By Omuboye Sukubo
Port Harcourt – Nigeria`s Consul General in South Africa, Amb. Uche Ajulu-Okeke, on Saturday urged Nigerians resident in that country to engage in low key celebration of the nation`s 56th independence anniversary.
Ajulu-Okeke told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on phone from Johannesburg, South Africa, that the mood of the nation demanded that Nigerians should engage in sober reflection while marking the anniversary.
“ I urge Nigerians in South Africa to realise that the economic situation in the country today is not what it was yesterday.
“ They should pray for the country to get better while using the occasion to reflect on their loved ones and the condition back home,” she said.
Ajulu-Okeke also urged Nigerians to pray for the unity and progress of the country.
Mr Ikechukwu Anyene, the President of Nigeria Union South Africa (NUSA), said some chapters of the union in the provinces would celebrate the occasion by organising charity programmes.
“ Nigerians in South Africa are mindful of the mood of the nation and will engage in low-key celebration.
“ We have urged Nigerians to celebrate the event responsibly because we know that the Federal Government is not having an elaborate celebration,” he said.
Anyene also urged Nigerians in South Africa to be law-abiding while always upholding the good image of the country.
(Edited by Mike Mbonye and controlled by Mufutau Ojo)