Nigerians across the United States on Saturday, October 4, 2025, turned the streets of New York City into a vibrant showcase of colour, culture, and patriotism as they marked the 2025 Nigeria Independence Day Parade and Carnival.
The annual event, held along Madison Avenue between East 38th and East 24th Streets, brought together thousands of Nigerians and friends of Nigeria, halting traffic in Midtown Manhattan as parade contingents displayed national pride through music, dance, and traditional attire.
Organised by the Nigeria Independence Day Committee in collaboration with the Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians and the Nigerian Consulate in New York, the parade featured cultural groups, student associations, religious organisations, and Nigerian-American professionals.
The celebration continued at Madison Square Park, where participants enjoyed live performances, food exhibitions, and fashion displays.
Nigerian singer Bella Shmurda thrilled the crowd with an energetic performance that drew widespread applause.
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Among the dignitaries in attendance were Nigeria’s Consul General in New York, Ambassador Abubakar Jidda; Acting Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, Samson Itegboje; and United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed.
Ambassador Jidda, in his remarks, commended the Nigerian community for their unity and commitment to preserving the country’s culture abroad, describing the parade as “a testament to the strength and vibrancy of Nigeria’s diaspora.”
The Nigeria Independence Day Parade, first held in 1991, remains one of the largest annual African national celebrations outside the continent, symbolising the enduring pride and solidarity of Nigerians in the diaspora.