Nigerians across the United States transformed New York City into a vibrant showcase of culture, music, and patriotism on Saturday during the 2025 Nigeria Independence Day Parade and Carnival.
The annual event drew thousands of Nigerians and friends of the country from across the U.S. and beyond. The parade stretched from East 38th Street to East 24th Street along Madison Avenue, temporarily shutting down the busy midtown corridor to vehicular traffic.
Led by the Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN) in collaboration with the Consulate General of Nigeria in New York and partner groups, the procession featured uniformed contingents from the New York Police Department, the New York City Department of Correction, and various diaspora associations. Nigerian cultural groups, professional bodies, religious organisations, and youth groups also participated, parading with colourful floats, traditional attire, and lively dance troupes that drew enthusiastic cheers from spectators.
Among the dignitaries present were the Consul General of Nigeria in New York, Ambassador Abubakar Jidda; UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed; Acting Ambassador of Nigeria to the U.S., Samson Itegboje; Syndoph Endoni, Chargé d’Affaires at Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to the UN; Mrs Ngozi Adeleke, wife of the Osun State Governor; and Ambassador Nicholas Ella, a former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources. Diplomats and city officials also joined the parade through Manhattan.
Following the procession, festivities continued at Madison Square Park with a vibrant carnival featuring live music, cultural showcases, and performances from various groups, including Chinese dance troupes. Popular Nigerian artist Bella Shmurda headlined the entertainment, energising the crowd with his performance.
In his remarks, Ambassador Jidda congratulated Nigerians in the diaspora and praised organisers for sustaining the annual event since 1991. He described Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary as a milestone worth celebrating despite challenges.
“Nigeria remains a great nation. Our people are our strength, and Nigerians have continued to be a blessing to the world, especially here in the United States,” Jidda said. “This parade highlights our cultural pride and strengthens U.S.–Nigeria relations.”
He also noted that Nigeria is the only African country that hosts a full-scale Independence Day parade and carnival in New York, a tradition that has made the Nigerian community a visible and influential diaspora group.
President of OAN, Mrs Olutomi Aregbesola, highlighted Nigeria’s global significance. “This parade is more than a celebration; it is a statement of who we are as Nigerians. Our culture, resilience, and achievements are worth showcasing,” she said.
Parade Committee Chairman, Mr Olayinka Dan-Salami, commended the Nigerian community’s dedication and called for more support and sponsorship to expand the celebration.
Attendees were treated to Afrobeat music, fashion exhibitions, cultural performances, and a variety of Nigerian and African cuisines. Adeola Adesina, a first-time participant, described the celebration as “a home away from home” and a powerful symbol of unity and national pride.
Earlier in the day, the Nigerian flag was hoisted at Bowling Green, in the heart of New York’s financial district, to officially kick off the celebrations.