Nigerians mark Independence Day with parade, carnival in New York

Nigerians across the United States on Saturday turned New York into a sea of colour, music, and patriotism as they celebrated the 2025 Nigeria Independence Day Parade and Carnival. The event brought together thousands of Nigerians and friends of Nigeria from across the US and beyond. The parade procession, which stretched from East 38th Street […]

Nigerians across the United States on Saturday turned New York into a sea of colour, music, and patriotism as they celebrated the 2025 Nigeria Independence Day Parade and Carnival.

The event brought together thousands of Nigerians and friends of Nigeria from across the US and beyond.

The parade procession, which stretched from East 38th Street to East 24th Street along Madison Avenue, shut down the busy midtown corridor to traffic.

It was led by the Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN), in collaboration with the Consulate General of Nigeria in New York and other partner organisations.

Uniformed contingents from the New York Police Department, the New York City Department of Correction and other diaspora groups marched alongside Nigerian cultural associations, professional bodies, religious organisations and youth groups.

The vibrant floats, traditional attire and dance troupes drew cheers from spectators lining the streets.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Consul General of Nigeria in New York, Amb. Abubakar Jidda; UN Deputy Secretary-General, Ms Amina Mohammed; and the Acting Ambassador of Nigeria to the US, Amb. Samson Itegboje.

Following the parade, the event transitioned into a full carnival at Madison Square Park, featuring electrifying musical performances and cultural displays, including those by Chinese dance troupes.

Popular Nigerian artist Bella Shmurda headlined the entertainment, thrilling the youthful crowd and energising the festival atmosphere.

In his remarks, Jidda congratulated Nigerians in the diaspora and commended the organisers for sustaining the parade and carnival annually since 1991.

“Nigeria remains a great nation, and 65 years of independence is worth celebrating in spite of its challenges,” Jidda said.

“Our people are our strength, and Nigerians have been a blessing to the world, particularly here in the United States, where our human resources continue to excel,” he said.

Jidda noted that Nigeria remains the only African nation that hosts a full-scale Independence Day parade and carnival in New York City — a tradition that has positioned Nigerians as a visible and influential diaspora community. (NAN)