New York:Thousands of Nigerians took to the streets of Manhattan on Saturday, celebrating the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary with a vibrant parade and carnival.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the annual Nigeria Independence Day Parade and Carnival is recognized as the largest gathering of Nigerians outside the country. Participants began the celebration by marching from East 54th Street along Second Avenue in colorful floats and traditional Nigerian attire, waving flags and chanting with pride.
The procession included notable figures such as UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Amb. Jimoh Ibrahim. They joined community leaders and Nigerians from various backgrounds in the celebration. As the parade moved through one of Manhattan’s busiest corridors, it temporarily transformed the area into a lively exhibition of Nigerian culture and identity.
The event concluded at Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza, where the street parade evolved into a carnival featuring music, food, and entertainment. Nigerian music stars, including Patoranking, Runtown, and BNXN, energized the crowd with performances that highlighted the global influence of Nigerian music.
Participants also enjoyed Nigerian cuisine, with vendors offering traditional meals and snacks, adding to the festival-like atmosphere that celebrated Nigerian heritage. The Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians has been organizing these celebrations in New York since 1991, aiming to unite Nigerians across diverse backgrounds and promote a positive image of the community in the U.S.