Page 5 - NIGERIAN DAY 2024

The Principal’s

Address

Dear esteemed students, staff, and members of our
school community,

IT’S A DAY TO FEEL
oday, we commemorate a momentous occa-
sion in Nigerian history – the 64th anniversary of
PROUD OF YOUR HERITAGE
TNigeria’s independence. As we celebrate this sig-
nificant milestone, we must reflect on the journey that AND CONSIDER HOW YOU
has brought us to this point and recognize the impor- The country has weathered civil war, mili-
CAN SHAPE NIGERIA’S
tance of this day. tary rule, and economic hardships, becom-
ing more robust and united. The transition to
On October 1st, 1960, Nigeria gained its independence democracy in 1999 marked a new chapter in FUTURE.
from British colonial rule. A number of years earlier, it Nigeria’s story, paving the way for more ex-

had been provided with a measure of self-determina- cellent stability and progress.
tion, marking the birth of a new nation filled with hope, As we stand here today, it’s essential to
ambition, and the promise of self-governance. This piv- recognize why Nigerian Independence Day To our Nigerian students and their families,
otal moment set Nigeria on a path to becoming the di- matters so profoundly: this day holds special significance. It’s a day
Philip Reynolds verse and vibrant country we know today. to feel proud of your heritage and consid-
Principal • It symbolizes freedom and self-deter- er how you can shape Nigeria’s future. For

It’s worth noting that the journey to complete indepen- mination. our non-Nigerian community members, this

dence was a process. While Nigeria became an inde- • It celebrates Nigeria’s rich cultural celebration offers a chance to learn about
pendent country within the Commonwealth in 1960, on heritage, with over 250 ethnic groups and appreciate Nigeria’s culture and history,
October 1st, 1963, it became a republic, fully severing contributing to its diverse tapestry. fostering understanding and unity within our
ties with the British monarchy. • It reminds us of Nigeria’s potential as diverse school community.
Africa’s most populous country and
At the time of independence in 1960, Nigeria was divided one of its largest economies. As we commemorate this day, let us re-
into Northern, Western, and Eastern regions. Today, the • It offers an opportunity to reflect on member the words of Nigeria’s first pres-
country boasts 36 states and the Federal Capital Ter- the progress and challenges ahead, ident, Nnamdi Azikiwe: “Each one of us is a
ritory, reflecting the growth and evolution of this great inspiring those who live in Nigeria to citizen of Nigeria, and we owe Nigeria undi-

nation over the decades. contribute to Nigeria’s continued de- vided allegiance.” In that spirit, I encourage
velopment. you to reflect on how you can build a bright-
Nigeria’s history since independence has been one of er future for Nigeria and our global commu-
resilience, challenges, and triumphs. nity here in the Regent School Group.

THE REGENT SECONDARY SCHOOL 4 4 THE REGENT SECONDARY SCHOOL 5