Nigerian community in Lesotho
Limpho Sello
THE Nigerian Community in Lesotho celebrated their country’s 56th independence anniversary at a colourful ceremony in Maseru where they also pledged donations to two orphanages as a token of appreciation of the hospitality they enjoyed in the country.
Nigeria got its independence from Britain on 1 October 1960.
The Association of the Nigerian Community in Lesotho (ANICOL) Public Relations Officer Folaji Emmanuel said the independence commemorations helped cement unity among the community which was all the more important they were far away from home.
“There are many reasons why we need to celebrate independence; it brings us together and we are able to share our achievements and challenges,” Mr Emmanuel said.
Mr Emmanuel said as they would donate goods to two local orphanages as a gesture of their gratitude for the hospitality that had been extended to them by Basotho over the years.
“We felt it was only right to give back, to lend a hand when we can as the country has been very accommodating to us,” Mr Emmanuel said.
For his part, ANICOL President Uman Faruk Idris said Nigerians the world over still cherished their country’s independence and remained patriotic.
He said his country had since grown to become one of the continent’s biggest economies, adding many Nigerians were found in other countries since the world was “now a global village”.
“Nigerians are not running away from their country because of economic challenges. Some come here as volunteers under the Technical Aid Programme established by the Nigerian community to assist African countries with professionals in different fields. Some are here working for the United Nations (UN) or the World Bank while others run their own businesses,” he said.
He said they also contributed to Lesotho’s development.
