A day after one of them was laid to rest in Hungary, Africans living here seem to have put such sad moment behind them when they partied with their Hungarian guests by celebrating their accomplishments under the auspices of African Hungarian Elite Ball for intercultural promotion.

Africans in America or Britain or France or even nearby Germany may see nothing new in this kind of gathering, but not those residing in Hungary where the population of Africans is relatively small, and where every event is likely to be the first of its kind.

The main intention according to Tunde Komolafe, the organiser, is to bring together those whose heart is beating for Africa, and to showcase the culture and peculiarities of African minority in Hungary.

He stated: “Those interested in our culture are welcomed to our drum and dance. They are welcomed to our small and big festivals for better understanding of our exotic world from those committed to their culture."     

The evening also witnessed the presentation of Iroko awards to certain individuals who have done something in the interest of Africa either with their work, or attention, or philanthropy. Those who have excelled in their chosen careers like doctors, engineers, business executives and journalists were also honoured.

In his speech, the chief launcher, Hon. Sami Charles, praised the sons of Africa whose spirits have helped the younger generations of Africans in their quest for success. He explained that people like Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Kwame Nkruma, Nelson Mandela, Patrice Lumumba and a host of others “have made us proud”. He then pledged his support to make such social cultural interrelationship a yearly event.

The African community enthusiastically welcomed the occasion and described it as the avenue to promote culture, social and image laundering of their continent. “This was how it began in places like America and Britain,” said one guest, adding that Africans are coming of age in Hungary.

“I like and I support the idea,” said Engr. Ayo Egbewunmi, one of the sponsors and honorees. “The most important is to bring Hungarians and Nigerians together. They have the same in America and other places. Tunde is trying to show that something good exists in Africa. More grease to his elbow.”

Another honoree, Dr. Olu Owolabi, said he supported this “noble” idea mainly because no one will beat your drum for you but yourself. He stated further that, apart from the award, it’s a forum to meet people – Hungarians and Africans alike. “The few who are doing positive things need to be recognised.” Dr. Owolabi was awarded for his article in the Nigerian Guardian that has helped unite daughters and their fathers.

Dr. John Sessi, a business executive, was also recognised for his activities concerning youths. He believes Hungarians do not have the opportunity to see the successful Africans, hence their “negative impressions of us”.

Dr. Sessi described Komolafe as a self made man and one of those Nigerians preserving the good image of a continent. However, he poured venom at those Africans whom he described as creating negative impressions about the continent. He specifically mentioned Fekete Pako, a Nigerian born Hungarian “artist” who was once reported in local tabloids to have said that Africans eat human flesh. “I hope this occasion will negate the nuisance (Fekete Pako),” he remarked.

Although Gibril Deen, the founder of Mahtma Ghandi Human Rights Movement and Chairman of African Star Football Club was absent, he described the occasion as a positive development. He was recognised for his passion in helping fellow immigrants in their quest for asylum in Hungary. 

Hungarians were also recognised for their contributions to African culture. Búr Gabor, a professor of political science and modern history related to Africa, was honoured for his publications about Africa. Sárkány Mihaály, ethnologist and author of "Varsany To Ekiti", was also honoured. Molnáré Ildiko was recognized for her effort in promoting African culture. “I like African people,” she said. “It’s good for us to come together like this. Isn’t it beautiful? We should all help those in need."

Peter Ihaza, President of Nigerian Union in Hungary also commended the organiser for a wonderful beginning of bringing Africans and Hungarians together in this positive manner. He said further that his Hungarian friends were already looking forward to the next one.

Some of the recipients are not included in the award list, an error Komolafe attributed to the last minute rush to put things right. He promised to improve on such mistake next year. “You know it’s not that easy to organise events of this magnitude.” 

mysmallvoice@yahoo.com

Robot  Villager

# 1 A day after one of them was laid to rest in Hungary...Read the full article. Posted by Robot| 07.06.2006 09:24

Adeo

# 2 We will always have those few Nigerians who disgrace us everywhere. You all need to lay emphasis on the good ones so that your hosts can notice them. Nigerians still gather and encourage one another in the small towns of Britain and America. It is a different thing in the big Cities, for fear of 419. Posted by Adeo| 08.06.2006 11:11