Category: Events-Festivals

NEW YORK (Agency Report) — Thousands of Nigerians flooded the streets of Manhattan on Saturday in green and white as they gathered for a colourful Independence Day parade and carnival marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

Nigerians from different walks of life joined diplomats, community organisations, cultural groups, professionals, families and friends for the annual Nigeria Independence Day Parade and Carnival, regarded as one of the largest gatherings of Nigerians abroad.

The celebration began with a procession from East 54th Street along Second Avenue, with participants marching southward in colourful floats, traditional attire and Nigeria’s national colours.

The procession moved past Nigeria House before terminating around East 44th Street, turning one of Manhattan’s busiest corridors into a sea of green and white.

Nigerian flags were waved from floats and by participants as music, dancing, drumming and chants of national pride accompanied the procession.

Among the prominent Nigerians who joined the parade were UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Amb. Jimoh Ibrahim, and Consul-General of Nigeria in New York, Abubakar Jidda.

They joined community leaders, professionals, students, cultural associations and Nigerians of different generations to celebrate the country’s independence.

For several blocks, Second Avenue became a moving exhibition of Nigerian identity, with participants showcasing traditional outfits representing different parts of the country.

Floats bearing various groups and community organisations rolled through Manhattan as celebrants danced, sang and waved flags to cheers from spectators.

The procession eventually converged at Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza on East 47th Street, where the street parade transformed into a carnival featuring music, food, speeches and entertainment.

The atmosphere became electrifying as Nigerian music stars Patoranking, Runtown and BNXN, formerly known as Buju, took to the stage.

Their performances drew enthusiastic responses from the crowd, with hundreds singing and dancing along to familiar Afrobeats hits.

Patoranking thrilled celebrants with an energetic performance, while Runtown drew enthusiastic responses from fans familiar with his catalogue of international hits.

BNXN also brought his distinctive sound to the carnival, highlighting the growing global reach of Nigeria’s contemporary music industry.

Between performances, participants enjoyed Nigerian delicacies as vendors served an array of traditional meals and snacks.

The aroma of Nigerian cuisine mixed with Afrobeats, traditional music and animated conversations, creating the atmosphere of a Nigerian festival transported into Midtown Manhattan.

Children joined their parents in waving Nigerian flags, while young people turned sections of the plaza into spontaneous dance floors as DJs and artistes kept the celebration alive.

Older Nigerians also appeared in colourful traditional attire, creating a celebration that brought together generations of immigrants and Nigerian-Americans.

The variety of food provided another cultural attraction as participants sampled familiar Nigerian cuisines while socialising with friends and relatives.

For hours, Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza resembled a miniature Nigeria, complete with its music, fashion, food, languages and festive atmosphere.

The Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN) has coordinated the Nigerian Independence Day celebration in New York since 1991.

OAN said the initiative was conceived to unite Nigerians across ethnic and religious backgrounds while promoting a positive image of the community in the United States.

Many participants told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the event provided an opportunity not only to celebrate Nigeria’s independence but also to reconnect with Nigerian culture, friends and the wider community.

ABAKALIKI, Nigeria (NPA) — The First Lady of Ebonyi State, Chief Mrs Uzoamaka Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, has expressed appreciation to women and women’s groups across the state for their participation in the grand finale of the 2026 August Meeting.

Nwifuru described the celebration as another opportunity for women across Ebonyi to come together in unity, love and joy, while reflecting on their roles in building families and communities.

In a statement personally issued by her, the First Lady also urged women who benefited from the empowerment programmes during the August Meeting to use the support wisely and for the purpose for which it was provided.

“To the women who were empowered during this August Meeting, I encourage you to use the support for the purpose for which it was given. Invest it wisely in your businesses, grow your ventures, and let the impact of this empowerment extend to your families and communities.

“I look forward to seeing the beautiful results of your hard work,” she said.

Nwifuru expressed gratitude to God for the success of the 2026 August Meeting and thanked those who contributed to the success of the grand finale.

“What a beautiful way to bring the 2026 August Meeting to a close. I am grateful to God for the success of this year’s celebration and for the opportunity to gather with our women in unity, love and joy,” she said.

She also appreciated the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State and the Deputy Governor, Princess Patricia Obila, for their support, noting that the Deputy Governor represented the governor at the grand finale.

“My heartfelt appreciation goes to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, and to our Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Princess Patricia Obila, for representing him at the Grand Finale,” she said.

The First Lady also appreciated the Minister of Works, who served as chairman of the occasion and was represented by Deacon Austin Umahi, for honouring the event with his presence.

She extended her appreciation to the celebrities and special guests who attended the celebration, saying their presence, energy and warmth contributed to the success of the event.

Nwifuru said the theme of the 2026 August Meeting offered an important reminder about the responsibilities and influence of women in society.

“Above all, the theme of this year’s August Meeting reminds us that being a woman is a call to love, nurture, build, support and make a difference.

“May we take these lessons home and continue to be a blessing to our families, communities, and State,” she said.

She thanked every woman who participated in, supported or contributed to the celebration, describing their involvement as instrumental to making the event successful.

“To every woman who participated, supported and contributed to making this year’s August Meeting special, thank you. You made it beautiful.

“May God continue to bless our women and our dear Ebonyi State,” she said.

LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture (LSCAC) has concluded its 2026 Children’s Summer Cultural Fiesta with a colourful grand finale, ending a week-long programme aimed at immersing children in the richness of Lagos and Nigerian cultural heritage while nurturing their creativity, confidence and artistic talents.

The event, held at the LSCAC Theatre Hall from August 13 to August 20, 2026, was themed “Our Culture, Our Identity.”

The programme brought together children for a week of cultural learning, creative expression and entertainment, with participants receiving practical training in arts and crafts, textiles, Yoruba language, dance, music, drama and storytelling.

The activities provided participants with opportunities to connect with their cultural roots while discovering and developing their individual talents.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, the Director/CEO of LSCAC, Mr Idowu Johnson, described the theme of the programme as timely and significant.

Johnson emphasised that culture remains central to the identity of a people, noting that introducing children to their heritage is one of the most effective ways of preserving traditions for future generations.

Mrs Oyekan-Ismaila commended the facilitators and organisers for providing a platform where children could learn, create and express themselves through indigenous cultural activities.

She noted that beyond acquiring practical skills, participants also developed greater confidence, creativity and a deeper appreciation of their cultural identity.

In his welcome address, Johnson received the children, parents, guardians and other guests, stressing the importance of helping young people understand their identity and heritage.

According to him, culture goes beyond clothing, music and festivals, encompassing language, values, traditions and creativity — elements that collectively shape a people’s identity and sense of belonging.

He reiterated the commitment of the Lagos State Government to supporting initiatives that nurture creativity, develop skills and create opportunities for young people within the cultural and creative industries.

Johnson encouraged the children to take pride in their heritage, embrace their indigenous languages and traditions, and deploy creativity and innovation to promote the rich cultural identity of Lagos State.

The grand finale featured drama, dance, music and other cultural performances by the children, showcasing the knowledge and skills acquired during the Fiesta.

Parents and guardians expressed appreciation to the organisers, describing the initiative as impactful and valuable, while calling for the programme to be sustained and expanded to accommodate more children in future editions.

Awards were also presented to outstanding participants, highlighting the importance of providing platforms that enable young people to explore their cultural heritage while developing their creative potential.

The 2026 Children’s Summer Cultural Fiesta ended on a high note, with participants leaving the programme inspired, more knowledgeable and more deeply connected to their cultural roots.

The Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture reaffirmed its commitment to promoting cultural education and creativity among young people as part of efforts to raise a generation capable of preserving, promoting and transforming the rich cultural heritage of Lagos State.

ABAKALIKI, Nigeria (NPA) — Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has felicitated with the people of the Izzi clan in Ebonyi State as they celebrate their annual New Yam Festival, popularly known as Ojiji.

The governor urged the people to use the occasion to strengthen the bonds of unity among families, kindreds and communities while preserving the cultural heritage handed down by their ancestors.

In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr Monday Uzor, Nwifuru described the Ojiji festival as more than a cultural celebration, but a reflection of the identity, values and communal strength of the Izzi people.

“Ojiji is not merely a festival but a sacred expression of who we are as a people, a celebration of the fruits of our labour, the abundance of our land, the wisdom of our ancestors and the enduring strength of our communal bonds,” the governor said.

He stressed the importance of preserving the cultural inheritance of the people and passing it on to future generations amid what he described as the growing erosion of indigenous values and traditions.

“As we gather in our villages, homes and various communities to celebrate Ojiji, I urge every son and daughter of Izzi to remember the virtues that have historically distinguished our people — unity, courage, hospitality, hard work, respect for elders, communal responsibility and love for one another,” he stated.

Nwifuru said he remained proud of the rich cultural heritage of the Izzi people and pledged the continued support of his administration for initiatives aimed at preserving indigenous traditions and promoting the identity of communities across Ebonyi State.

“As your Governor and, more importantly, as your son and brother, I am particularly proud of the rich cultural heritage of Izzi. Our culture is one of the greatest treasures we possess, and my administration will continue to support initiatives that preserve our traditions, promote our indigenous identity and create opportunities for our people to prosper,” he added.

The governor also called on traditional rulers, elders, political leaders, youths, women and other stakeholders to continue working together for the peace, development and progress of Izzi communities.

Meanwhile, the people of Effium in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State also marked their annual New Yam Festival, which culminated in a grand finale on Friday.

The celebration traditionally features the popular Effium puberty passage rites for males and females, known as Male-Leta and Male-Ujojo, respectively, reflecting the community’s rich cultural traditions.

This year’s celebration carries special significance for the people of Effium following years of conflict that ravaged the community and surrounding areas.

Effium has witnessed a prolonged crisis lasting more than five years between the host community and other groups, resulting in deaths, displacement and the destruction of property.

However, peace has gradually begun returning to the troubled community following interventions by the Ebonyi State Government and other stakeholders.

For the people of Effium, the celebration of this year’s New Yam Festival in their ancestral homeland is being viewed as a symbolic return to peace, unity and prosperity.

Governor Nwifuru, who has continued to emphasise his administration’s commitment to restoring lasting peace in the area, recently reiterated his resolve to ensure total peace and security in Effium and.

The governor’s administration has identified the restoration of stability in the community as critical to rebuilding its economy and preserving its rich cultural traditions.

Effium was once a notable centre of commerce and cultural activities in Ebonyi State, and residents now hope that the return of peace will restore the community’s prosperity and allow its people to rebuild their lives.