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Chronicle Reporter
Nigerians living in Bulawayo yesterday donated groceries worth $3,500 to Thembiso and Mustard Seed Children’s homes. Dr Stella Achinulo, a member of the Nigerian community running a private clinic in the city, pledged free medical treatment for children from both homes.
Handing over the donation, the Senior Consulate Officer at the Nigerian Embassy, George Collins said the donation was part of the association’s annual programme of giving back to the community.
He said this was part of efforts to cement the relationship between Zimbabwe and Nigeria, which dates back to the pre-independence era.
“Nigeria provided host to Zimbabwean liberation fighters and other countries from the southern region. The country also provided moral and financial support to the nationalists,” he said.
Collins added: “I am encouraging my fellow citizens who have found a home here not to only make this an annual event, but even at individual level let us assist where we can. This is where we are making a living and we should therefore give back to the community.”
The chairman of the Nigerian community, Innocent Onoro said they have become Zimbabweans through good relations with citizens and also marriage.
He said: “Some of us are sons and daughters-in-law of Zimbabwe and we now identify ourselves as part of this country. We have found a home here,” he said adding, “These children are our children as well. We look forward to donating better and more frequently in the near future.”
In response Thembiso administrator, Clifford Moyo urged the business community and individuals to emulate what the Nigerian community is doing.
Dr Achinulo was accompanied by her husband Chief Alphonsus Achinulo.
Online Reporter