Nigerians converged on major cities in the United States, including New York, at the weekend in a colourful carnival to celebrate Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary.
The parade and carnival were also held simultaneously in other major U.S. states like Texas, Maryland, Georgia, Massachusetts, and New Jersey, reports Daily Trust.
The Nigeria Independence Day Parade and Carnival, which shut down East 38th to 24th Street and Madison Avenue in New York, brought together Nigerians from all walks of life and well-wishers to commemorate their nation’s independence with impressive displays.
The event showcased the best of Nigeria’s culture and community spirit and Nigerian-Americans’ contributions to New York and the United States.
The star performance by KCEE and other artistes 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.
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 yesterday.
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 are all working towards together.”
Jidda said Nigerians in the diaspora must remain hopeful that Nigeria would become the country they all desired, in spite of the challenges they were grappling with at home.
“We must remain prayerful, and 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, Benedict Oramah, and Phillip Ozuah, among others, as 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, 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”, charging them to: “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 Nigerian community is strong, you’re business-minded, you’re family-minded and you’re dedicated to community so raise the flag, show your strength!”
The President of the Organisation 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.
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.
