Ambassador Maria Laose surrounded by Mr. Josef Boeck and
Mr Oluyemi Ogundele (NANCA President) addressing Nigerians.
National Association of Nigerian Community (NANCA) hosted a reception in Vienna on 28th October, 2011 to mark the 51st anniversary of Nigerian Independence.
In attendance were the Ambassador/Permanent Representative, Ms Maria Oyeyinka Laose, representatives of the ethnic nationalities, head of cultural organisations, Nigerians and their Austrian spouse and friends. The event was also attended by Austrian government officials including the Head of Austrian Police Department for Immigrant Affairs, Mr Josef Böck.
In his welcome address, the President of the NANCA, Mr Oluyemi Ogundele thanked all those in attendance for their contribution in making the event a success. He particularly thanked the Embassy/ Permanent Mission for the support given the national association in organising the event, adding that the support of the Mission increased this time around. He however drew the Ambassadors attention to the problem facing the Nigerian Community in the course of changing their machine readable passport to the new E-Passport and called for her intervention in seeking a permanent solution to it.
Responding, Ambassador Laose commended Nigerians for the patriotism and pride they have shown in their country by adorning the Green-White-Green attire that has added colour to the celebration. Urging them to continue in this spirit, she promised them that very soon, the problems they are experiencing in the course of changing their passport would be over because plans were in place for officials of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) to visit Austria in November for another E-passport intervention exercise. She further advised Nigerians to be law abiding and project a positive image of Nigeria within the Austrian society.
Highlights of the occasion include the Head-Tie Fashion Parade by young Nigerian models and which was organisedby the Kijiji Cultural Troup. There was also Head-tie competition that attracted contestants from gaily dressed Nigerian women at the event. Guests were also treated to various Nigerian dishes including Jollof Rice, MioMoi, and Pepper Soup etc.