New York City witnessed a stunning display of culture, unity, and national pride on Saturday as Nigerians from across the United States gathered for the 2025 Nigeria Independence Day Parade and Carnival.
The annual celebration, which has become a major fixture in the city’s cultural calendar, brought thousands of Nigerians and friends of Nigeria together along Madison Avenue—from East 38th Street to East 24th Street—temporarily halting traffic in midtown Manhattan.
Organised by the Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN) in partnership with the Nigerian Consulate in New York and other diaspora groups, the event marked Nigeria’s 65th year of independence with fanfare, music, and colourful pageantry.
Uniformed contingents from the New York Police Department, the Department of Correction, and various Nigerian cultural and professional groups marched alongside floats, traditional dancers, and youth organisations.
Spectators lined the streets, waving flags and cheering as vibrant cultural displays filled the air with drums, songs, and laughter.
Notable dignitaries in attendance included Nigeria’s Consul General in New York, Amb. Abubakar Jidda; UN Deputy Secretary-General, Ms. Amina Mohammed; and Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador to the U.S., Amb. Samson Itegboje.
Also present were 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 the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.
Following the parade, the celebration continued with a carnival at Madison Square Park, where attendees enjoyed Afrobeat music, traditional performances, fashion exhibitions, and a taste of Nigerian cuisine.
Nigerian artist Bella Shmurda headlined the entertainment, thrilling the crowd with energetic performances that amplified the festive spirit.
In his address, Amb. Jidda congratulated the Nigerian diaspora community for sustaining the tradition of celebrating independence in such a grand way.
> “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.”
He noted that Nigeria is the only African nation with a full-scale independence parade and carnival in New York—a testament to the visibility and influence of Nigerians in the diaspora.
OAN President, Mrs. Olutomi Aregbesola, highlighted the symbolic significance of the celebration.
> “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, praised the commitment of the Nigerian community and called for increased support.
> “Nigerians have shown year after year that we are committed to lifting this parade higher,” he said.
“With more sponsorship and support, we can take this celebration to even greater heights.”
Attendees described the event as a powerful expression of pride, unity, and cultural identity. Adeola Adesina, attending for the first time, said:
> “It feels like a home away from home. Seeing everyone come together like this—it’s inspiring and comforting.”
The Nigerian flag was also proudly hoisted earlier at Bowling Green, the heart of New York’s financial district, further cementing the nation’s presence in global cultural spaces.
The annual celebration has grown into the largest African national parade outside the continent and continues to strengthen ties between Nigeria and the U.S., while promoting a positive image of Nigerians abroad.
NAN
