New York don turn green and white on Saturday as thousands of Nigerians from different parts of America and beyond storm the city for the 2025 Nigeria Independence Day Parade and Carnival.
The celebration, wey don become the biggest African parade outside Africa, scatter the whole of Madison Avenue with music, dance, and plenty Naija vibes.
From East 38th Street reach East 24th Street, everywhere full with flags, traditional wear, cultural display, and Afrobeat sound. The whole place choke so tey traffic stop as people dance and celebrate 65 years of Nigeria independence.
The parade na work of the Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN), together with the Nigerian Consulate in New York and other Naija groups.
Uniform people from the New York Police Department (NYPD), Department of Correction, plus different diaspora associations join the procession. Nigerian cultural troupes, professional bodies, churches, and youth groups all march with pride as people for road side dey hail them.
Big names wey show face include Ambassador Abubakar Jidda, Nigeria Consul General for New York; Ms. Amina Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General; and Amb. Samson Itegboje, Acting Ambassador of Nigeria to the U.S.
Others wey attend na Mr. Syndoph Endoni, Mrs. Ngozi Adeleke (wife of Osun State Governor), and Amb. Nicholas Ella, former Permanent Secretary for Petroleum Resources.
After the parade, everybody move go Madison Square Park for carnival full of live performances and cultural showcase. Nigerian music star Bella Shmurda scatter the place with hot jams wey make everywhere bubble.
Ambassador Jidda hail Nigerians in diaspora for keeping the tradition alive since 1991, say e dey show unity and pride.
“Nigeria still strong, and 65 years of independence na reason to celebrate. Our people na our strength, and we dey make impact across the world,” Jidda talk.
He still yarn say Nigeria be the only African country wey dey hold full Independence Parade for New York, a sign say Nigerians no dey carry last.
Mrs. Olutomi Aregbesola, wey be OAN President, talk say the parade no be just celebration but a statement.
“This parade na who we be — proud Nigerians wey no dey forget where dem come from,” she talk.
Mr. Olayinka Dan-Salami, Chairman of the Parade Committee, thank Nigerians for their support and beg for more sponsors to grow the event.
“Year after year, we dey show say we love our country. With more support, we go make this celebration bigger,” he yarn.
People wey attend enjoy Afrobeat, fashion, dance, and plenty Naija food. One of them, Adeola Adesina, talk say the event be like “home away from home.”
Before the parade, the Nigerian flag don already rise for Bowling Green, New York financial district — to mark Nigeria’s pride and unity.
