NIGERIANS in the UK have begun planning their first ever celebration of a 100th birthday party for a diasporan as the oldest Nigerian in Britain Pa Gabriel Lemoshe prepares to celebrate his centenary on March 15 next year.
A resident of the UK since 1941, Pa Lemoshe is the oldest Nigerian ever to have lived in Britain and still has all his mental faculties. Full of vitality, Pa Lemoshe lives in his terraced house in north London and the Nigerian community in the UK plans to organise a worthy birthday celebration befitting of his achievements.
Being a native of Abeokuta, the Egba United Society in the UK, of which Pas Lemoshe was a founding member, will be helping to organise the event, expected to take place at a Hilton Hotel in central London. Chief Yemisi Sanusi of the Egba United Society, a family friend and the chairperson of the organising committee said that under plans being drawn up, guests will be asked to buy tickets to help cover the cost of organising the event.
Chief Sanusi said: "We will be asking everyone who is coming to pay a token fee of £30 each as we hope to make it a grand occasion with entertainment and good food. We are also hoping to attract some sponsors who will free to advertise their products in the programme we will be printing."
She added that given the popularity of Pa Lemoshe within the Nigerian community, they are expecting a good turnout. Working together with Pa Lemoshe's family, the organising committee meets once a month and is hoping to put finishing touches to its plans by the end of the year.
Plans are already in motion to fin in the necessary forms required to be sent to the queen so she can send her 100th birthday wishes to Pa Lemoshe. Traditionally, the queen personally writes to everyone who clocks 100 in the UK, giving them her best wishes.
Pa Lemoshe, was born at the Sacred Heart Catholic Hospital, Abeokuta in modern day Ogun State on March 15 1914. According to Chief Sanusi, a copy of his birth certificate will be attached to the forms and sent off to Buckingham Palace.
Among the dignitaries expected at the event include Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, the Alake of Egbaland and Oba Femi Ogunleye, the Towulade of Owu. Chief Sanusi added that the Nigerian high commission in the UK is also expected to play a part in the festivities.
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