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New
York, New York, October 1, 2005: Nigerians from across the United
States were joined by other Africans and Americans to celebrate their
45th Independence Day. Nigeria is one of the African countries colonized
by Britain. It obtained its Independence from Britain on October 1,
1960.
Nigerians
Come Together
Cross
Section of The Crowd
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Some
of the artists that performed at the event
HOW IT HAPPENED: The event started with a parade down the streets of Manhattan, New York and ended with a celebration at the Nigerian House on 44th street. Turn out was massive as streets were cordoned off going several blocks. The color of Nigeria's green-white-green flag dominated the entire area as Nigerians, both young and old donned in assorted combinations of green and white, cheerfully waved the Nigerian flags and interacted with each other confirming the survey that said that Nigerians are the happiest people in the world. There were speeches and addresses by several Nigerians concerning Nigeria's independence as well as the way forward. There were several cultural performances and a lot of Nigerian and African fanfare to go around. The event was to continue with an all night after party in Brooklyn, but we sadly report that authorities abruptly ended the after party because of some youths who taught fighting makes a party. In all, happy independence celebration/anniversary to Nigeria, the African giant!
COMMENT:
We congratulate all organizers of Nigerian events in Diaspora for their efforts to represent Nigeria’s presence and culture in Diaspora. However, organizers have to find a way to prevent further fighting and the consequential disruptions by a few disgruntled elements, which is gradually becoming a signature of these Nigerian events in Diaspora. It is a negative trend that could be better curbed at this “embryonic” stage. Perhaps, somehow, these few disorderly youths have to be taught that it is very Nigerian to gather and celebrate, while to fight in a celebrative gathering is not a Nigerian characteristic and could amount to a taboo under most Nigerian cultures. Essay
On Nigeria's Independence by Oliver O. Mbamara
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Grace
Ogiehor-Enoma and Julie Van-Lare, Executives of the Nigerian Nurses
Association at the event.
Sir
Felix Nnorom of African Events and THIS AMERICA
Nigerian
Youths at the event
Eno
Awotoye
Model
Joy Tongo and Oliver O. Mbamara both of "THIS AMERICA," the new
Immigrant Adventure film
More
Nigerian Youths
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A
group of Nigerian Lawyers at the event
Glamorous
Nigerians
Spectators
at the event. In front is Nigerian attorney, Dan Salami, Esq.
A
stand manned by a beautiful Nigerian girl at the event
More
stands and interacting crowd
Another
section of the celebrating crowd
Cultural
performances take over the street
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