Thousands of Nigerians and friends of Nigeria gathered in New York City to celebrate the country’s 65th independence anniversary.
The vibrant parade and carnival, held on October 4, 2025, showcased Nigerian culture, music, and traditions to a global audience. The event was organized by the Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN) in collaboration with the Consulate General of Nigeria in New York.
The parade procession stretched from East 38th Street to East 24th Street along Madison Avenue, shutting down the busy midtown corridor to traffic. Uniformed contingents from the New York Police Department and the New York City Department of Correction marched alongside Nigerian cultural associations, professional bodies, and youth groups. The floats, traditional attire, and dance troupes drew cheers from spectators lining the streets.
Dignitaries in attendance included Abubakar Jidda, Consul General of Nigeria in New York; Amina Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General; Samson Itegboje, Acting Ambassador of Nigeria to the US; Ngozi Adeleke, wife of the Osun Governor; and Nicholas Ella, former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources. The event featured electrifying musical performances, cultural displays, and Nigerian and African cuisine.
Popular Nigerian artist Bella Shmurda headlined the entertainment, thrilling the youthful crowd and energizing the festival atmosphere. The celebration transitioned into a full carnival at Madison Square Park after the parade. Olayinka Dan-Salami, Chairman of the Parade Committee, praised the resilience of the Nigerian community and appealed for more sponsorship and support.
Olutomi Aregbesola, President of OAN, underscored Nigeria’s strategic relevance on the global stage, saying, “This parade is more than a celebration; it is a statement of who we are as Nigerians.” The event provided a platform for Nigerians in the diaspora to connect, celebrate their shared identity, and showcase their culture to a broader audience.
The Nigerian flag was ceremoniously hoisted at Bowling Green, the financial center of the world, symbolizing 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.