Coffee Cup Conversations

[jimm127]

In some of my articles that I have shared on these online pages I may refer to the high number of foreign students that are currently studying here in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The African country of Nigeria has, in particular, sent over to our island many talented young men and women. I recently had the pleasure of meeting three very hardworking members of a newly established group that call themselves the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

NANS is an internationally recognised association. However NANS "Turkish Zone" was only inaugurated this year, on the 23rd of March. It's President is Dr. Samson Oluwaseun Fadiya, and during our recent chat he introduced me to one of his Vice Presidents Justin Dafevwakpo and to committee member Ifeoma Onuike. All three come from Nigeria and all are studying at various universities here in North Cyprus.

Dr. Samson explained to me that the aim of the association is to bring the thousands of Nigerians studying in the "Turkish Zone" under one umbrella. With its headquarters located on our small island, the NANS "Turkish Zone" is made up of seventeen countries that include Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Russia, Greece, Albania, Azerbaijan, Serbia and Kosovo. "I want to improve relations between Nigerians and their adopted countries and to look after their welfare whilst they study away from their home country," says Dr. Samson.

Whilst Dr. Samson has been living and studying on our island for about eight years, Justin, the Vice President of NANS has only been here about a year, currently working on his Masters degree. Justin explains that although the group is relatively new, he has high hopes for the future and already many meetings have been held across the island. Ifeoma, a softly spoken bright young woman, who is studying for her second university degree, is also proud to be a part of this association. She is currently working as an assistant, helping to organise many of the important tasks that need to be completed on a daily basis. There is a lot to get done!

At the moment the National Association of Nigerian Students is very busy organising the celebrations for the 55th Independence Day of Nigeria. According to a press release issued by NANS; "Nigeria gained her independence from Britain on the 1st of October 1960." Dr. Samson informs me that for the very first time on our island a large scale celebration is being organised for the 1st of October. Thousands of Nigerian students will be joined by TRNC citizens (including Goverment officials, Mayors and university rectors) with distinguished guests from Nigeria also invited too. A parade beginning from the central roundabout in Girne will commence at about 3pm on the day, culminating at the Girne Amphitheatre. At the amphitheatre there will be live music and dancing traditional to Nigeria and everyone is invited to join in the celebrations which will continue into the evening. Meanwhile in the capital Lefkoşa there will be conferences and a gala dinner. This year's events come under an inspirational slogan that reads "The Change We Want, The Change We Deserve".

To learn about the history, traditions and customs of a country and its people, is to build a bridge of trust and understanding. I personally am extremely happy to meet and welcome new friends from all walks of life, from all around the world with open arms; this is true Cypriot hospitality. If you would like to find out more about NANS you can take a look at their website http://www.nanstrzone.org and to contact them their email address is nanstrzone@gmail.com. I wish the association a safe and happy independence day, and hope that this will be the first of many more annual celebrations here in the TRNC.