Happy 61st Independence Day Nigeria
One of the perks of living abroad is that the annual celebrations you may have once taken for granted now mean a whole lot to you. One of these celebrations is the Nigerian independence day celebration.
About Nigerian Independence day:
On 1 October 1960, Nigeria proclaimed its Independence from colonial rule. The day is what we now know as Nigerian Independence day and is also an official national holiday in Nigeria. Now that you understand what Nigerian Independence day in Nigeria is. Let’s get into the celebration part.
When is the Nigerian Independence Day Event?
Nigerian independence day is celebrated on the first of October. While that day is a public holiday in Nigeria, Nigerians abroad will often celebrate it on the Saturday of that week if it falls on a weekday.
Nigerians in New Zealand, aka Naija Kiwis, gather at Te Atatu Peninsula Community Centre every year to celebrate the Independence of Nigeria. This year, the 61st year post-independence was supposed to be no different.
Plans were already in motion, a theme already decided “Unity in Diversity”; the venue booked, itinerary nearly complete, dance rehearsals already happening, costumes bought. Sadly the annual event will once again not hold owing to the unprecedented times.
Since being in NZ, I have attended three of these events. 2020 Independence event was cancelled because we were still figuring out this covid pandemic and how to navigate our daily lives. Now, the 2021 event tagged “Nigeria Cultural Day Celebration” has been put on hold because of Covid-19 restrictions, with Auckland as the hotspot.
In commemoration of this day, I am reliving the memories of past independence day celebrations in this post.
2017 Independence Day Celebration.
This was the year I made my first ever trip to New Zealand. Three months after my arrival, I attended my first Naija Kiwi independence celebrations. Christina had invited me, Robert and Eddie, both Ghanaians. My excitement of seeing many Nigerians in one place could not be described.
I’d always thought we were not as many because I hardly saw anyone on the streets, at Uni, grocery stores, you name it. Albeit, viola!!! Here they were in their colourful attires.
Where have they been hiding? I thought to myself while I munched away.
It was a fun evening. Even my boobies were out to play. The event itinerary included a fashion show, cultural dance performances, African food and clothing sales, Igbo masquerade display, dance, African DJ, traditional drumming, food, food, and more food.
We had jollof rice, using iwa (aka eba), egusi, fried beef etc etc.
More photos taken from the facebook page of the Association of Nigerians in New Zealand alias Naija Kiwi.
Zimbabwean drummers 
Ekpo 
2018 Independence Day Celebration.
A year after I lost my popsy, Nigeria turned 58.
I wore my funeral dress for za parte after parte. Not because it was a sad day but because it was a special moment and the dress holds dear memories. A special cloth for a special event. I’d put on weight, so the outfit was quite tight. I made it work regardless.
The music was on point, and the food was sumptuous as always! Plus the fact that I had free access to some of the chefs. Of course, people who love to eat are the best 🙂 The time management, however, was out of control. Typical!! My thoughts were with the police officials and other government invitees who had to sit till the show’s end.
They hadn’t even cut the cake by the time we left, which was almost 10 pm. The hall was nearly empty because a lot of folks had gone home. An event that started at 2 pm and was scheduled to finish at 5 pm went beyond 10 pm. Dah!! We left oo. Party is important, but beauty sleep is importanter.
That aside, the activities were engaging; dances were delivered beautifully. The Nigerian High Commissioner to Australia1, at the time, was also present. There were awards for winners of the essay competition, recognition of academic achievements, speeches, and cake cutting. Entertainment included Maori cultural presentation, Harp and Piano play, and as always, food and the different and beautifully rendered cultural dances.
More pictures on The Naija Kiwi Association facebook page.
1The Australian High Commission of Nigeria represents the Nigerian Government in its relations with Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu,
2019 Independence Day Celebration.
My third Nigerian independence day event in New Zealand. The year 2019 was very eventful: three countries, three weddings in six months. Something about multiples of three. I’d just returned from a Food Engineering conference in Australia (a story for another post) and was getting ready to party as Nigeria clocked 59 years of Independence.
We had a guest artist all the way from Nigeria in the person of Charly Boy. This man has somehow figured how to slow down ageing because, to me, he looks the same way like he did a few years ago. Anyway, me sef never age so…
This time, I graced the event with my bestie, Gift. I had also volunteered to help with the cooking. Yes!! I was a vital member of the heart and soul of our annual owambe. What’s a party without Nigerian jollof rice? And what’s Nigerian jollof rice without stewed chicken, drumsticks for that matter.
Gift won a ‘Lexus in the raffle draw that took place!! I was so excited, more excited than the winner herself. She has this gift of winning raffle draws!! I’m having ideas now. Moving on!!!
Ndigbo masquerade group once again made an appearance, more conspicuous than the last time. There were dance displays from Igbo and Yoruba community members, music from our own Naija Kiwi musician/rapper, Mazbou-Q, beats from cultural bands and many more.
Charly Boy 
Masquarade group 
Cake cutting
Suffice to say, the Independence day event brings many Nigerians together. It’s an opportunity for Nigerians new to the country to meet their fellow Nigerians and pick up few tips that could help them adapt to their new environment.
Although, the most crucial benefit is that this yearly celebration is a great avenue to savour Nigerian food for those that cooking is not in their DNA.
*insert brilliant quote*
Share your experience with the community.
