welcome us all to this ceremony…
Thank you. #Togetherwearestronger #thetaskbeforeus
Brief History of NCA and its leader The association which began
as a student body organization known and called the Nigerian Student Organizations (NSO). The name NSO was soon to be changed to Organisation of Nigerians In Toronto (OMIT) for the agitation of some members who were no longer student but citizens and permanent residents at the time. With the recognition of the increase of Nigerians in the city, with the expansion and the desire to incorporate with other provinces without the desire to create a parallel body, the name was changed to it
present identity.
The Chronology of NCA Presidents From Incorporation To The Present 2022 Administration As Student Body: Nigerian Student Organization (NSO)
Old Name: Association of Nigerians in Toronto (ANIT) Toronto
New Name: Nigerian-Canadian Association (NCA) Toronto
Original Purpose: Settlement of New Immigrants and
Integration of Nigerian-Canadians into the Canadian Mosiac.
Brand and Resolution: Non-Political, Non-Personal or Interest Group(s) Motivated or entrenched; directly or indirectly.
The Presidents:
1) Dr. Ofuegbu:- Student President (NSO)
2) Mr. Francis Omoruyi
3) Mr. Niyi Banjoko
4) Mrs. Icemi Ogunkoya (ANIT: Association of Nigerians in Toronto)
5) Prof. Evans Enyolu (NCA Founder/Incorporator) 6) Mr. Ahmed Hamis 7) Yahaya Kadiri 8) Mr. Anthony Okereke 9). Mr. Chris Olagundoye 10). Mr. Biyi Opaleye
11) Mr. Billy Etuk 12) Mr. Frank Omoruna 13) Mr. Fabian Nwaoha 14) Dr. Chidi Nwanyanwu 15) Mrs. Kemi Amusen 16) Mr. (Dile Eghobor
Source: 1. Prof. Evans Enyolu, Ph.D. Dipl.e-commerce Inter Continental U of Technology E-mail: info@icu.education
Whatsapp: (416) 206-7061.
2. Elder Felix Udoh, vivid account of his personal involvement and participation in the association till date and still actively involved.
PASSED NCA MEMBERS AND CONTRIBUTORS In passing memory of the community members who has transitioned to the great beyond. We remember you today and acknowledge your contributions to the upholding and sustainance of NCA. Your commitment and dedication to
the service of humanity is an inspiration to us all. We will never forget your Association with us as a community. Rest In Peace (RIP).
1. Mr. Godwin kamalu 2. Mr. Albert Obi Egwale 3. Mr. Felix Udofia 4. Mr. Chris Olagundoye 5. Mr. Kola Gbadamosi 6. Mr. Peter Nwajei 7. Mr. Alfred Okposo 8. Mr. Wilson Akpovoka 9. Dr. Patricia Williams 10. Dr. Sam Agu 11. Mr. Dickson Areh
ELDERS RECOGNITION AND AWARDS The recognition and acknowledgment of the contributions of the community elders who have stood the test of time with the association since its existence. We appreciate your commitment and effort to sustain the association despite several challenges. Today the present Execuive elect to accord you this recognition with a token of our appreciation with this award. Thank you.
1. High Chief Femi Adeite 416-422-4506
2. Chief Efe Kumane 416-762-9333
3. Pa Felix Udoh 647-444-7003
4. Emmanuel Amibor 416-251-9021
5. Josiah Idowu 416-797-7200
6. Kayode Ogunaike 647-567-5881
7. Ms Truddie Edem 647-517-2613
8. Prince Julius Adeleke 416-566-0921
9. Lady Dora lyoho 647-970-8421
10. Mrs. Bridget Ubochi 416-996-3055
11. Chief Victor Amaechi 416-509-4983
12 Dr. B.C. Emenogu 647-778-8318
13. Dr. Evans Enyeolu 416-206-7061
14. Femi Adam’s 647-219-3936
15. Chief Frank Idemudia 416-566-8951
16. Engr. Ike Ukwuoma 647-501-6364
17. Chief Tunde Olagundoye 416-453-1259
18. Theo Nwogu 416-918-7399