Silver Jubilee of Rashidi III

The Silver Jubilee of Rashidi III marked the 25th anniversary of the accession of King Rashidi III on July 10, 1978. It was celebrated with large-scale parties, ceremonies, and parades throughout the Kingdom of Zamorika and its four overseas territories throughout 2003, coming to a close on December 3, 2003, to celebrate the King's 55th birthday the day earlier, also known as "The King's Official Birthday". The anniversary date itself was commemorated in church services across the country on July 10, 2003, and continued to be for the rest of that month. In August, preparations started for large parties in every major city of the Kingdom of Zamorika, as well as for smaller ones for countless individual streets throughout the country.

During the Jubilee, however, there were significant amounts of groups that supported republicanism that began protesting during the celebrations, leading to local governments arresting them for causing violence. King Rashidi III ordered all who were arrested to be freed, citing that the Constitution "gives citizens the right to protest the government, otherwise the First Amendment wouldn't have been added to the Constitution." Republicanism, as in other constitutional monarchial forms of government, is a small movement in the Kingdom that demands a presidential republic with no Monarch, though the groups have not received significant support from citizens.

The King's Journey Throughout Zamorika
During the near six month long ceremony, King Rashidi III, Queen Amini, and Zayd, Crown Prince of Zamorika spent over four months of it traveling throughout most of each province in Zamorika, including its overseas exclaves. This move was supported nationwide and the King met with many citizens, including famous and civilian citizens. In total, the King and his wife and eldest son visited all three provinces and all four overseas territories. Their journey included visiting schools, hospitals, and homeless shelters to talk with the students, doctors and nurses, and homeless people. Most of these visits were televised, but briefly, by the request of the King. The King also visited France, the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, China, Sudan, and Brazil in diplomatic meetings, where he met each country's head of state and head of government.

On July 30, during his visit to Nigeria, King Rashidi III said: "The support I feel in this area right now is so endearing for me and it proves that our vision, the vision that my mother, Queen Farida, had, the vision my grandfather, King Amir, had, the vision my great-grandmother, Queen Zahra, had, the vision my great-great grandfather, King Rashidi II, had, and the vision that my great-great-great grandfather King Rashidi I and the many other revolutionaries that helped shape our future had, is still here. And it is alive and it is thriving right now. I am happy to be your King and your leader and I hope that you are all happy that I am your King and your leader. I feel this energy. I really do. You all and I cannot forget that I was crowned King of the Kingdom of Zamorika and that this Jubilee is a constant reminder of the steps our Kingdom has successfully taken since 1978. I want to thank you all for your support. It means a great deal to me and I am very thankful for you all."

In November, after the King, the Queen, and the Crown Prince completed their journey all over the Kingdom, the Zamorikan Broadcasting Company (ZBC), the Zamorikan Television Entertainment (ZTE), National Broadcasting System (NBS), along with other major and minor broadcast and cable networks aired the 1979 coronation of King Rashidi III, which reflected the day his accession to the throne was commemorated. During the broadcast, the King, the Royal Family, Verdantia Palace staff, and dignitaries and guests gathered to pay homage to the day. In a rare public appearance, Boubacar, Duke of Zamorika, Rashidi III's father, joined the public celebrations. The Duke, after 1999, hardly made any public appearances due to health issues and looking to retire from public work as a Royal.

A a testament to King Rashidi III's stature on the global stage, an international diplomatic reception was held on November 30, welcoming leaders, dignitaries, and representatives from foreign nations to Verdantia Palace. The event provided an opportunity for Zamorika to strengthen diplomatic ties, foster international cooperation, and showcase its rich heritage and hospitality to the world. King Rashidi III and Speaker Ache Okonkwo (2001-2005) met with many world leaders, including US President George W. Bush, UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Spanish King Juan Carlos I, and discussed how to increase diplomacy and maintain the world economy.

