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Bayelsa ANA chairman, Afenfia, fetes physically-challenged athletes

By Julius Osahon (Yenagoa) and Kemi Sokoya (Lagos)
03 October 2017   |   3:21 am
Bayelsa State Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Mike Afenfia, yesterday felicitated with the physically-challenged athletes in the state to mark Nigeria’s 57th Independence anniversary and 21st year celebration of the state’s creation.

Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa.

Indian community hosts over 500 children

Bayelsa State Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Mike Afenfia, yesterday felicitated with the physically-challenged athletes in the state to mark Nigeria’s 57th Independence anniversary and 21st year celebration of the state’s creation.

Afenfia, who is the speech writer to the state governor, Seriake Dickson, noted that the meeting with those he referred to as “special” was to celebrate them for making the state proud in sporting events both within and outside the shores of Nigeria.

The ANA chairman, who spoke during the meeting held at the Samson Siasia Stadium, said he was impressed by the laurels won by the athletes for the state, saying, “you are worthy ambassadors of your state and the country.”

He also called on the people of the state to have a positive perspective about Bayelsa and assist the present administration in changing the narratives despite the challenges being faced by the state.

Meanwhile, officials of the athletes, in their separate remarks, commended the governor’s aide over his gesture and show of love towards the athletes and officials.Head Coach, Mr. Anthony Imbimo Damiete, thanked Afenfia for celebrating with them on the Independence Day, noting that this will indeed spur them to make Bayelsa proud once more in swimming, short-put, table-tennis, basketball, weightlifting and so on, both nationally and internationally.

In another development, the Indian community in Nigeria, through URJA Foundation, yesterday hosted a get-together party for over 500 Nigerian children in Lagos.The yearly event was to mark Nigeria’s Independence and celebrate Nigerians and Indians who had taken Nigeria as their home. Founder, URJA Foundation, Rukhi Mitra, said the foundation decided to mark Nigeria’s Independence Day hosting the children because they are the future of Nigeria.

“In a nation where I have spent 34 years of my life and another year has gone by, my heart is only filled with more love for my country, Nigeria. I have counted my blessings and noticed the joy in simple pleasure, which came in form of giving,” she said.

Mitra, who appreciated the support and co-operation of the Indian High Commissioner in Nigeria, donors and sponsors for using the foundation to provide education and facilities to 21 under-privileged children in the society, urged the children to listen to their parents’ advice.

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