Nigerians in United States will storm the streets of New York City on Oct. 4, for the annual Nigeria Independence Day Parade and Carnival in commemoration of Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary.
Correspondents report that the event is the largest African celebration outside the continent.
Known as the largest celebration of Nigeria outside the homeland, the annual event promotes the positive image and celebrates Nigerians’ contributions to America.
Some participants at the 2024 Nigeria Independence Day Parade and Carnival being entertained by KCEE at Madison Square Park in New York
The event, which will kick off at 10 a.m. (local time), is being organised by the Nigeria Independence Day Committee (NIDC) comprised of various Nigerian organisations across the U.S.
According to the organisers, the parade will take off at Madison Square and move from East 38th Street to East 24th Street along Madison Avenue.
A carnival atmosphere is expected, featuring food vendors, music, floats, cultural displays and performances by Nigerian and diaspora artists.
Ahead of the parade, the Nigerian flag will be ceremonially raised on Wednesday, Oct. 1 to officially signal the start of the week-long independence celebrations.
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 an earlier address, the Chairman of the Nigeria Independence Day Committee (NIDC), Mr Olayinka DanSalami, described the event as a long-standing symbol of unity and pride for Nigerians abroad.
He recalled that the parade began in 1991 as part of the Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN)’s commitment to “showcase Nigeria to the world”.
It was also to counter negative stereotypes of the country prevalent in American media in the 1980s and 1990s.
“OAN itself was formed in 1989 by young, concerned Nigerians who wanted to tell our story differently,” DanSalami said.
“More than three decades later, the parade has become the largest celebration of Nigeria outside the homeland, bringing together people from every background to honour our culture, achievements and contributions.”
The parade has also helped spotlight Nigerian professionals making global strides in medicine, finance, academia, entertainment and technology.
“We look forward to another successful year of showcasing the very best of Nigeria,” DanSalami said.
This year’s edition is expected to draw thousands of Nigerians, African-Americans and New Yorkers of diverse backgrounds to witness the sights and sounds of Nigeria on display.
Mayor of New York City, Eric Adams addressing Nigerians flanked by the Consul-General of Nigeria in New York, Amb. Abubakar Jidda at the 2024 Nigeria Independence Day Parade and Carnival, New York
The Consul-General of Nigeria in New York, Amb. Abubakar Jidda, has reaffirmed the mission’s support for the celebration, describing it as “a proud tradition that reflects the resilience, creativity and spirit of our people in the diaspora.”
Jidda said the parade not only strengthens communal bonds but also promotes Nigeria’s image globally.
“From our music and fashion to our entrepreneurship and professional excellence, Nigerians continue to shine abroad,” Jidda noted in a previous message to the community.
“This parade is a reminder of who we are, what we represent and the brighter future we are building together.”
Organisers say this year’s celebration will feature Afrobeats performances, cultural troupes and community groups highlighting Nigeria’s diversity across its regions and ethnicities.
Vendors will also serve popular dishes and snacks while showcasing African-inspired fashion, crafts and merchandise.
Local residents and visitors will have an opportunity to engage with the Nigerian-American community, known to be one of the most educated and entrepreneurial immigrant populations in the United States.
For many participants, the Independence Parade and Carnival serve as both a national commemoration and a bridge between home and diaspora identity.
The event has also served as a diplomatic and cultural platform, drawing dignitaries, state officials and celebrities over the years.
Past editions have hosted city officials, members of the U.S. Congress, entertainers, and business leaders, alongside a cross-section of Nigerian professionals, students, church groups and associations.
New York Mayor Eric Adams, who participated in previous editions, has praised the contributions of Nigerians to the city’s development, describing them as “family-oriented, community-focused and culturally vibrant.”
