The sixth annual Naija Day event in Saskatchewan was held last Sunday at Melfort's Kerry Vickar Centre. (Submitted)

By Nigel Maxwell

Culture

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Saskatchewan’s Nigerian community is celebrating an important anniversary.

On Oct. 1, 1960, Nigeria was granted full independence from Great Britain. To mark the 63rd anniversary, and celebrate Naija Day, over 200 people gathered last Sunday at Melfort’s Kerry Vickar Centre.

Joseph Akinjobi, President of the Association of Nigerians in Northern Saskatchewan said seeing the beauty of their culture and all the youth, many of whom were born outside Nigeria, filled him with a sense of pride.

“It’s like a great deal. It’s a dream come true for me,” he said.

Recalling how people back in Nigeria would gather around their TVs and watch the celebrations, and even movie stars would take part, Akinjobi explained here in Saskatchewan, families from various tribes come together to show their unity and take part in a big meal. As well, no one goes to school or work. He explained if you do lose your identity, you go into an identity crisis and that leads to a loss of self-esteem.

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“If you know who you are, and you identify with who you are, it doesn’t matter what challenges you meet as you grow older. You stand tall, you walk tall, and you know who you are.”

Joseph Akinjobi with Melfort Mayor Glenn George. (Submitted)

Akinjobi has three children himself and while acknowledging how important it is for him to teach them about their roots, also joked when his family watches the Nigerian soccer team play Canada, it’s always an exciting time. As part of last Monday’s celebration, Akinjobi’s daughter read a poem about strength in unity

“If we don’t teach them then we are gonna lose it all together because there will be nothing for them to pass on to their own offspring so that’s why it’s incumbent on us to make sure we teach them,” he said.

Monica Olukosi was also at Sunday’s event and in addition to noting her own pride in celebrating her culture, explained that within the Nigerian community, there are over 200 languages spoken.

“We had a drama skit and it was to say despite the fact we speak different languages, despite the fact we are from different tribes, we’re still united”

Noting how Saskatchewan’s Nigerian community continues to grow and includes doctors and medical health professionals, as well as IT specialists, Olukosi said they come to Canada for a different experience.

“You don’t want to be in your country and say I haven’t been to this place before,” she said.

(Submitted)

This “Naija Day” event was the sixth edition of its kind in Saskatchewan and was held last year in Prince Albert.

In addition to members of Saskatchewan’s Nigerian community, also in attendance were Melfort Mayor Glenn George and MLA Todd Goudy.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell