Independence Day – Win a Prize!

Nigerian Flag

Flag of Nigeria

Nigeria’s Independence Day

My husband just reminded me that tomorrow, October 1, is Nigeria’s Independence Day! I usually am the one reminding him. But I’ve been so focused on getting the final bits of my book together that I forgot!

I wonder how our sons in Nigeria will celebrate. And I wonder why October 1?

New Challenge for Independence Day Prize

Time for a challenge question. Why did Nigeria choose October 1 for their Independence Day? A prize to the first person who has the correct answer.

What prize? Hmm, my book should be out in just a few weeks. A signed copy of my memoir Nigeria Revisited to the winner!

t-shirt

Official parade t-shirt

I just learned that there is a major celebration not too far from our home.  The Organization for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN) Inc., founded in 1989, has sponsored Independence Day celebrations in Brooklyn, New York, for many years. Three days of festivities are planned for Oct. 9, 10 and 11.

The parade, cultural dances, and food vendors promise plenty of fun as Nigerians and friends celebrate the 54th anniversary of Independence. I love the T-shirt – I may have to get one even if we don’t go to the celebrations.

Nigeria Free of Ebola 

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation logo

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation logo

The New York Times reported today that Nigeria seems to have conquered the Ebola virus within its borders.  The article praised the efforts of the Ministry of Health and the medical professionals. “Nigeria is the only country to have an outbreak with hundreds of potential victims in a city with vast, teeming slums and yet to beat it back,” the reporter said.

Nigeria was fortunate to have an emergency command center to combat polio funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. As soon as the first Ebola case was identified, the center was converted to fight the virus. Other international agencies were present and helpful as well. The high number of doctors per capita was a positive factor.

The other countries were not so fortunate on any of these fronts. The Ebola virus was undetected, often for weeks in rural areas of Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Liberia, unlike in Nigeria where it was identified quickly before it had spread widely.

Boko Haram Brief Update

I made a comment recently on Max Siollun’s blog on The Early Days of Boko Haram. “Thanks for your review of the early history of Boko Haram. Any news of the presidential committee of 17 people who, I’ve heard, are investigating the kidnapping?” I said.

He replied, “They submitted a report to the government. Was it effective? Well, over 200 of the Chibok girls are still held by Boko Haram.”

Nigerian Dinner to be Auctioned

Fried plantain

Fried plantain

Would you like to bid on a Nigerian dinner?

The Unitarian Church in Westport is holding the “Skylight Lounge Auction Benefit” on October 25. I agreed to contribute a Nigerian dinner for the auction. I wrote a rather bland description, but Mary Elizabeth, the auction chair, improved it.

Her version: “Catherine and Clem Onyemelukwe will personally create and prepare an authentic Nigerian dinner for you and your friends (8 people in total) in their beautiful home in Westport. The dinner will include everything from start to finish … come and enjoy some new flavors that are similar to southern and Caribbean food along with some outstanding conversation with your hosts!

Here’s a preview of what you may eat: pounded yam with egusi (pumpkin seed) and onugbu (bitterleaf) soup, and jollof rice and fried plantain, accompanied by wine, beer and dessert.”

Are you hungry?

Author: Catherine Onyemelukwe

Author, blogger, speaker. Born in New York, grew up in mid west United States, lived in Nigeria for 24 years, back in U.S. since 1986. Advocate for racial justice.

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