As part of the activities to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence, Surulere Connect Global, gathered students from various schools to celebrate the nation’s history, culture, and talents through a fiesta.
The event, held at the NPA Hall, Eko Club in Surulere, Lagos, featured a range of activities including dance, quiz competitions, debates, drama, poetry, spoken words, and more.
At the inaugural event, Omotayo Gbajabiamila, a member of the House of Assembly and founder of Surulere Connect Global and Surulere Connect Academy, said the initiative aimed at bridging the gap between the older and younger generations.
‘It’s about bringing the youth together with the older ones who are reputable role models because, we’ve discovered that our youth lately do not have a dimension. Perhaps, they do not have anyone to serve as a role model or because they have many other vices that are distracting them,’ Gbajabiamila said.
She expressed optimism that the country can still reach its full potential by investing more in initiatives that improve education, while emphasizing the importance of unity and collective effort as key to achieving success, rather than pursuing division.
‘Well, as a Nigerian, I believe in ‘united we stand, divided we fall.’ Even if we believe we’re from different tribes, different homes and when we get home at night, we’re all Nigerians at the end of the day.
‘A lot of students have done plays (drama) in Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba and we’re all saying we’re all one. It’s too late for us to start separating, and to be very honest, we’re really interwoven. Those who want us to separate are going to send us back. We should just manage what we have and make the best of it. So help us God as Nigerians,’ she said.
Ashibuogwu Buchi, a student from New Era Girls Senior Secondary School, was thrilled by the positive impact of the Independence Fiesta.
She stated that, ‘the programme has impacted me with so many things. I’ve learnt that cooperation and being among my peers can actually help me to be where I’ve never been before.’
Another student from Ansar-ud-deen Grammar School, Surulere, Ayi Blessing, said the event held great significance for him, adding, ‘It means a lot to me because it’s a wonderful day and a day of celebration as well as showcasing my talent.’
In the debate, the Business Administration Department of Grace Polytechnic, secured first place, while the Computer Science Department of the same institution finished as the runner-up.
However, Zumratul Islammiyah Senior Secondary School emerged as the quiz winner with 38 points, while Ijeshatedo Senior Secondary School claimed the runner-up position with 33 points.