On December 2, to finish the Jubilee celebrations on a high note, Queen Amini and the Verdantia Palace Staff of Royal Gala Planners organized a sumptuous royal banquet hosted in the historical Banquet Hall of Verdantia Palace, where all of the guests were treated to an exquisite culinary experience and opulent entertainment. The event served as a tribute to the King's leadership and provided an opportunity for nobles, diplomats, and esteemed guests to come together in celebration of his reign. The Historical Banquet Hall is the oldest banquet hall in Verdantia Palace, constructed while the Palace was being constructed from 1801-1809.

Celebrations Among Each Province
Chad
During the celebrations, Chad erupted in a symphony of jubilation and festivity to celebrate the reign of King Rashidi III. From the bustling streets of Verdantia to the tranquil villages dotting the countryside, the air was charge with anticipation and excitement as preparations for the historic celebration reached a crescendo in December 2003. To commemorate the occasion, Governor Oladipo Adeyemi, who served as Governor of Chad from 2001 until 2009, signed an executive provincial order that made the Chadian flag temporarily a flag of the Crown of Zamorika. It lasted from July 15 until July 22.

Public parties sprung up across the province, each pulsating with the rhythm of music, dance, and laughter as people from all walks of life came together to honor the revered King. Parades snaked through the streets, adorned with vibrant banners and Zamorikan flags fluttering in the gentle summer and fall breezes, as throngs of jubilant citizens cheered and waved in exultation.

Festivals sprung to life in almost every corner of Chad, showcasing the rich tapestry of culture and tradition that defines both the province and Kingdom. From traditional dances to sumptuous feats overflowing with local delicacies, the festivities served as a vibrant ode to the spirit and resilience of the Zamorikan people.

In a gesture of reverence and admiration, paintings and portraits of King Rashidi III adorned the walls of Verdantia and other major cities, serving as a poignant reminder of his enduring legacy and unwavering commitment to his people. These artistic tributes captured the essence of the king’s reign, immortalizing his image for generations to come and serving as a source of inspiration and pride for all who beheld them. The GDP of the province also grew by 2.1% and it allowed more citizens of the province to find more homes.

During the celebrations, the Verdantia Palace was visited by many domestic and foreign tourists who wanted to celebrate King Rashidi III’s reign.

Nigeria
In Nigeria, the government of the Nigerian province issued a special VCR$35c stamp of the King, who, in the stamp, is smiling with his crown on his head. A Silver Jubilee parade was held province-wide, specifically in Lagos, Kano, Ibadan, Benin City, Port Harcourt, and Florin. The governor of Nigeria at the time, Olusegun Obasanjo, who served from 1999 until 2007, issued a statement regarding the importance of unity and the monarchy.

During his visit to Nigeria, King Rashidi III said: "I am happy to be here with all of you lovely Zamorikans. I want to state that I will always be there for you and guide you all to greatness! 25 years ago, when I acceded to the throne, I had no idea what was in store for me as the King of Zamorika. I was afraid, I will admit. I was afraid of the position, the responsibilities, and frankly, I was afraid of how the people of this holy and sacred Kingdom react to my decrees and proclamations as well as how my government would govern over Zamorika. Now, 25 years later, I am no longer afraid and I can clearly see how much people look up to me for inspiration, advice, and as a figure of hope. Thank you for your love and support and I salute you all in respect and true gratitude. May the Silver Jubilee continue!" Silver Jubilee celebrations in Nigeria culminated in December 2003, along with the rest of the jubilee.

Niger
In Niger, the celebration's remained fairly balanced, with parades and ceremonies being celebrated for the King and his reign. The government of Niger issued a special medal given to citizens that had proved their worthiness of honor and dignity and service to the country. The King bestowed medals to civilian citizens and personally thanked them for their support over the years.

During his trip to Niger from September 15 until October 2, he met with the people of Niger and the governor of Niger at the time, Governor Mamadou Tandja, stated that King Rashidi III was a "great and inspiring man and with many ideals that are respectable."

Overseas Territories
(TO BE ADDED)