By Joshua Odeyemi Nigerians converged on major cities in the United States, including New York, at the weekend in a colourful carnival to celebrate Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary. The parade and carnival were also held simultaneously in other major US States including Texas, Maryland, Georgia, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. The Nigeria Independence Day Parade and Carnival, which shut down East 38th to 24th Street and Madison Avenue in New York, brought together Nigerians from all walks of life and well-wishers to commemorate their nation’s independence with impressive displays.
The event showcased the best of Nigeria’s culture and community spirit and Nigerian-Americans’ contributions to New York and the United States. Walson-Jack re-introduces civil service anthem for workers Out-of-school kids: W/Bank to build 30 schools in Nasarawa The star performance by KCEE and other artistes and DJs thrilled the audience while other stage performances by various groups added glamour to the event as revellers had the best of time singing and dancing to Nigerian music. 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.
In his welcome address, the Consul-General of Nigeria in New York, Ambassador Abubakar Jidda, assured the gathering that “the Nigeria of our dreams was not a distant reality but one that we are all working towards toge.