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New
York, New York: The 46th Anniversary of Nigeria's Independence
was Celebrated recently in New York City with pride and fanfare. The three-day event was
capped by a parade along the streets of New York City featuring a display of Nigerian pride, culture, and talents. Nigerian citizens and dignitaries including diplomats and Nigerian movie stars attended.
Our staff was there to bring you exclusive photo-coverage.
Hon
Itta Giwa speaking at the event.
NIGERIAN
FLAGS FILL MANHATTAN: A cross section of the crowd on the streets
of New York City during the parade.
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A
cross section of dignitaries and the crowd wave as the floats arrive
44th street in Manhattan.
HOW
IT HAPPENED: September 30, 2006, the eve of the actual
day of Nigeria's independence day wore a festive look as Nigerians from
North America and beyond gathered for a parade (akin to a festival) from
54th street to 44th street in Manhattan in celebration of Nigeria's 46th
Independence anniversary. It was obvious that Nigerians were ready to
party as the beautiful blend of green-white-green filled all corners of
Manhattan. Flags, t-shirts, dresses, costumes, hats, and pendants of
green-white-green color easily became the norm. Even non-Nigerians
joined the fun as Nigerian music of all sorts blasted through speakers
and stereo systems. Several floats contained different groups of
Nigerians and dignitaries and as they arrived at the corner of 44th
street (venue of the main events) the crowd became thicker and excited.
However, the crowd went wild with cheers and applause when the float
bearing a group of Nigerian movie stars like Ramsey Noah and Regina
Askia arrived. Other movie stars in the float were Oliver Mbamara,
Bethels Agomuoh, Felix Nnorom, and Ebbe Bassey. It took good security
work by the organizers to get the stars safely seated as fans were
eager to meet them.
Among
others in attendance who were already seated were Hon. Itta Giwa
(Special Adviser on National Assembly matters to the President) and
Prof. Hon. Ohiagu (Special assistant to the President on National
Assembly matters). Others were local politicians, members from the federal house of representatives,
Governors of Benue and Bauchi States, and other personalities from the Diaspora
including community leaders, members of the clergy, civil servants,
entrepreneurs, and many others. Some of the Associations that
participated in the parade include: The Nigerian Nurses Association of USA {NNAUSA), Christ Apostolic Church, Egbe Omo Yoruba, The Hudson Valley Nigerian Association {HVNA} from upstate NY,
and the Zumunta Association USA.
The
weather was kind to hold back on the rain and after a series of speeches
by some dignitaries, the teeming audience was entertained to some
cultural performances. As evening drew on, the celebration was
moved into the Nigerian House (Consulate) where some dignitaries and
guests were treated to dinner. It was indeed a celebration worthy of
recognition.
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Alhaji Adamu Mu'azu,
Executive Governor of Bauchi State speaks at the event
Bello
Osagie helped with event moderation
Ramsey
Noah, Oliver Mbamara, and Ebbe Bassey at the event
Bethels
Agomuoh, Ebbe Bassey, and Regina Askia at the event
Special Apostle Olagbaiye of C&S Church (l) and Ms. Yvette Clarke (r), NYC Councilwoman and Democratic Party candidate for the U.S. Congress
at the event
DJ
on board the float
Green-white-green
parade flavor
Float
Stage performance by an artists
Efik
dance of grace
Efik
dancers performers
Crowd
Control
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BACK
TO TOP
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CLOSED
STREET: A cross section of the dignitaries seated along the closed
street during the event
L-R:
Ebbe Bassey, Oliver Mbamara, Bethels Agomuoh, Regina Askia, and Felix
Nnorom
Youths
on a parade float
The
younger generation also attended
Emperor
Adichie and company performing during the event
Nigerian
artists performing on stage
Ola
Ogunkoya and company performing
Another
Efik dance group performing
Waiting
to go
Dance
of grace
The
teeming crowd during the parade
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