To celebrate Nigeria clocking 60, THISDAY / ARISE group put together a spectacular virtual event tagged THE GLOBAL COMMEMORATION.
The show which kicked off at 5 pm on October 1st was produced and broadcast from Lagos, Abuja and London, but staged in various cities around the world and streamed to a global audience on ARISE Play, ARISE NEWS CHANNEL, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, among others.
The virtual event which lasted for six hours was a medley of speeches, music and fashion show.
Hosted by Arise TV anchors, Ojy Okpe and Charles Aniagolu, the messages had a common theme of admission of difficulties and challenges, while acknowledging evident progress and a determination by the government and the people to make further progress.
In his speech introducing President Muhammadu Buhari, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief, THISDAY Newspapers and ARISE Group, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, said the president had promised a legacy by political and economic reforms with deregulation and reduction of inequality in the economy.
The leaders who featured on the programme spoke on how far the nation had come since independence in 1960 and called for national unity for an assured brighter future.
Business leaders and policymakers were not left out as they also predicted better days for the country, despite the current challenges.
Nigeria’s biggest stars, including Davido, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Flavour, Lola Rae and Burna Boy also added their vibes to the celebratory evening.
The fashion industry was very much present with the likes of Deola Sagoe, Tiffany Amber, Lanre da Silva Ajayi, Odio Mimonet, and Ziva Lagos.
Speaking on Nigeria at 60, they all recounted their love for the country and expressed their desire for a better Nigeria and expressed gratitude for the country’s contribution in shaping their brands.
”I AM PROUDLY NIGERIAN”, Deola Sagoe recounted severally. “Nigeria is a beautiful place. I started my business here as an entrepreneur, and i have grown into what I am today”, Lanre da Silva Ajayi added.
International model Naomi Campbell was also among the many global personalities that wished Nigeria happy independence. Campbell expressed regret that her visit to the country this year was hindered by the coronavirus pandemic. However, she lauded the THISDAY/ARISE Group for constantly exposing the rich fashion industry in Nigeria and Africa to a global audience.
“THISDAY and Arise consistently used its platforms to further the cause for Nigerian fashion; its designers, its models, so that no one is left behind.”
She also noted the boom in the Nigerian fashion industry.
“I feel the pulse of Nigeria’s fashion getting stronger with each beat, and it makes me so thrilled for the present, not just the future.
The global virtual commemoration of Nigeria’s 60th independence anniversary was powered by Access Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank, Zenith Bank, Polaris Bank and Bet9ja, among others.
