Nigeria Shines at 2018 Commonwealth Fair in London
Kessington Town Hall on Hornton Street in London, United Kingdom, was a beehive of activities as more than 53 Commonwealth countries gathered under one roof in support of the Commonwealth Girls’ Education. Funke Olaode, who was in London, captures the mom
The music booming from the speakers reminded everyone of its root – soul-searching and rhythmic African music. There were different artefacts and flags that depicted each national’s identity. There were also flamboyant displays of arts and culture, reminding you of Africa and its inhabitants. The aroma of cuisines from different countries rent the air. They were people from different geographical zones but with only one cause, raising money for the less privileged girl child in the Commonwealth countries.
The Nigerian High Commission put up a spectacular display of Nigerian culture and traditions with different artefacts ranging from handmade bags with ankara, local beads, art work, and head ties made with aso-oke on display.
The Nigerian identity and culture dominated the environment as wives of top government officials led by the wife of Nigeria High Commissioner to London, Mrs. Modupe Oguntade, clad in green attire with a head tie that drew visitors to the Nigerian tent. They were cynosure of all eyes as both Europeans and non-Europeans took turns to take photographs with them. Also, at the Nigerian food stand were jollof rice, fried rice, amala, gbegiri, ewedu, moin-moin, efo-riro, fried plantain and so on. Other Africans too were not left out as they all jostled for attention and patronage to their tents. Indeed it was a day to remember as invited guests enjoyed the diversity of the Commonwealth nations.
On November 10, 2018, the entire African countries moved to London as they converged on the magnificent Kessington Town Hall for the annual Commonwealth Fair. In its 15th year, the purpose of this year’s gathering was to raise money to sponsor girl’s education in all Commonwealth countries through the Commonwealth Girls Education. Being an annual event, over 50 nationals from across the continent took part in this year’s event.
Nigerian delegate was led by the Nigerian High Commissioner to London, Ambassador George Oguntade, and his wife, Modupe. Other dignitaries were the wife of the Nigerian High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Mrs. Fatima, Habiss, Minister/ Head of information, Culture and Sports, Nigeria High Commission, London, Mr. Olukayode Aluko, Minister/ Head, Industry, Trade and Investment, Nigeria High Commission in London, Mr. Ahmed Sule, Chief Librarian at the Nigerian High Commission in London, Anthony Adeloye, Mrs. Modupe Bakare, Mrs. Marian Gazi, Ms. Ekua Abudu, Mrs. Bose Oworu, Mrs. Remi Thompson amongst other dignitaries
Throwing more light on what the event entails, Chief Librarian at the Nigerian High Commission, London, Anthony Adeloye, said basically the purpose is to raise fund.
“This fair is done annually to encourage all Commonwealth Countries to come together under one roof to sell their crafts, cuisines and try to raise money to sponsor less privileged students particularly girl child to enter secondary schools in commonwealth nations. It is being going on now for more than 15 years. The response has been wonderful. Members of the British community are also coming to enjoy what we have to offer. It is a very useful event to know each other,” said Adeloye.
How does the committee select the beneficiaries?
He explained: “After raising the fund we would give it to less privileged students girls who are talented but cannot afford fees to go to secondary school. They would apply for scholarships. There is an emphasis on girl-child education which has been an issue in the third world countries. The majority of girls are unable to afford school fees to enter post primary school. This we believe is the avenue to help them to attain higher education. I am pleased to say that some of the girls that have been sponsored through the Commonwealth Fair Funds have become teachers, doctors, nurses. They have also formed an alumni association. So it has been a wonderful experience for us touching lives through various high commissions. So away from home and even in Diaspora we are touching lives. And I am happy to say at the moment we are sponsoring three girls in Nigeria in secondary school. And after secondary we can help them to aspire to go for tertiary education.” Corroborating Adeloye, Oguntade said he was delighted to be part of this life changing experience.
“This event is being organized under the auspices of Commonwealth and the idea is to raise money to help the less privileged particularly the girl-child in all the commonwealth countries. It is very deserving and I am very committed to it because if you educate a girl, you empower a woman in the process you inspire a community and have definitely touched a live. I am pleased that as Nigerians in Diaspora we are here are taking part in it,” he stated.