The Nigerian community in Finland came together in grand style to celebrate Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary. The event, held in Vantaa, was filled with joy, unity, and vibrant cultural expressions that reflected the pride of being Nigerian, even far from home.
The celebration began with the playing of the Nigerian National Anthem, a moment that filled the hall with patriotism. The air was charged with pride as everyone stood tall, honoring the green and white flag.
A warm welcome followed, and the Head of Mission, Nigerian Embassy Sweden, Amb. Dr. T. A. Elias Fatile, delivered an inspiring speech addressing the attendees. His words reminded everyone of the importance of unity, resilience, and the shared responsibility of representing Nigeria positively in the diaspora.
The event featured lively performances by children, whose energy and enthusiasm lit up the room. Their display brought smiles and applause from all present, showcasing the bright future of the Nigerian community in Finland.
A highlight of the evening was the couples’ fashion contest. Beautifully dressed couples took to the stage, proudly displaying their Nigerian attire. The best-dressed couples were recognized and received special awards, adding a fun and competitive spirit to the celebration.
The master of ceremonies kept the atmosphere lively throughout with jokes and engaging commentary that had the crowd laughing and relaxed.
Adding more color to the event was a captivating cultural display by the Igbo Women Union. Dressed uniformly in their traditional attire, they performed beautifully, celebrating the richness of Nigerian culture and unity among the different ethnic groups.
The President of the Association of Nigerians in Finland (ANCF) Dr Kingsley Abisi also gave a thoughtful speech, emphasizing togetherness, cultural pride, and the importance of supporting one another as a community abroad he also emphasized that as leaders everywhere we go, we should strive . He reminded everyone of the popular saying that “Naija no dey carry last”, but humorously added that in Finland, it sometimes feels like we are carrying last. He challenged the community to rise above barriers, strive for excellence, and create more success stories in Finland. His message was one of encouragement and motivation; a call for Nigerians to continue pushing boundaries and making their mark in every field.
There was also a beautiful cake cutting ceremony, symbolizing unity and national pride. Afterwards, everyone enjoyed a delicious feast of traditional Nigerian dishes that brought a taste of home to the celebration.
Volunteers who contributed to the success of the event were recognized and awarded certificates of appreciation, a gesture that highlighted the community’s spirit of gratitude and teamwork.
The event concluded with photo sessions, laughter, and warm exchanges among attendees, capturing memories of a day filled with pride, joy, and shared heritage.
The 65th Independence celebration was more than just an event it was a reminder of Nigeria’s strength, diversity, and the unbreakable bond shared by its people everywhere. It was truly a day of pride, laughter, and unity.
Here’s to ANCF; strong, united, and ever shining!
Here are some images from the event
