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62nd Independence Day: Nigerians Set New York Aglow With Parade, Carnival
Nigerians from all walks of life on Saturday set New York City aglow and painted the city with green-white-green insignia.
Nigerian community leaders and envoys joined other compatriots to temporarily close down some parts of the Second Avenue in Midtown.
Notable among those who attended the parade and carnival were the Ambassador of Nigeria to the United States, Dr. Uzoma Emenike, and the Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations, Prof. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande.
Mayor of New York, Eric Adams, and the Consul-General of Nigeria in New York, Amb Lot Egopija, and first Nigerian-American congressman, Adeoye Omolewa, also joined the revellers at the colourful parade.
Also, a young talented 12-year old Saxophonist, Temilayo Abodunrin, was among the instrumentalists leading the parade.
The parade, which began at the Second Avenue on E. 54th Street and terminated at E. 44th Street at Nigeria House, drew thousands of Nigerians who had the best of time as they sang and danced to Nigerian music.
Known as the largest celebration of Nigeria outside the homeland, the annual Nigerian Independence Day Parade, in its 30th year, celebrated the very best, which showcased Nigeria’s unique culture.
The event also promoted the positive image of Nigeria to the rest of the world as several other nationals joined in dancing to the Nigerian music.
The parade later proceeded to the Dag Hammarskjold Park, where Timi Dakolo; Goya Menor; sensational kid saxophonist, Temilayo Abodunrin; and Ijoya Dance Crew;revelled in the moment.
The Mayor of New York, Eric Adams, while addressing the excited crowd, paid glowing tribute to Nigeria and Nigerians’ unique way of life.
“No one throws a party like Lagos in Nigeria. No one knows how to celebrate life, like Nigeria.
“And right here in New York, your rich culture and contribution to the city is unbelievable,” Adams said.
The mayor thanked Nigerians for their support when he was running to become the mayor of the City of New York.
President of the Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN), Mr Solomon Bakare, congratulated Nigerians on the 62nd Independence anniversary.
The Nigerian community leader, lamented the state of the nation after 62 years of Independence, saying the dreams of the founding fathers had not been realised.
Bakare challenged Nigerian leaders to improve the lives of the common man and redouble their efforts in building the country as truly the giant of Africa.
The official said the parade and carnival, which started in 1991, was a way to showcase Nigeria to the world and address the negative stereotypes of Nigerians in the American media.
He said the OAN, which annually organised the parade and carnival, was founded in 1989 by a group of concerned Nigerians to address the needs of the Nigerian community.
At that time, Nigeria and Nigerians were suffering seriously from negative stereotypes in the American media.
Prior to OAN’s formation, there was no organisation committed to the broader issues facing the Nigerian community in the United States.
OAN filled the void by creating an umbrella organisation, which embraced Nigerians from all works of life, regardless of their ethnic and religious backgrounds.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol