KUCHING: Nigerian students planted trees here for the third consecutive year yesterday as a way to express their thanks to the locals here for their hospitability and for giving them an opportunity to pursue their studies in the city.
It was also part of the programme to celebrate the 51st Nigerian Independence Day yesterday.
The theme for this year’s celebration is themed ‘The Stride for Excellence’.
The students planted 33 trees at the old State Legislative Assembly (DUN) building in conjunction with Kuching City North Commission’s (DBKU) Environmental Awareness programme.
“The 40 students from Unimas, Swinburne, Inti and LimKokWing planted two types of trees,” said DBKU deputy director Jumaini Haili at a press conference after the tree planting ceremony.
Meanwhile, LimKokWing Business Management and Globalisation Faculty principal lecturer Margaret Ekisowei said the celebration was held in Kuching as there was a fair number of Nigerians living here.
“There are about 300 Nigerian students studying here and all of them are involved in the Independence Day celebration,” she said.
The aim of the celebration was to provide opportunities for Nigerian students in the community to be good and responsible citizens of their country and to the community in Kuching and state at large.
It is hoped that the event would help re-ignite the passion for community building, rejuvenate the spirit of patriotism and promote unity amongst Nigerians students in Sarawak, she added.
“The 51st anniversary celebration is set towards appreciating the contributions of Malaysia as a country to Nigeria and Nigerians.
A little goes a long way where environmental friendliness is concerned and this event helps contribute to the creation of a greener environment.”
Another event held for the Nigerian Independence Day is a match between Sandfield FC and Sigat United FC yesterday at Padang B, State Stadium.
For the finale, a Nigerian Independence Day Dinner will be held at The Banquet on Oct 2 at 7.30pm.
Also present at the tree planting ceremony were Unimas Faculty of Social Sciences lecturer Nwanesi Peter Kerubi, DBKU finance deputy director Baiti Adenan and DBKU staff Durie Austine.