New York turned green and white on Saturday, October 3, as thousands of Nigerians and members of the diaspora gathered in Manhattan for a colourful Independence Day parade and carnival marking Nigeria’s 66th anniversary.
The annual celebration, organised by the Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN), featured diplomats, community leaders, professionals, families and cultural groups marching along Second Avenue in traditional attire and Nigeria’s national colours. Music, dancing, drumming, food and performances by Patoranking, Runtown and BNXN later transformed Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza into a vibrant showcase of Nigerian culture.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani praised Nigeria’s global cultural influence, saying Nigerian food, music and football had become part of everyday life in the city and beyond. He also highlighted the contributions of Nigerian-Americans to New York, while recalling his personal connection to Nigerian music growing up in Uganda.
Nigeria’s Consul-General in New York, Amb. Abubakar Jidda, urged Nigerians in the diaspora to contribute to national development through their skills, networks and investments. Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Amb. Jimoh Ibrahim, also called on Nigerians to renew their commitment to unity, peace and nation-building, describing the diaspora as an important part of Nigeria’s global strength.
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