By SAM ANOKAM and WOLE BALOGUN
It was billed as a parade and festival. But it turned out an event where patriotism and passion was displayed as Nigerians from all nooks and crannies of the United States gathered to celebrate Nigeria’s 49th Independence Day in New York City recently. They were joined by friends of Nigeria from Europe and North America.
It rained heavily few minutes into the parade but the harder it rained the higher the spirit of Nigerians soared.
The youth did not run for cover; and the adults did not abandon the celebration. If anyone had doubted the hope of Nigerians in their homeland that doubting Thomas should have been on Second Avenue in Manhattan. Indeed, it was like a scene out of Hollywood movie – Singin in the Rain’ with music from the Pan-American Marching Band and colourful floats adorned in green-white-green and insignias of various sponsoring organizations like Arik, AIT Western Union and Moneygram.
Olayinka Dan Salami, Chairman, Organization for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN), enthused: “I’m choking with joy to see the spirit of these young Nigerians not dampened by the rain.”
The second day of celebration witnessed cultural performances, showcasing of beautiful attires by young Nigerian fashion designers and pageantry. Miss Feyisola Ogunfemi, a Computer Engineering graduate of University of Pennsylvania (UPENN) was crowned Miss Nigeria Independence Day 2009. The Ogun State-born damsel took over from Miss Eronmwon Oronsaye, the 2008 Miss Nigeria Independence Day.
Mr. Francis James, member, OAN Board and Cultural Night coordinator expressed a sigh of relief seeing the youth embracing the culture of their fatherland. Among the dignitaries that graced the occasion were Ambassador Joy Ogwu, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador R.B.W Onemola, Deputy Permanent Rep., Honorable Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson, Diaspora Committee, House of Representatives, Malam Ibrahim Auwalu, Consul General (New York) and others.
Representing Mayor Mike Bloomberg of New York was Ms. Fatima Shama, Commissioner for Immigrant Affairs, who is of Brazilian and Palestinian heritage.
Guests were treated to various Nigerian cuisines while beautiful artworks, artifacts and other articles from Nigeria were available for sale, which prompted Ken Osho, Chairman of Fundraising Committee and Vendor Coordinator saying: “This is the best accumulation of vendors we’ve ever had.”
