Nigerians Light Up New York With Independence Day Parade and Carnival

Nigerians across the United States turned New York City into a vibrant showcase of colour, culture, and patriotism on Saturday during the 2025 Nigeria Independence Day Parade and Carnival.

The event, which drew thousands of participants and spectators, shut down a stretch of Manhattan from East 38th Street to East 24th Street along Madison Avenue, as Nigerians and friends of Nigeria celebrated the country’s 65th Independence anniversary.

Led by the Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN) in collaboration with the Consulate General of Nigeria in New York and other partner groups, the parade featured contingents from the New York Police Department, the NYC Department of Correction, diaspora organisations, cultural associations, professional bodies, and youth groups. Traditional attire, floats, and dance troupes brought cheers from onlookers.

Dignitaries present included Nigeria’s Consul General in New York, Amb. Abubakar Jidda; UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed; Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador to the U.S., Amb. Samson Itegboje; Mr. Syndoph Endoni of Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to the UN; Mrs. Ngozi Adeleke, wife of the Osun State governor; and Amb. Nicholas Ella, a former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.

After the parade, celebrations continued at Madison Square Park with cultural performances and musical entertainment, headlined by popular Nigerian artist Bella Shmurda. Chinese dance troupes and other international groups also performed.

In his address, Amb. Jidda congratulated Nigerians in the diaspora, praising the resilience of the community and the organisers for sustaining the annual event 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.”

He noted that Nigeria remains the only African country to host a full-scale independence parade and carnival in New York, reinforcing its status as a visible and influential diaspora community.

OAN President, Mrs. Olutomi Aregbesola, described the parade as “more than a celebration; it is a statement of who we are as Nigerians.”

Parade Committee Chairman, Mr. Olayinka Dan-Salami, also applauded the commitment of Nigerians abroad, urging for more sponsorship and support to expand the event.

Attendees enjoyed Afrobeat music, cultural exhibitions, Nigerian cuisine, and fashion showcases throughout the day. First-time participant Adeola Adesina called the celebration “a home away from home” and a powerful symbol of unity.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) also reported that ahead of the parade, the Nigerian flag was raised at Bowling Green in New York’s financial district.

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