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igerians in Switzerland capped off activities commemorating Nigeria's independence anniversary on Friday, October 17, 2003 at the Buchegg Gemeinschaftszentrum in Zurich. The occasion, which was attended by about 300 people including Nigerians and Swiss, provided another opportunity for Nigerians to showcase at their best with many of them bedecked in national attires of all shades and designs proudly dancing to Nigerian music amply supplied by the Juju-funky king, Dele Taiwo and his band. In the words of the keynote speaker, Madame Lesely Riwar, as the saying goes, life begins at 40 so I am sure you will all agree with me that we are just beginning life, so to say. We are still finding our way in a big world. The obstacles are many but that doesn’t stop us from growing up as a nation, making our mistakes and learning from them. Every country has its good people and as well as bad, but please do not judge us negatively because of a negative experience you have once had.

Some Swiss in obvious show of support for Nigeria and Africa in general, came resplendent in African attire and the whole atmosphere was awash with pomp and pageantry. The sense and spirit of national pride was further heightened when instead of playing a pre-recorded version of Nigeria's national anthem, it was beautifully rendered by all. As the anthem proceeded, other non-Nigerians joined in singing to the admiration of all present. It is important to mention here that this association seems to have one of the highest per capita concentration of Nigerian professionals living in Switzerland including diplomats, professionals, businessmen and women, journalists and so on.

In his opening remarks, the President of the Nigeria Union of Switzerland (NUS), Mr. Celeste Chidozie Ugochukwu lamented the death of four Nigerians within a space of seven months this year. He asked for a minute silence to be observed in their honour. He commended the country's peaceful and smooth general election held in April; so also the part played by Nigerians to see an end to the civil war in Liberia. He appealed to Nigerians living in the country to make it a point of duty to register with the Embassy and the Union so that when the need arose they could be reached. The association is dedicated to fostering social interaction among members and the promotion of cultural awareness in Switzerland.

He was proud to inform the audience that the Nigeria Union strives to fully participate in community affairs to ensure that Nigeria as a country was always portrayed in good light in Switzerland.

The highlight of the night was the keynote address delivered by the Head of Chancery from the Nigeria Embassy in Berne, Mr. Mohammed Tahir. Mr. Tahir stood in for the Ambassador Mrs. Aisha Jimeta. In his address he reminded the gathering about the poor state of global economy and political difficulties in spite of which Nigeria "had been able to perform above board." He went on, “It has introduced new economic policy programmes that take care of the micro-economic stability, and poverty alleviation strategy", among others. He added that telecommunication system has improved to the extent that "even farmers and cattle-rearers have access to the GSM." On Nigerians in Diaspora, Mr. Tahir disclosed that the government had launched Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Europe (NIDOE) with its headquarters in London which objective is to harness the skilled resources in Diaspora towards the development of Nigeria." He hoped a branch would eventually be launched in Switzerland. He enjoined Nigerians to be each others keepers, and to be in peace and harmony "with our hosts."

The Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Europe (NIDOE) according to Mr. Tahir was formed to foster economic development in Nigeria by helping to attract and facilitate investment in Nigeria. “If one wants to start a business in Nigeria and does not know how to start, there has to be someone here to help, and that is part of what the NIDOE is all about" he said. He called on all Nigerians in the Diaspora to step up to the responsibility of "holding their hands and setting up businesses in Nigeria " using various funding sources available to them in the areas of telecommunication, agriculture and power.

He further extolled the NUS for promoting cultural awareness. The entire encomium drew applause from the audience in obvious demonstration of their appreciation.

NUS NEWSLETTER