Today, the world celebrates the birth of the most respected anti-apartheid leader and a freedom fighter, Nelson Mandela, who is seen as an icon in South Africa. In Nigeria, it was a day of celebration in Delta State, with an event to mark the anniversary held at Mandela Gardens in Asaba, the state capital.
It was also an opportunity for the celebration of freedom after centuries of discrimination and apartheid rule that led to the death on many South Africans and the imprisonment of Mandela.
During a special press briefing held at the venue, the South African High Commissioner in Nigeria, Ambassador Mokgethi Monaisa, pointed out that the day had been set aside to honour Nelson Mandela and celebrate with nations and people that stood fast with South Africa during its struggle for which Nigeria is one of them.
The event was held to further strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries as it is no longer secret that Nigeria played an important role and is also identified as a flagship country for this celebration.
He told reporters that the program was to highlight the values and ideas that Nelson Mandela stood for as proclaimed by the United Nations in 2009, setting aside July 8, “Mandala’s Day”.
It is obvious that South Africans will continue to celebrate their great icon, although dead but still lives on in the minds of many, now and in the years to come.
Mandela, affectionately known as Madiba, made history when he became the first black president of South Africa in 1994, serving until 1999. A symbol of global peacemaking, and an idol of universal love and solidarity, he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.