KIRIKIRI TOWN’S TRIBUTE TO MANDELA

“Our nation has lost its greatest son. Our people have lost a father. What made nelson Mandela great was precisely what made him human. We saw in him what we seek in ourselves”, said President Zuma of South Africa.

Mandela was an icon of democracy that moved away to a quiet life after 5 years of being the president of South Africa.  He held a Nobel Peace Prize award; he was a symbol of revolution, resistance and triumph and had immense moral influence around the world over racial segregation.

Mandela orchestrated a three-day national worker’s strike in 1961 for which he was arrested in 1962. He was sentenced to five years imprison for the strike, and then brought to trial again in 1963. This time, he and 10 other ANC leaders were sentenced to life imprisonment for political offences, including sabotage.

Nelson Mandela was imprisoned on Robben Island for 18 of his 27 years in prison. In 1982, Mandela and other ANC leaders were moved to Polls moor prison, allegedly to enable contact between them and the South African government. In February 1990, Mandela’s release was announced.

Upon his release he urged foreign powers including Nigeria not to reduce their pressure on the South African government reform.  Mandela was inaugurated the first black president of South Africa on May 10, 1994.

After his release from a long term incarnation which lasted for 27 years Nelson Mandela on his tour to Africa to thank the countries that supported him. When Mandela visited Nigeria during this tour, he was greatly welcomed and for the fact that Kirikiri town is in Nigeria gives confidence to claim his presence in it.

However, Kirikiri town houses the largest prison in Nigeria where residents who have made out time to visit can testify to the life and times he lived in prison as true. It takes a strong will to survive such a long term in prison.

Kirikiri residents, community, and Nigerian Prison Service salute Mandela. We say farewell to a hero, a leader, a legend, a father, an icon, a mentor and a friend, your name will never be forgotten. Reign on Mandela!

May Mandela’s gentle soul rest in impeccable peace.

Our motto remains…Upgrading Standards.      

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