In a display of vibrant patriotism, thousands of Nigerians and friends of Nigeria transformed midtown Manhattan into a spectacle of colour, music and unity on Saturday as they marked the 2025 Nigeria Independence Day Parade and Carnival.
The procession, which stretched from East 38th Street to East 24th Street along Madison Avenue, forced the closure of one of the city’s busiest corridors to vehicular traffic, as the parade wound through the heart of Manhattan.
Organised by the Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN) in collaboration with the Nigerian Consulate General in New York and various partner bodies, the event joined uniformed contingents from the NYC Police Department, the Department of Correction, diaspora organisations, cultural associations, professional bodies, religious groups, and youth networks in a grand march.
Spectators lining both sides of Madison Avenue cheered as colourful parade vehicles passed by, dancers in traditional attire moved to rhythmic beats, and cultural troupes presented choreographed performances.
Among the distinguished guests were Ambassador Abubakar Jidda, Nigeria’s Consul General in New York; UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed; and Ambassador Samson Itegboje, Acting Ambassador of Nigeria to the US.
Additional attendees included Mr Syndoph Endoni (Chargé d’Affaires at Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to the UN), Mrs Ngozi Adeleke (wife of the Osun State governor), and Amb. Nicholas Ella, former Permanent Secretary in Nigeria’s Ministry of Petroleum Resources.
In his address, Consul General Jidda congratulated Nigerians in the diaspora and commended organisers for maintaining the parade and carnival tradition without interruption since 1991.
“Nigeria remains a great nation, and 65 years of independence is worth celebrating in spite of its challenges,” he 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. In addition to its cultural and entertainment value, the parade strengthens Nigeria’s image, fosters US-Nigeria ties, and promotes the positive contributions of Nigerians in the diaspora.”
Jidda also pointed out that Nigeria is the only African nation to host a full-scale Independence Day parade and carnival annually in New York City, making it a symbol of the diaspora’s visibility and influence.
Mrs Olutomi Aregbesola, President of OAN, emphasised the deeper meaning behind the festivities.
“This parade is more than a celebration; it is a statement of who we are as Nigerians,” she said. “Our culture, our resilience, and our achievements are worth celebrating and showcasing to the world.”
Mr Olayinka Dan-Salami, Chairman of the Parade Committee, lauded the community’s resilience and appealed for increased sponsorship to elevate the event further.
“Nigerians have shown year after year that we are committed to lifting this parade higher,” he said. “With more support and sponsorship from well-meaning Nigerians and friends of Nigeria, we can take this celebration to the next level.”
Other speakers praised the organisers for expanding the parade into the largest African national celebration outside the continent, reinforcing Nigeria’s image and strengthening ties with US communities and institutions.
After the parade, attendees proceeded to Madison Square Park, where the carnival segment came alive with electrifying live performances, cultural exhibitions, and musical showcases.
Chinese dance troupes, fashion displays of traditional and modern Nigerian attire, and a wide range of Nigerian and African cuisine further enriched the festivities.
Leading the entertainment was popular Nigerian artist Bella Shmurda, whose performance energised a largely youthful crowd and accentuated the party atmosphere.
For many, like Adeola Adesina, a first-time attendee, the parade and carnival offered more than celebration; they offered a sense of belonging.
She described the celebration as “a home away from home” and a powerful symbol of unity and pride.
Earlier in the day, the Nigerian flag was hoisted at Bowling Green, a historic location in New York’s financial district, symbolically marking Nigeria’s presence in the heart of the world’s financial centre.
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