Monrovia, September 26(On behalf of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria): To commemorate Nigeria’s 52nd Independence Anniversary, the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria accredited near Monrovia has outlined a series of week-long activities in Liberia. Nigeria celebrates its 52nd Independence Anniversary on the 1st of October, 2012.

The activities which began on the 24th of September and expected to end on October 1 which is the official date of the celebration will include a business fair, free medical services, worship services, humanitarian missions to orphanages, a street parade and a reception.

Nigerian Ambassador to Liberia, Her Excellency Chigozie Fidelia Obi-Nnadozie said this year’s celebrations are aimed at further cementing the already close ties subsisting between Nigeria and Liberia.

Ambassador Obi-Nnadozie who recently took over as Nigeria’s first female ambassador to Liberia said the Nigerian Mission hopes to identify with some of the least privileged people in the Liberian society.

According to the Nigerian Embassy, the weeklong activities began with live radio and television interview programs with General Okoro of the United Nations Mission In Liberia (UNMIL) and the Ambassador on the 21st and 22nd of September respectively which continued with the display of Nigerian owned businesses in Liberia to publicize their products and free medical services provided for Liberians by the Nigerian Contingent of UNMIL from Monday, the 24th to Friday, the 28th of September.

The activities continue Thursday, the 27th of September with a group’s visit to an orphanage and home for less privileged children to distribute food items, toiletries and other items at 11AM. The Embassy had earlier encouraged Nigerians in the country to donate items before said date.

On Friday, the 28th of September, 2012, Nigerian Muslims are expected to worship at the 17th Street Mosque while Nigerians, their descendants and friends of Nigeria in the country are expected to participate in a street parade on Saturday, September 28th from Broad Street in Central Monrovia to the Embassy in Oldest Congo Town outside the capital.

The parade, according to the Embassy, will feature music, masquerade and dances on floats beginning 10AM with participants dressed in “Proudly Nigerian” and “Friends of Nigeria” T-shirts and caps. A church service has been arranged at the Catholic Cathedral on Broad and Ashmun Streets on Sunday, the 30th of September, 2012 by 10 AM.

The celebrations climax on Monday, the 1st of October, 2012 with a reception at the Nigeria House from 6PM to 9PM.