Nigerians in the U.S. throughout on Saturday set New York aglow with excitement and joy to celebrate the country’s 58th independence anniversary with parade and carnival.
The correspondent of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the largest U.S. city was painted with green-white-green insignia as Nigerians from all walks of life united for the country.
NAN reports that the parade, which started on Second Avenue on 54th Street in Manhattan, terminated at the Nigerian House on 44th Street.
This was followed by the Independence Day Festival at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, near the United Nations Headquarters.
Known as the largest celebration of Nigeria not happening in the homeland, the 27th annual Nigerian Independence Day Parade celebrates the very best of Nigeria’s food, culture, music and people.
The festival is also Africa’s largest Parade in the U.S., and showcases Nigeria’s unique culture and promotes the positive image of Nigeria to the rest of the world.
Several other nationals also joined in dancing to Nigerian music and cuisines, which pervaded the Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza.
Many Nigerian leaders joined other compatriots in the United States for the Independence Day Parade, and addressed the joyous crowd who thronged the venue to listen to Nigerian music and savour the cuisines.
Consul-General of Nigeria in New York, Benaoyagha Okoyen, commended the Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN), organisers of the annual event, for successfully organising the parade since 1991.
Okoyen paid tributes to Nigerians in the U.S. for their laudable contributions to their host country and to their homeland.
He said “Nigerians in the diaspora contributed positively to Nigeria’s economy and development of the United States of America far more than we can imagine; we have done well in various fields of human endeavour.
“We must, therefore, replace any negative perception or label on Nigerians through our positive actions and contributions to the American society.
“Nigeria’s flag is already flying in various communities in the United States of America in recognition of the contributions Nigerians have made.”
The Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the UN, Prof. Tijjani Bande, also paid glowing tributes to Nigerians in the U.S. for their contributions in all fields of endeavours in the United States.
Bande said: “Indeed when you see six floats covering religious, cultural, regional celebrating the great diversity call Nigeria by organisation for the advancement of Nigerians, there is no question that Nigerians take pride in themselves wherever they are.
“There is no questions that Nigerians celebrate great things happening in Nigeria.
“Nigeria is advancing because of the vibrancy, creativity of our youths and it tells you Nigeria has a great future.
“That this has been going on for almost 28 years is a great pride to us.”
Others who delivered remarks at the festival were Nigeria’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Amb. Samson Itegboje, Deputy Mayor of the City of Newark, Ugo Nwaokoro.
Manhattan Borough President, Gale Brewer, and officials of the Permanent Mission and the Consulate, as well as friends of Nigeria also graced the occasion, which was followed by an After Party till midnight. (NAN)
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