Nigerian community in Minnesota celebrated its 47th independence anniversary. Dr. Richard Oni, President of the MIND (Minnesota Institute of Nigerian Development) organization, the organization that always put together the anniversary sends his annual message to the community .

My dear fellow Nigerians in Minnesota and elsewhere, it is with great pleasure and honor that I address you today as we celebrate our 47independece anniversary of Nigeria.

First and foremost, I thank all the executives and members of the Minnesota Institute for Nigerian Development (MIND) for being forward looking and continuing to advocate for unity among all Nigerians in Minnesota. I also thank them for supporting my leadership throughout the year. My special thanks goes to the Independence Planning Committee for all they have done to make today’s occasion possible. I thank my family for their support and understanding when I had to miss many family activities because of Nigerian meetings and events. I thank all professional associations such as the Association for Nigerian Engineers in Minnesota (ANEM) and the Nigerian Nurses Association (NNA) for allowing me to attend their meeting and talk to their members about the Institute for Nigerian Development (MIND). 

I thank the Consulate General of Nigerian in New York for their support to this organization throughout the years. I thank all Nigerians who are here today and have not subscribed to any other Nigerian ethnic group; this is an opportunity for you to join MIND. I thank our donors and sponsors, especially MoneyGram for their yearly financial support. I thank the individuals and organizations that continue to place advertisements in our program book; we appreciate everything you all do to make today’s event a success.

Finally, I thank friends of Nigerians in the State of Minnesota who have consistently supported our agenda. We appreciate everything you all did to make this event of today a success. 

Ladies and Gentlemen, let me remind us that our national unity is our most priceless asset. The 47th Anniversary of Nigerian Independence celebration should not be just another Saturday to go and see what the Minnesota Institute for Nigerian Development (MIND) is doing. The celebration should be an opportunity for all Nigerians in Minnesota to unite together and work under one strong umbrella organization, which members of MIND continue to advocate for. We are at our best when we work together. Unity is about the whole being greater and stronger than the sum of its parts. Unity is about common ground, joining together, respect for one another and living together in one community.

 Let me conclude my Welcome Address with some quotes from the poet Ghalib who says: "My companion’s condition is a reflection of my soul. My companion’s need unfulfilled is a blemish on my soul. The path I contemplate is only of use if it fulfills my companion’s need, who then is my companion? My companion is every creation of God". This is why today’s event is so important. It reminds us to look to the well being of our whole Nigerian community in Minnesota and elsewhere. Let us unite to live the best legacy to our children. Through unity of purpose, there is no limit to what we can achieve. Let us make the Minnesota Institute for Nigerian Development (MIND) the Tree of Life for all Nigerians in Minnesota.