Many Ghanaians joined Nigerians across the UK to celebrate Nigeria’s 50th year after Independence with various events that portrayed Nigeria’s culture. The remarkable day which fell on October 1 was also marked with church services. At the Living Word Temple on Tottenham White Lane, the church made up of mainly Nigerians, Ghanaians and Ugandans prayed extensively for the future of Nigeria asking for the hand of God on Africa’s largest and highly populated country. The church’s perimeter was decorated with Nigeria’s characteristic colours of green and white. Speaking before the congregation, a leader of community of Nigerians in the church, Abideen Adeniran, said Nigerians saw what Ghana did during their country’s 50th anniversary of Independence and are happy doing the same. He gave the history of Nigeria through military and democratic rules and said despite the set backs some of its military rules has brought good to Nigeria. “We are optimistic about the future of Nigeria despite what we have been through,” he said. Pastor Eric Antwi who also spoke about Nigeria said he is conversant about life in the country. “This is one of the greatest countries in the world. Nigeria has seen wealth before and it’s sad noting they are facing difficulties. I remember in my early years in London, the Nigerian currency, ’naira’, was used to shop here. It’s my heart desire Nigeria will see the salvation in Jesus Christ,” he added.





Preaching the sermon, the resident Pastor of the church, Rev. K.A. Prempeh, advised the congregation to lead pure lives in getting close to God because without that it is highly impossible to please God and receive his blessings. He took his Word of Exhortation from John 15:1-5 and showed how Jesus compared himself to a vine, to which his followers are attached and out of which they grow and God is described as the gardener – the one who waters and tends the entire plant. “The symbol of Israel is grapes which bear fruits and fruit shows the goodness of God, without being attached to Christ, Christians cannot bear good fruits and be successful,” he told the congregation.





The day’s service, highly dosed in gospel songs and dancing, was also characterised with Nigeria’s culture of costumes, dances and greetings as Victoria Egemuka introduced men and women who came to exhibit what is noted of Nigerians – exotic headgear, expensive necklaces and glamourous gowns. The youths of the church also came on with a sketch showing how Christians should rely on the power of God than occultism to solve problems in their lives. A member of the church, Josephine Ofeibea Doodo, a Ghanaian, who gave her comments about the joyful moments said after the service, “We are as one body here, whether a Nigerian, Ghanaian or from Uganda. Today has been a wonderful day at service with Nigeria Independence day celebration. I wish them well and asking of God’s blessings for the nation”.





- Reggie Tagoe in Tottenham White Lane, London.