This year’s national day celebration is one Nigerians in the United States would not forget in a hurry, as Nigerians converged on New York at the weekend in a lively extravaganza filled with colourful floats, traditional dances, mesmerising music, and delicious Nigerian cuisine to celebrate Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary in display of the country’s resilience abroad.
The Nigeria Independence Day Parade and Carnival, which shut down East 38th to 24th Street and Madison Avenue in the heart of New York, brought together Nigerians from all walks of life and well-wishers to commemorate their nation’s independence with impressive displays of ceremonial grandeur.
The electrifying event was an epic celebration of everything Nigeria, which showcased the best of Nigeria’s culture and community spirit, and the contributions of Nigerian-Americans to New York and the United States.
The star performance by KCEE and other artists and DJs thrilled the audience, while other stage performances by various groups added glamour to the event as revellers had the best of time singing and dancing to Nigerian music.
Known as the largest celebration of Nigeria outside the homeland, the annual event also promotes the positive image of Nigeria to the rest of the world as several other countries’ nationals and fun-seekers joined in celebrating Nigeria and Nigerians contributions to the world.
The hoisting of the Nigerian Flag in Bowling Green, the financial centre of the world, a gala dinner, a welcome party, and an after party enriched the week-long event that ended on Sunday morning.
In his welcome address, the Consul-General of Nigeria in New York, Ambassador Abubakar Jidda, assured the gathering that the Nigeria of our dreams was not a distant reality but one that we were all working towards together.
Jidda said Nigerians in the diaspora must remain hopeful that Nigeria would become the country that we all desired, in spite of the challenges we were grappling with at home.
“We must remain prayerful, resilient, as well as contribute in our own unique way to the development of our country.
“Let us not forget what makes us uniquely Nigerians. Our talents have continued to shine both at home and abroad,” the Nigerian envoy said.
He paid glowing tribute to Nigerians who were excelling on the global stage like Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Akinwumi Adesina, Phillip Ozuah, Amina Mohammed, and Benedict Oramah, Phillip Ozuah, among others, as few examples of the brilliance and leadership that Nigeria brought to the world.
“Their achievements remind us that Nigeria has a wealth of talent that continues to contribute positively to global progress. I also celebrate millions of our unsung heroes in the United States and beyond,” he said.
On the global stage, Jidda said Nigeria had continued to be a pillar of strength on the African continent and beyond, adding “we have led in peacekeeping, championed democracy, and contributed to economic development across Africa and globally”.
The Nigerian diplomat urged compatriots to celebrate this year’s independence anniversary with “Renewed Hope” as well as celebrate our rich heritage, our achievements, and most importantly, our unity and diversity.
“So let us continue to strive, to build, and to hope. For as long as we remain united, there is nothing that can stop the rise of our great nation. We are Nigeria, and there is no limit to what we can achieve together,” Jidda admonished.
In his speech, the Mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, lauded Nigeria’s rich culture and Nigerian-Americans’ lofty contributions to the City, especially his election, the positive energy, and the unique music, cuisines and fashion.
The Mayor relished in the memories of his first visit to Africa but pointed out that his experience in Lagos, Nigeria stood out, saying no city parties like Lagos.
“Years ago, I went to Lagos. I landed one day, I did not sleep again until three days later. No one doesn’t like Lagos. And I want to be clear: I am American but I am African.
“And when it was challenging to run for office, the African community all over the city came and you reached out to show the support that was needed, I cannot thank you enough.
“And when I said when I was running that I would be sure that your flag would be raised at Bowling Green, it was never done before.
“But when I became Mayor, your flag and independence were celebrated to acknowledge your contributions and what you have done, I don’t mean for the City of New York but for this entire country.
“The Nigerian community is strong, you’re business-minded, you’re family-minded and you’re dedicated in community so raise the flag, show your strength!”
The President of the Organization for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN), Ms Tomi Aregbesola, in her opening remarks, harped on the need for Nigerians all over the world to unite.
Aregbesola, while commending Nigerians, especially in the United States for their career achievements and contributions to the country, pointed out the great strides of the Chinese- and Indian-Americans, saying Nigerian-Americans could achieve more if united.
The OAN leader also challenged the leaders back in the homeland to improve the lives of the common man and redouble their efforts in building a country that truly reflected its greatly endowed potential and resources.
Chairman of the Nigeria Independence Day Committee (NIDC), Mr Olayinka DanSalami, said the parade and carnival, which has been celebrated year after year since it started in 1991, was a way to showcase Nigeria to the world.
The NIDC is a coalition of Nigerian cultural, religious, professional, business, and civic groups committed to preserving, presenting and celebrating Nigeria’s rich history and culture.
DanSalami said OAN was founded in 1989 by a group of young concerned Nigerians to challenge and address the serious negative stereotypes of Nigeria and Nigerians in the American media during the 80s and 90s.
The Nigeria Independence Day Parade and Carnival also held simultaneously in other major U.S. States like Texas, Maryland, Georgia, Massachusetts, and New Jersey.
