New York, USA — Nigerians in the United States turned the streets of Manhattan into a vibrant showcase of culture, unity, and patriotism on Saturday as thousands gathered for the 2025 Nigeria Independence Day Parade and Carnival — one of the largest African national celebrations held outside the continent.
The annual event, which has been a fixture since 1991, transformed Madison Avenue from East 38th Street to East 24th Street into a sea of green and white as participants marched, danced, and celebrated 65 years of Nigeria’s independence. The parade was organised by the Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN) in collaboration with the Consulate General of Nigeria in New York and several partner organisations.
Traffic was brought to a standstill as uniformed contingents from the New York Police Department, the New York City Department of Correction, and various Nigerian diaspora groups joined cultural associations, professional bodies, youth organisations, and religious groups in a colourful procession. Spectators cheered as elaborate floats, traditional dancers, and masquerades paraded through the heart of the city.
Prominent dignitaries were in attendance, including Nigeria’s Consul General in New York, Ambassador Abubakar Jidda, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, Acting Ambassador to the U.S., Ambassador Samson Itegboje, and Chargé d’Affaires at Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to the UN, Syndoph Endoni. They were joined by other diplomats, U.S. city officials, and Nigerian community leaders.
Following the parade, the festivities continued at Madison Square Park, where the carnival featured electrifying live performances, fashion exhibitions, and cultural displays — including a guest performance by Chinese dance troupes. Popular Nigerian music star Bella Shmurda headlined the entertainment, energising the crowd with Afrobeat rhythms and stirring a sense of national pride.
In his address, Ambassador Jidda congratulated Nigerians in the diaspora and praised the organisers for sustaining the event’s legacy for over three decades.
“Nigeria remains a great nation, and 65 years of independence is worth celebrating despite our challenges,” Jidda said. “Our people are our strength, and Nigerians continue to be a blessing to the world, especially here in the U.S., where our human resources excel across sectors.”
He highlighted that Nigeria is the only African country that hosts a full-scale Independence Day parade and carnival in New York — a tradition that underscores the strength and visibility of the Nigerian diaspora community.
OAN President, Mrs. Olutomi Aregbesola, echoed this sentiment, calling the parade “a statement of identity” and a celebration of Nigeria’s cultural heritage and global relevance.
“Our culture, resilience, and achievements are worth celebrating and showcasing to the world,” Aregbesola said.
Parade Committee Chairman, Mr. Olayinka Dan-Salami, commended the Nigerian community for its resilience and called for increased sponsorship to grow the event further.
“Nigerians have shown year after year that we are committed to lifting this parade higher,” he noted. “With more support, we can take this celebration to the next level.”
Attendees were treated to a day filled with Afrobeat music, fashion showcases, traditional cuisine, and cultural performances. Many described the event as both nostalgic and empowering.
Earlier in the day, the Nigerian flag was ceremoniously hoisted at Bowling Green, the heart of New York’s financial district, symbolising the nation’s enduring presence and influence on the global stage.
The parade once again affirmed the strength of Nigeria’s diaspora community and its role in fostering cultural pride, strengthening U.S.-Nigeria relations, and showcasing the country’s contributions to the world.
