Dr. Newton Jibunoh… reflected on Mandela’s unwavering commitment to justice, equality, reconciliation, and service, emphasizing how his leadership continues to inspire individuals and nations across the world. Dr. Jibunoh also examined the devastating impact of the Bantu Education system under apartheid, explaining how Mandela’s pursuit of legal education equipped him to defend the rights of oppressed South Africans and challenge systemic injust
IN COMMEMORATION of United Nations Nelson Mandela International Day, the Nelson Mandela Gardens and Resort, in collaboration with the United Nations and Fight Against Desert Encroachment (FADE Africa), hosted an inspiring and thought-provoking event titled “Celebrating United Nations Mandela Day with the Desert Warrior.”
Held on Friday, July 17, 2026, at the DIDI Museum, Nelson Mandela Gardens and Resort, Asaba, the event organized ahead of the official Mandela Day celebration on July 18 brought together over 120 participants, including students, lecturers, educators, development practitioners, government representatives, civil society organizations, and members of the public to celebrate the life, values, and enduring legacy of Nelson Mandela.
This year’s Mandela Day theme, “It is still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity,” served as the foundation for discussions that challenged participants to embrace service, leadership, environmental stewardship, and community development.
Among the institutions represented were Dennis Osadebay University, Delta State College of Nursing Sciences, Young Achievers Model School, Asaba, Lawrence Prentice Academy, Asaba, Standard Life School, Asaba, Asaba Literacy and Reading Club, Asaba Reading Lifestyle, CHYBEE Foundation, Aniocha Magazine, and the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Culture.
The event was graced by distinguished academics and dignitaries, including Professor Christopher Ogwugwuam Ezeagwu, Dean, Faculty of Computing, Dennis Osadebay University; Dr. Mrs. Rume Yoro, Sub-Dean, Faculty of Computing, Dennis Osadebay University; Dr. Innocent Onwuegbuzie, Head of the Department of Software Engineering; Mrs. Frances Uchechukwu Emordi, Head of the Department of Information Technology; Mrs. Adeoye Abosede, Lecturer, Department of Software Engineering; Mrs. Inikori Gloria Ochuko, Dean, Delta State College of Nursing Sciences; Ms. Anne Perry of Young Achievers Model School; Ms. Rachael Adeleye of Lawrence Prentice Academy; Mrs. Chinyere Zimako, Founder of CHYBEE Foundation; Dr. Husley, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Culture; as well as the management and staff of Nelson Mandela Gardens and Resort.
The programme was moderated by Miss Oluebube Okafor, Communications Manager of Nelson Mandela Gardens and Resort, while the opening prayer and vote of thanks were delivered by Professor Christopher Ogwugwuam Ezeagwu.
Delivering the keynote address, renowned environmentalist, founder of Fight Against Desert Encroachment (FADE Africa), and internationally acclaimed Desert Warrior, Dr. Newton Jibunoh, took participants on a compelling journey through the life of Nelson Mandela, highlighting the values that shaped one of history’s greatest statesment.
He reflected on Mandela’s unwavering commitment to justice, equality, reconciliation, and service, emphasizing how his leadership continues to inspire individuals and nations across the world. Dr. Jibunoh also examined the devastating impact of the Bantu Education system under apartheid, explaining how Mandela’s pursuit of legal education equipped him to defend the rights of oppressed South Africans and challenge systemic injustice.
Drawing lessons for Nigeria, Dr. Jibunoh urged participants—particularly young people—to emulate Mandela’s courage, resilience, integrity, selflessness, and commitment to nation-building.
He also shared four Nelson Mandela quotations that profoundly influenced his own life’s journey and environmental expeditions:
“It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”
“As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.”
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
“There can be no greater gift than that of giving one’s time and energy to help others without expecting anything in return.”
According to Dr. Jibunoh, these timeless words became guiding principles throughout his remarkable environmental expeditions and humanitarian work.
One of the highlights of the event was an engaging question-and-answer session, during which students and lecturers actively interacted with the keynote speaker.
Participants explored practical ways of dedicating 67 minutes to meaningful community service in the spirit of Nelson Mandela, sought lessons Nigeria could adopt from Mandela’s leadership, discussed youth participation in nation-building, and asked Dr. Jibunoh about the challenges, endurance, and experiences that shaped his legendary Sahara Desert expeditions.
The interactive session was characterised by thoughtful conversations, curiosity, laughter, and enthusiastic participation, reflecting the deep interest of the audience in Mandela’s ideals and Dr. Jibunoh’s extraordinary life experiences.
Speaking during the programme, the moderator, Miss Oluebube Okafor, challenged participants to make service a daily commitment rather than an annual event.
“Every day of your life, do something that you will not benefit from directly, but something that will benefit another person or your community,” she said.
Inspired by the discussions, several participants pledged to volunteer within their communities, plant trees, promote environmental sustainability, support community development initiatives, and dedicate more of their time to helping others—echoing the true spirit of Nelson Mandela Day.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment from participants to continue Mandela’s legacy by combating poverty and inequity, promoting peace and justice, protecting the environment, and investing in future generations through selfless service and responsible leadership.
About Nelson Mandela Gardens and Resort
Located within the Asaba International Airport, Nelson Mandela Gardens and Resort is a unique hospitality, heritage, and learning destination established to preserve and promote the ideals of Nelson Mandela. Through its museum, educational programmes, environmental initiatives, and annual Mandela Day commemorations, the resort continues to inspire individuals and communities to embrace leadership, service, peace, sustainability, and social responsibility.
