There was an interfaith rally to call for the recovery of all abducted Nigerian girls and their reunification with their families on Friday, May 23, 2014 from 11 am to 3pm, at Nigeria House NYC (828 2nd Avenue, b/w East 44th & East 45th Streets).
#BringBackOurGirlsNYC joined in the rally organized by “For the Love of Africa, For the Love of Nigeria, and the Organization for the Advancement of Nigeria (OAN), Christian Association of Nigerian Americans (CANAN), the National Council of Nigerian Muslim Organizations in the USA (NCNMO), Nigerian Lawyers Association, Nigerian Social Workers Association, Nigerian Diaspora Leadership Forum (NDLF), quite a few other concerned Diasporan Nigerians and organizations. The keynote speaker was Mr. Emmanuel Ogebe, who was invited by "For the Love of Africa, For the Love of Nigeria." Other speakers include Prince Akeem Adeyemi, who participated spontaneously, Rev. Dr. Herbert Daughtry, National Presiding Minister of the House of the Lord Pentecostal Church, The Legal Aid Society of America, NYC Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson and District leaders from the 16th District, NAACP Bronx Chapter leader Cohen. Ambassador Abah of the Nigerian Permanent Mission to the United Nations made a few remarks. He said he was speaking as a parent who is heartbroken about the abduction and hoping that the girls would be brought back to their families.
Several members of #BringBackOurGirls participated. There were three women from my Church, Kenilworth Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY, two of whom arrived before the rally began, and stayed to the end. Our affiliated member organization, Sauti Yetu Center for African Women and Families was there, as were Ernesto Mora, Media Relations Manager at Brooklyn College, CUNY, and Jamilah Simmons, Senior Writer, Brooklyn College Publications.
A Jewish rabbi joined us spontaneously, as did other friends of Nigeria. The spirit of solidarity was strong, palpable and encouraging.
We want our girls to be brought back to their families. We want it now. And we want the Federal Government of Nigeria to assure us that “never again” will any of our children be subjected to such trauma. We also want Nigeria to understand that Education for All is part of the global agenda. Security, well-being, and welfare of Nigerian people should be guaranteed by FGN as provided by Section 14 of the Nigerian Constitution. The true reflection of “largest economy in Africa is one whose people can truly enjoy the life more abundant for all that our nationalist leaders promised during the anti colonial struggle. We need a government that makes us proud. FGN, Rise to the challenge! #BringBackOurGirls! More video, pictures, updates to come.
Several members of #BringBackOurGirls participated. There were three women from my Church, Kenilworth Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY, two of whom arrived before the rally began, and stayed to the end. Our affiliated member organization, Sauti Yetu Center for African Women and Families was there, as were Ernesto Mora, Media Relations Manager at Brooklyn College, CUNY, and Jamilah Simmons, Senior Writer, Brooklyn College Publications.
A Jewish rabbi joined us spontaneously, as did other friends of Nigeria. The spirit of solidarity was strong, palpable and encouraging.
We want our girls to be brought back to their families. We want it now. And we want the Federal Government of Nigeria to assure us that “never again” will any of our children be subjected to such trauma. We also want Nigeria to understand that Education for All is part of the global agenda. Security, well-being, and welfare of Nigerian people should be guaranteed by FGN as provided by Section 14 of the Nigerian Constitution. The true reflection of “largest economy in Africa is one whose people can truly enjoy the life more abundant for all that our nationalist leaders promised during the anti colonial struggle. We need a government that makes us proud. FGN, Rise to the challenge! #BringBackOurGirls! More video, pictures, updates to come.
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