Goodwill Message by H.E. Ambassador Nimota Akanbi on the Occasion of the 50^th Independence

Anniversary of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Fifty Years ago, on 1st October, 1960, Nigeria attained independence from Britain. On that day a

new independent country joined the community of independent nations with hope for a good future in

Freedom, Peace and Unity.

Some of the hopes and aspirations of independence have been realized while some are yet to be realized. Irrespective of the failures to realizes some of the goals of independence, there is no doubt that Nigerians have remained united in the believe that Nigeria must remain one united independent country.

As Mr. President has said, we cannot ignore the fact that we have cause to celebrate our nationhood and even a greater cause to look forward to a brighter future. There is indeed need for us on the historic occasion of our 50^{th I}ndependence to pause and appreciate who we are, what we have, and to reflect on the encouraging possibilities ahead. There is indeed much to celebrate: our freedom, our strength, our unity and our resilience.

I share the vision of Mr. President that the Nigeria of the next fifty years must be a land of delight.  That the signs for such a delight are not difficult to see because we are a hardworking people and have a sense of one Nigeria. With a new sense of purpose and a determination to make things work, we can collectively transform Nigeria into a land of delight.

As we celebrate the 50^th independence, here in the Netherlands, I urge all Nigerians living in the country to take stock of their stay in the country and resolve to remain good ambassadors of Nigeria and commit themselves to the development of good relations between Nigeria and the Netherlands. Furthermore, I urge all Nigerians in the Netherlands to reflect on what they can contribute to the development of the Fatherland while pursuing their livelihood in the Netherlands.

Above all I urge all Nigerians in the Netherlands to unite and form an umbrella organization that will serve the purposes of all Nigerians and Nigeria in the Netherlands. I am happy to inform all Nigerians that I am committed to midwife the emergence of such an organization before the end of 2010.

Already a committee has been charged with the responsibility of coordinating the various groups of Nigerians in the Netherlands for this purpose. I therefore seize this opportunity to call on all Nigerians in the Netherlands to associate themselves with this noble endeavor and standup to be counted in the pursuit of unity and prosperity for all Nigerians in the Netherlands.

I salute all Nigerians in the Netherlands on this joyous occasion and appreciate their contributions to the promotion of good relations between Nigeria and the Netherlands. I commend and appreciate their inclinations to the observance of the laws of our host, the Netherlands. I urge them to remain in that spirit and continue to be law abiding.

I must put on record, the wonderful contributions made by Nigerians in the various committees set up in the last ten months that arranged the 50^thindependence anniversary celebration coming up on 9^th October, 2010. I appreciate their hard work, resourcefulness and dedication to the common good of Nigeria.

As we celebrate the 50^th anniversary in the Netherlands, let us pray for the repose of the victims of the unfortunate car bomb blasts that took place on 1^st October in Abuja. I condemn the perpetrators of the heinous act. I appeal to all well meaning Nigerians to support government in the search for the perpetrators of the act so that they will be brought to book. I urge all Nigerians to pray for peace and stability in our country.

May God bless Nigeria and Nigerians.

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Long live the Royal Kingdom of the Netherlands.